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Winnetka Northfield Public Library, November Board Packet
Winnetka Northfield Public Library, November Board Packet
AGENDA
Monday, November 18,2019
7:00 PM
I. Call to Order
V. Financial Report
• Approve October 2019 Financial Statements*
X. Communications
• District will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27. The District will be closed
on Thursday, November 28 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
I. Call to Order
The meeting was held at the Winnetka Library, 768 Oak Street Winnetka, Illinois.
President Ruiz-Funes called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was present.
Present were library employees; Nicola White (Administrative Assistant), Sarah Quish
(Head of Communications & Marketing) and Stephanie Girardi (Collection Services
Acquisitions Associate). Present were Winnetka residents Jeffrey Liss and Robert
Leonard. Present were Northfield residents Pat Doherty, Jeanne Doherty, Carol Ritchell,
Amy Richmond, Margaret Sullivan, Denise Gibson, Nancy Blake, Karen Byrnes, Sue
Kelly, Bill Kelly, Jonathan Don, Elizabeth Blodgett, Craig Baxter, Patricia Andrew,
Chris Shoup, Jeanine McCarthy, Cricket Hauff, Ken Hauff, Patrick Krohn and Marcia
Krohn. Present was Northbrook resident Susan Kelly. Present was Evanston resident
Frank Biancalana. Present was Nancy Fox from the League of Women Voters. Present
was Karen Ann Cullotta from the Chicago Tribune. Present was Bianca Cseke from 22nd
Century Media.
Northbrook resident Susan Kelly expressed her concerns with the District’s turnover rate
and management style and gave suggestions regarding the upcoming strategic plan.
Northfield resident Amy Richmond stated her thoughts on the reasoning behind previous
staff members’ resignations from the District.
Northfield resident Sue Kelly commended staff for their work at Studio Fest. She also
expressed her concern regarding the turnover rate, the employee engagement survey, and
the resulting impact on taxpayers.
V. Financial Report
Director Wolf presented the September Financial Statements.
A MOTION was made by Trustee Johnson to approve the September 2019 Financial
Statements and seconded by Trustee Gosselin.
X. Communications
• November Regular Board Meeting scheduled for November 18, 2019 will be held
at the Northfield Community Room, Northfield Library. Presentation of annual
audit by Lauterbach and Amen.
• District will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27. The District will be
closed on Thursday, November 28 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Northfield resident Denise Gibson expressed her unhappiness with the Library District,
Library Director, and Board of Trustees.
Northfield resident Nancy Blake read the online petition from change.org, which asks
that Director Wolf be replaced, and that previous staff are given first consideration to
apply for any new job openings in the District.
Northfield resident Carol Ritchell expressed her concern with the rotating schedule
between District branches and asked why that change was implemented. President Ruiz-
Funes asked Director Wolf to respond. Director Wolf responded that the goal of the
District is to unite people and processes and to come together as a staff to have a schedule
that is equal and fair for all, with a larger pool for to allow for vacation and sick time.
Winnetka resident Jeffrey Liss commented that he is impressed at how quickly the Board
is addressing these issues.
Northfield resident Sue Kelly made a comment regarding the District turnover rate
statistics.
Evanston resident Frank Biancalana expressed concern regarding the management style
of the Library Director and the Board of Trustees.
Northbrook resident Susan Kelly gave a comment regarding the turnover rate statistics
and her unhappiness with the management team.
Northfield resident Robert Leonard expressed his concern with the speed at which the
Board of Trustees is addressing these issues.
President Ruiz-Funes explained that these are complex issues, and the Board will be as
slow as they need in order to be factual, sound, and fair, and to make sure the Board
reflects the perspective of the entire community.
Northfield resident Craig Baxter reminded the community that Human Resources issues
take time to understand and asked that they allow the trustees the time to figure it out.
Northfield resident Patricia Andrew expressed her unhappiness with the Board and
Library Director.
Trustee Gosselin stated that there are dedicated trustees taking on the additional
responsibility of putting context to some of the stories and numbers that have been heard.
