Thornbury Library Committee
Notes of the meeting held on Wednesday 9th January 2008 at 7.30pm
Present: Benj Emmerson (chair), Rosemary Mitchell (vice-chair), Kate Hand, Sheila Waller, Ann Wilkins, Ann Lewis, Sheila Waller, Betty Johnson, Jeanette Ward, Liz Wright, John Abraham (Team manager), Bob Filer (Librarian)
Apologies: Esme Hodge, Shirley Holloway.
Benj welcomed John and committee members introduced themselves.
Minutes: Accepted but Bob apologised for leaving Betty off the apologies.
Librarian’s report: Bob highlighted main points. Success of Make a Noise Day and thanks to committee for their help; new Premium DVD service-committee suggested a display in the empty shop earmarked for the temporary library; Treasure Box and SureStart visits; recent children’s activities; Thornbury FM interview; links with new Turnberries Community Centre. Bob also commented on disappointing quarterly statistics (circulated).
Library standards: Committee were broadly in agreement but suggested calling them ‘aims’ or ‘targets’ and made point that staff should not ‘rush’ customers just to satisfy standards, a friendly/helpful service more important.
Friends groups: Could be useful if need greater consultation (on-line newsletters, on-line groups etc) e.g. new Yate Library but committee felt that no pressing need at Thornbury, unless new library goes ahead, where there was always good attendance at library committee meetings.
Library strategy: Martin will present to Cabinet at end of month.
Services to children: Paper circulated. Bob highlighted main points. Committee agreeable to help with any future grant applications.
National Year Reading: John spoke about aim of getting everyone reading with groups in workplaces etc. Bob mentioned Bristol’s contribution, The Wind in the Willows promotion, monthly displays in libraries, and the Six Book Challenge.
Fees and charges: John summarised the proposed changes. Committee were broadly in agreement but were a little unhappy about the increase in the overdue charge. The feeling was this could put people off using libraries and push them towards charity shops/supermarkets instead. Could consideration be given to a more proactive notification of overdue material including pre-overdue notifications (also comment in Comments Book). Committee also unhappy about reservation charges, although no increase proposed, why not free for on-line requests? Interested in John’s description of book deliveries with your pizza! John emphasised any fall in income would lead to less money for books.
Update on new library: Committee were interested to read the press release from Peer Group at www.MyThornbury.co.uk
They emphasised that reliable information rather than rumour was needed and asked how long the current planning permission has to run. Possibly Shirley could make enquiries?
Any other business: Benj agreed to contact the coordinator of the Bath Children’s Festival with a long term aim of running an event in Thornbury.
Date of next meeting: Tuesday 15 April 7.00pm