They will work with the District’s HR Consultant and will report back to the Board so
that they are able to make an informed and rational decision based on facts. He stated that
the trustees are taking the appropriate steps going forward and are moving as quickly as
possible.
Northfield resident Pat Doherty gave a comment regarding his unhappiness with the
Library Director.
President Ruiz-Funes stated that he recognizes the community’s passion and emotional
tie to the Northfield Branch Library. He thanked those who gave comments for their
feedback and stated that the trustees are giving serious consideration to the issues that
have been presented to them; they will be addressed in a way that is consistent with their
responsibility as a Board.
The MOTION passed on a voice vote and President Ruiz-Funes adjourned to a Closed
Session at 9:25 p.m.
XIV. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Board, a MOTION to adjourn was
made by Trustee Johnson and seconded by Trustee Shoup. The MOTION passed on a
voice vote, and President Ruiz-Funes adjourned the meeting at 9:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nicola White
Recording Secretary
November 4, 2019
I. Call to Order
The meeting was held at the Winnetka Library, 768 Oak Street Winnetka, Illinois.
President Ruiz-Funes called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. A quorum was present.
Present was library employee Nicola White (Administrative Assistant). Present was
Winnetka resident Jeffrey Liss. Present were Northfield residents Carol Ritchell and Lois
Neustadt. Present was Northbrook resident Susan Kelly.
IV. Presentation and Discussion on Board & Library Continuous Improvement by Vice
President Gosselin
Trustee Gosselin presented his ideas for improving the effectiveness, efficiency and
transparency of the Board of Trustees and District operations and services.
Effectiveness
• Implement a midyear review of the Library Director
o The trustees were all in agreement with this concept
o Trustee Anwar suggested a more weighted approach for evaluating the
Director’s performance objectives
o The trustees discussed having more written documentation of the
Director’s review
• Create a board policy about handling patron feedback
o The trustees agreed, believing that they should have one voice
o President Ruiz-Funes suggested creating a spreadsheet to keep track of
patron feedback
• Create a SharePoint site for all patron feedback, news articles, and other library
information
o The Board agreed and plan to meet with Mark Swenson, Head of
Information Technology to discuss their options
• Open Meetings Act (OMA)
o The trustees will be dedicating the next Board Study Session to OMA
training
• Create an annual meeting among consortium presidents
o Trustee Shoup suggested that the Board reach out to Northshore libraries
first
Efficiency
• Condense the board packet by eliminating materials rarely discussed in meetings,
highlighting only large expenses on the check register, and presenting graphs on a
quarterly basis
o Trustee Anwar suggested keeping all the checks in the board packet; the
other trustees agreed
o Trustee Anwar suggested adding a management discussion and analysis to
the budget
o President Ruiz-Funes suggested holding off on any changes to the board
packet until next year
Transparency
• Create board brief emails that patrons can opt into that highlight important topics
that were discussed during the board meetings
o The trustees were very interested in implementing this idea
• Add trustee photos, biographies and a Board FAQ to the website
o The trustees agreed with this suggestion, and discussed using Evanston
Public Library’s “Board of Trustees” page as a guideline
• Videotape the board meetings
o The trustees were all in agreement that they should be videotaping their
meetings
V. Public Comments
Northbrook resident Susan Kelly gave suggestions regarding the library card value
calculator, eliminating fines, and fine forgiveness.
Northfield resident Carol Ritchell thanked Trustee Gosselin for his presentation and
stated that she agreed with many of his ideas, such as the board brief emails, trustee
biographies, and videotaping the meetings.
Winnetka resident Jeffrey Liss thanked Trustee Gosselin for his impressive presentation,
and offered suggestions regarding the Director’s evaluation, patron feedback, community
surveys and board packets. He also suggested that the trustees consider arranging a
fieldtrip to other libraries to see what they are doing.
Northfield resident Lois Neustadt thanked Trustee Gosselin for his presentation. She
stated that for transparency purposes she agrees that it is important to keep all the checks
printed in the board packets. She also suggested that the District add their Collection
Development Policy to the website.
President Ruiz-Funes thanked those who gave comments for their feedback.
VI. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Board, a MOTION to adjourn was
made by Trustee Gill Anwar and seconded by Trustee Casale MacNally. President Ruiz-
Funes adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nicola White
Recording Secretary
Variance vs.
Annual Prorated Current % of Prorated
Budget Budget Year-to-Date Budget Budget
Revenues
Library Fund 4,093,135.00 1,364,378.33 1,945,864.45 47.54 % 581,486.12
IMRF Fund 88,200.00 29,400.00 41,969.99 47.59 % 12,569.99
FICA Fund 24,500.00 8,166.67 11,658.31 47.58 % 3,491.64
Building Fund 147,000.00 49,000.00 69,949.81 47.58 % 20,949.81
Unemployment Fund 10.00 3.33 4.64 46.40 % 1.31
Total Revenues 4,352,845.00 1,450,948.33 2,069,447.20 47.54 % 618,498.87
Expenses
Library Fund 3,798,154.00 1,266,051.33 1,087,330.32 28.63 % (178,721.01)
IMRF Fund 111,000.00 37,000.00 24,459.06 22.04 % (12,540.94)
FICA Fund 123,000.00 41,000.00 35,091.71 28.53 % (5,908.29)
Building Fund 286,146.00 95,382.00 105,905.01 37.01 % 10,523.01
Unemployment Fund 1,000.00 333.33 0.00 0.00 % (333.33)
Total Expenses 4,319,300.00 1,439,766.67 1,252,786.10 29.00 % (186,980.57)
1
Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District
Library Fund Summary
For the 4 Months Ended October 31, 2019
Ideal Budget Percentage Spent: 33.33%
Operating Expenses
Personnel 1,790,000.00 596,666.67 510,437.66 28.52 % (86,229.01)
Administration 226,704.00 75,568.00 110,802.30 48.88 % 35,234.30
Utilities 97,700.00 32,566.67 30,111.89 30.82 % (2,454.78)
IT Services 171,250.00 57,083.33 67,672.50 39.52 % 10,589.17
Public Relations 45,000.00 15,000.00 15,415.98 34.26 % 415.98
Library Materials - Adult 561,000.00 187,000.00 248,520.69 44.30 % 61,520.69
Library Materials - Youth 89,900.00 29,966.67 29,604.78 32.93 % (361.89)
Programs 66,600.00 22,200.00 28,329.01 42.54 % 6,129.01
Capital 750,000.00 250,000.00 44,068.14 5.88 % (205,931.86)
Total Operating Expenses 3,798,154.00 1,266,051.33 1,087,330.32 28.63 % (178,721.01)
2
Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District
Revenues
Taxes
Property Taxes Collections 3,835,439.00 1,278,479.67 1,843,623.32 48.07 % 565,143.65
Property Taxes Collections-Liability 0.00 0.00 5,829.16 0.00 5,829.16
Property Taxes Collections-Audit 0.00 0.00 2,331.85 0.00 2,331.85
Replacement Tax 20,000.00 6,666.67 15,621.29 78.11 % 8,954.62
Total Taxes 3,855,439.00 1,285,146.33 1,867,405.62 48.44 % 582,259.29
Collections
Per Capita Grant 21,696.00 7,232.00 0.00 0.00 % (7,232.00)
Kenilworth Services 100,000.00 33,333.33 26,040.88 26.04 (7,292.45)
Fines - Winnetka 25,000.00 8,333.33 6,181.67 24.73 (2,151.66)
Studio Fees 4,500.00 1,500.00 395.54 8.79 (1,104.46)
Lost/Damaged Mat.-Winnetka 4,500.00 1,500.00 95.71 2.13 (1,404.29)
Library Programs - Winnetka 0.00 0.00 121.45 0.00 121.45
Total Collections 155,696.00 51,898.67 32,835.25 21.09 % (19,063.42)
Materials
Copy/Printing - Winnetka 10,000.00 3,333.33 3,012.42 30.12 % (320.91)
Book Sales - Winnetka 2,000.00 666.67 0.00 0.00 (666.67)
Total Materials 12,000.00 4,000.00 3,012.42 25.10 % (987.58)
Other Income
Checking Interest Income 45,000.00 15,000.00 774.76 1.72 % (14,225.24)
Byline Bank IMA Interest 0.00 0.00 40,655.46 0.00 40,655.46
Change on Investment Value 0.00 0.00 357.27 0.00 357.27
Money Market-Interest 0.00 0.00 416.18 0.00 416.18
Misc. Revenue - Winnetka 0.00 0.00 338.21 0.00 338.21
Contributions 25,000.00 8,333.33 0.00 0.00 (8,333.33)
Gift Fund (under $100) 0.00 0.00 69.28 0.00 69.28
Total Other Income 70,000.00 23,333.33 42,611.16 60.87 % 19,277.83
Total Revenue
4,093,135.00 1,364,378.33 1,945,864.45 47.54 % 581,486.12
3
Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District
Expenses
Personnel
Salaries 1,610,000.00 536,666.67 473,349.04 29.40 % (63,317.63)
Health Insurance 155,000.00 51,666.67 33,833.84 21.83 (17,832.83)
Flu Vaccination 500.00 166.67 0.00 0.00 (166.67)
Employee Asst. Program 1,500.00 500.00 320.00 21.33 (180.00)
Conferences 20,000.00 6,666.67 2,758.78 13.79 (3,907.89)
Flexible Spending Account 3,000.00 1,000.00 176.00 5.87 (824.00)
Total Personnel 1,790,000.00 596,666.67 510,437.66 28.52 % (86,229.01)
Administration
Audit Fees 11,050.00 3,683.33 850.00 7.69 % (2,833.33)
Library Supplies 35,000.00 11,666.67 17,901.92 51.15 6,235.25
Office Supplies 8,000.00 2,666.67 3,418.41 42.73 751.74
Breakroom Supplies 1,500.00 500.00 888.65 59.24 388.65
Postage 4,500.00 1,500.00 738.44 16.41 (761.56)
Hospitality 6,000.00 2,000.00 58.70 0.98 (1,941.30)
Accounting and Bookkeeping 20,004.00 6,668.00 3,334.00 16.67 (3,334.00)
Legal Notices 1,000.00 333.33 597.04 59.70 263.71
Delivery Service 8,000.00 2,666.67 2,472.00 30.90 (194.67)
Payroll Services 9,000.00 3,000.00 2,761.15 30.68 (238.85)
Liability Insurance Costs 30,000.00 10,000.00 18,721.00 62.40 8,721.00
Workers Compensation Insurance 0.00 0.00 3,302.00 0.00 3,302.00
Studio General Supplies 7,500.00 2,500.00 3,510.23 46.80 1,010.23
ILL Fees 150.00 50.00 0.00 0.00 (50.00)
Board Expenses 1,000.00 333.33 0.00 0.00 (333.33)
Memberships 6,000.00 2,000.00 1,358.00 22.63 (642.00)
Staff Recognition/Events/Meetings 5,000.00 1,666.67 2,789.64 55.79 1,122.97
Director's Expenses 500.00 166.67 0.00 0.00 (166.67)
Legal 12,000.00 4,000.00 9,599.15 79.99 5,599.15
Architects 0.00 0.00 2,000.00 0.00 2,000.00
Building Appraisal 500.00 166.67 0.00 0.00 (166.67)
Other Consultations 15,000.00 5,000.00 20,282.76 135.22 15,282.76
Investment Fees 0.00 0.00 2,597.71 0.00 2,597.71
HR Consultant 40,000.00 13,333.33 13,018.75 32.55 (314.58)
Studio Maintenance/Repair 5,000.00 1,666.67 602.75 12.06 (1,063.92)
Total Administration 226,704.00 75,568.00 110,802.30 48.88 % 35,234.30
Utilities
Electricity - Winnetka 49,000.00 16,333.33 19,281.76 39.35 % 2,948.43
Water - Winnetka 5,700.00 1,900.00 1,219.66 21.40 (680.34)
Storm Sewer - Winnetka 1,900.00 633.33 532.64 28.03 (100.69)
Natural Gas - Winnetka 14,000.00 4,666.67 1,426.57 10.19 (3,240.10)
Telephone - Winnetka 10,000.00 3,333.33 3,026.71 30.27 (306.62)
Internet Services 17,100.00 5,700.00 4,624.55 27.04 (1,075.45)
Total Utilities 97,700.00 32,566.67 30,111.89 30.82 % (2,454.78)
Information Technology
CCS Operating 83,250.00 27,750.00 20,174.84 24.23 % (7,575.16)
OCLC 0.00 0.00 18,575.72 0.00 18,575.72
Software 35,000.00 11,666.67 18,640.96 53.26 6,974.29
LAN Management 50,000.00 16,666.67 10,133.00 20.27 (6,533.67)
4
Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District
Public Relations
PR E-Marketing 1,500.00 500.00 681.69 45.45 % 181.69
PR Promotional 7,000.00 2,333.33 254.98 3.64 (2,078.35)
PR Source 25,000.00 8,333.33 6,227.94 24.91 (2,105.39)
PR Supplies 8,000.00 2,666.67 6,714.37 83.93 4,047.70
PR Advertising 3,500.00 1,166.67 1,537.00 43.91 370.33
Total Public Relations 45,000.00 15,000.00 15,415.98 34.26 % 415.98
Programs
Summer Reading 11,100.00 3,700.00 7,038.86 63.41 % 3,338.86
Program Supplies-Winnetka 0.00 0.00 711.06 0.00 711.06
Program Performers Fees-Winnetka 0.00 0.00 2,065.00 0.00 2,065.00
Program Performers Fee-Winnetka 0.00 0.00 300.00 0.00 300.00
OBTV 17,000.00 5,666.67 7,738.69 45.52 2,072.02
Programming - Youth 16,500.00 5,500.00 3,351.29 20.31 (2,148.71)
Programming - Adult 22,000.00 7,333.33 7,124.11 32.38 (209.22)
Total Programs 66,600.00 22,200.00 28,329.01 42.54 % 6,129.01
Capital
Building 155,000.00 51,666.67 0.00 0.00 % (51,666.67)
Equipment/Furniture 500,000.00 166,666.67 2,900.02 0.58 (163,766.65)
Computer Equipment 95,000.00 31,666.67 41,168.12 43.33 9,501.45
Total Capital 750,000.00 250,000.00 44,068.14 5.88 % (205,931.86)
5
Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District
Revenues
Property Taxes Collections-Building 147,000.00 49,000.00 69,949.81 47.58 % 20,949.81
Expenses
Northfield Lease 66,196.00 22,065.33 21,360.84 32.27 % (704.49)
Janitorial Supplies 8,500.00 2,833.33 2,788.66 32.81 (44.67)
Snow Removal 8,000.00 2,666.67 0.00 0.00 (2,666.67)
Photocopier Leases 40,000.00 13,333.33 4,906.07 12.27 (8,427.26)
Phone Lease 9,600.00 3,200.00 11,890.65 123.86 8,690.65
Building Maintenance Service 110,000.00 36,666.67 48,664.47 44.24 11,997.80
Elevators 8,000.00 2,666.67 100.00 1.25 (2,566.67)
Landscaping 5,000.00 1,666.67 1,907.52 38.15 240.85
HVAC 10,000.00 3,333.33 5,322.00 53.22 1,988.67
Automatic Doors 3,500.00 1,166.67 2,049.82 58.57 883.15
Roof 600.00 200.00 0.00 0.00 (200.00)
Alarms 2,750.00 916.67 2,102.15 76.44 1,185.48
Equipment 4,000.00 1,333.33 352.87 8.82 (980.46)
Misc Services 10,000.00 3,333.33 4,459.96 44.60 1,126.63
Total Expenses 286,146.00 95,382.00 105,905.01 37.01 % 10,523.01
6
Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District
Check Register
All Bank Accounts
October 1, 2019 - October 31, 2019
Vendor Checks
Aqua Chill of Chicago 2746 10/04/19 37.00
10-0-5122 Breakroom Supplies inv # 2257166 37.00
7
Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District
Check Register
All Bank Accounts
October 1, 2019 - October 31, 2019
8
Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District
Check Register
All Bank Accounts
October 1, 2019 - October 31, 2019
11
Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District
Check Register
All Bank Accounts
October 1, 2019 - October 31, 2019
Audio Books-Adult-
10-1-5344 RECORDED BOOKS, INC. 65.47
Winnetka
12
Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District
Check Register
All Bank Accounts
October 1, 2019 - October 31, 2019
13
Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District
Check Register
All Bank Accounts
October 1, 2019 - October 31, 2019
14
Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District
Check Register
All Bank Accounts
October 1, 2019 - October 31, 2019
15
Library Director’s Report and Staff Activities
for the November 18, 2019 Board Meeting
Impact Stories
A regular Studio patron attended a jewelry making class with her mother-in-law from out of the country. She
pulled me aside the next day to tell me how much they enjoyed that class and that she appreciates that we
offer such fun and creative programs for adults. She said she was grateful to have something she and her
relative could do and be creative together outside of the house. -Erin Collins, Adult Services Librarian
Katie Cangelosi, Head of Circulation, was working in the Youth Services department and had a delightful
interaction with a young patron. As the patron was leaving, she said “Mom, I made a new friend today!” her
mom responded, “oh yeah, did you?” and the young patron said “Yes! Her name is Miss Katie!”
Financial Report
November 2019
Financial highlights
• Revenues are coming in slightly higher than budgeted at 47.5%
• Expenses are running under with the library fund at 28.63%; this is due to the lack of capital
expenditures
• The building fund is running slightly high at 37%, this is mainly due to maintenance issues that were
addressed in the building
• In IT We are now paying our CCS consortia payments quarterly and will see them be combined in the
next report (CCS Operating and OCLC)
• Studio Supplies will be moved into the programs category and from the administration category.
Circulation Services
Total circulation for the month of October FY 2019/2020 was 40,336 compared to 41,574 for the same month
last year. This represents a net change of -2.98 %.
Cumulative circulation through October FY 2019/2020 is 165,382 compared to 173,852 for the previous fiscal
year to date. This represents a net change of -4.87 %.
Virtual Branch circulation for the month of October FY 2019/2020 was 4,745 compared to 4,347 for the same
month last year. This represents a net change of 9.16 %.
Cumulative virtual branch circulation through October FY 2019/2020 is 18,772 compared to 16,436 for the
previous fiscal year to date. This represents a net change of 14.21 %.
Self-checkout at the Winnetka Library for the month of October was 67.16%.
Personnel
We are currently hiring two more part-time Circulation Associates to replace the hours from the recent
promotions of Meghan White, Librarian, and Lindsay Goldstein, Librarian. Congratulations to both staff members
who are continuing their careers with our Library District.
In addition, Maddy Belk has joined our team as a Youth Services Librarian. We are thrilled to have her join our
team.
Youth Services Associate Kathy Hargrave has retired as of Tuesday, October 29. Kathy was with the District for
more than 13 years and her contributions will be greatly missed. She is looking forward to traveling and spending
more time with her family.
Library Director’s Report and Staff Activities
for the November 18, 2019 Board Meeting
We are formally reviewing our Staff Policy manual with HR Source. We hope to have policy changes for the Board
to review in January.
Technology
There were 1180 public computer sessions in the month of October at Winnetka with 57% of those occurring
on library laptops. There were 699 public computer sessions at Northfield with 16 percent of those occurring
on laptops. There were 10 Chromebook sessions in Youth Services.
Winnetka had 21,291 hotspot sessions from 2,210 distinct devices. The average session time
was 37 minutes. These sessions used a total of about 664 GB of downstream bandwidth and about 142 GB of
upstream bandwidth.
Northfield had 6,857 hotspot sessions from 983 distinct devices. The average session time
was 31 minutes. These sessions used a total of about 363 GB of downstream bandwidth and about 29 GB of
upstream bandwidth.
We had 9,399 web sessions with 5,866 website users as counted by Google Analytics. The sessions
number is up from last year’s 8,881 sessions, and the unique visitors count is up from last year’s 5,276 unique
users.
Bookings Summary
Unique Users 141
Total Bookings 279
Time Available 55,440
Time Booked 30,030
Average Booking 118
Duration
Library Director’s Report and Staff Activities
for the November 18, 2019 Board Meeting
Programming Highlights
• Just Twenty Feet from Safety: The Story of SS Eastland was attended by 30 patrons. In this unique
program, actor and historian Terry Lynch took on the persona of Ollie Sanders, a Western Electric
employee who was an eyewitness to the sinking of the Eastland on the Chicago River on July 24th,
1915.
• A Haunting We Will Go Storytime was attended by 75 patrons. Kathy Hargrave, Youth Services
Associate, Amanda Garrity, Head of Youth Services and Courtney Volny, Branch Services Coordinator
celebrated Halloween with stories, skits, and games for young children.
• Cut the Cord – Alternatives to Premium Cable Services was attended by 46 patrons. IT Specialist
George Lowman provided an overview and demonstration of the alternatives to conventional cable TV
service.
• Food for Thought Cookbook Book Club was attended by 19 patrons. Stephanie Girardi led a potluck
meal and book discussion about Cozy Mystery recipes.
Outreach Activities
Head of Youth Services, Amanda Garrity presented with Andrea Vaughn Johnson, Head of Youth Services at the
Wilmette Public Library, and Ann Finstad, Head of Children’s Services at the Glencoe Public Library on early
reader materials and services for preschool teachers at the Alliance for Early Childhood event “What’s New in
Children’s Literature” on Thursday, October 3. Pictures can be found at
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3K8iMJB_Sq/ and
https://www.facebook.com/theallianceforec/photos/a.269372955381/10156592491695382/?type=3&theater
Head of Youth Services Amanda Garrity provided family-friendly spooky stories at the Winnetka Park District
Family Campfire event on the evening of Friday, October 25. Pictures can be found at
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4NNWdLH-pf/ and
https://www.facebook.com/pg/winnetkaparkdistrict/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10157993251372625&re
f=page_internal
The following items are highlights of our actions and plans on these issues.
1. Direct responses to specific concerns raised in meetings and listening sessions.
We have compiled information regarding disconnection and its impact on the library,
its operations, and community costs.
2. General directions for community engagement.
We are continuing our expanded community engagement and listening campaign.
3. Internal (staff) dialogue around community concerns and customer experience.
Our dialogue on values and customer experience has continued and enhanced our
Draft Strategic Plan. We continue to collaborate with and support the work of our
human resources representative from HR Source.
November 2019 Monthly Update on
Community Engagement and Reponsiveness
The following are specific and noteworthy actions taken in execution of the plan.
Status: In addition to last month’s meetings (with the Northfield Village President; the
Winnetka-Northfield Chamber Executive Director; and the District 29 Superinten-
dent) we met this month with the North Shore Senior Center, Northfield Community
Church, and Northfield’s Church of the Ascension.
Outcomes: We continued to hear a high sense of satisfaction in the Library, its programs
and its facilities. We heard that people in the community are proud of their library and
enjoy their experience when they use it.
Key Milestones: Six meetings have been completed. There is discussion of a collaborative
lunch with community leaders to continue discussions regarding the Library, commu-
nity perceptions, and community engagement.
Next steps: Plan additional community meetings and explore a Leaders Lunch event.
Fireside Chats.
Goals: To give community members an opportunity to meet with the Library Director
and key staff for wide-ranging discussions about the Library’s operations, facilities, its
programs, and the overall experience. These discussions will give Library management
more information regarding community concerns and priorities.
November 2019 Monthly Update on
Community Engagement and Reponsiveness
Timeframe: These events will be monthly for the next few months, at which time their
role will be evaluated.
Key Milestones: Two fireside chats have been held, and additional chats are scheduled,
and the dates posted.
Next Steps: Following the December Fireside Chats, we will compile key findings and
concerns, and develop action items to address those issues as appropriate.
Key Milestones: Develop a statement of staff priorities with respect to workplace condi-
tions. Establish formal statement of workplace values and expectations.
Next Steps: The goals and values dialogue will be a recurring event at staff
meetings. The open line to our outside HR consultant remains open.
While this is a small sample size, it shows a range of turnover rates, in which three of
these libraries have lower rates, and three have similar or higher rates.
November 2019 Monthly Update on
Community Engagement and Reponsiveness
TAKEAWAYS.
We are pleased with the results of our ongoing community engagement. We continue to con-
firm high levels of satisfaction with the library, its programming, its levels of service, and most
of all with the current Winnetka-Northfield district.
We continue to hear validation of the feedback we received in our caucus survey: the library
is a valued institution, with high customer satisfaction. We are continuing this process of en-
gaging with the larger Northfield and Winnetka communities.
STRATEGIC PLAN: 2020 – 2022
OUR MISSION The Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District is a community resource for the advancement of knowledge, and a provider of innovative and informative
cultural enrichment for all ages.
OUR VISION We aspire to be a recognized leader and collaborative partner in our communities, and an innovator in library best practices.
STRENGTHEN OUR CAPACITY TO ENGAGE EXPAND LIBRARY SERVICE BEYOND ITS ENHANCE THE LIBRARY’S ABILITY TO FIT ADOPT A DATA-INFORMED DECISION
WITH OUR COMMUNITY AND WITH EACH WALLS INTO COMMUNITY MEMBERS’ LIVES MAKING FRAMEWORK
OTHER Incorporate a philosophy of facing outward to Prioritize experiences and opportunities that Regularly utilize data and community
Use a comprehensive approach to marketing expand the library’s reach. provide value and impact. feedback to provide optimal user experience.
and communications for all audiences.
§ Develop new and expand existing § Develop and promote programming § Collect and incorporate patron
§ Rebrand and create a visual community-centered partnerships. that reflects community demand. stories and relevant qualitative data
identity that can be used across all into decision making.
communications platforms. § Explore ways to issue library cards § Balance programming and service
outside the library buildings. offerings at Winnetka and § Explore ways to provide digital
§ Strengthen internal Northfield locations. resources that best align with
§ Develop preliminary homebound
communications and committee community demand.
delivery program. § Increase promotion and
structure.
engagement around books and § Identify best practices and
§ Pilot offsite programming to attract reading.
§ Develop communications that implement procedures for the
target niche audiences. non- and infrequent users.
systematic collection and analysis
§ Promote the library’s Readers
of data regarding library space,
§ Implement engaging social media ‘Advisory services.
collection, programming, and
strategies.
technology usage.
§ Develop robust and experiential
§ Develop strategies to consistently
physical displays.
communicate the library’s value to
the Winnetka-Northfield community.
TAX LEVY ORDINANCE
Whereas, applicable statutes authorize the Board of Library Trustees to levy taxes for library purposes;
Now, therefore, be it ordained by the Board of Library Trustees of the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library
District, Cook County, Illinois as follows:
Section 1: Ordinance No. 2019-2020/2 (Budget and Appropriation Ordinance) passed previously by the Board
is incorporated by reference.
Section 2: A tax in the sum of $4,350,510 is levied upon all taxable property with the Library District, said
tax levied to defray expenses and liabilities of the Library District for the fiscal year beginning
July 1, 2019 and ending June 30, 2020 for the specific objects and purposes indicated as follows:
CORPORATE FUND
Levied for the foregoing expenses from the General Public Library Tax: $ 4,038,000
FICA
FICA $ 150,000.00
Levied for the foregoing expense of FICA from a SPECIAL TAX in addition
to all other taxes levied by the District: $40,000.00
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
LIABILITY INSURANCE
AUDIT
Audit $ 15,000.00
Section 3: The Secretary is authorized and directed to file a certified copy of this Ordinance with the County
Clerk of Cook County within the time specified by law.
Section 4: This Ordinance is in full force and effect from and after its passage.
ADOPTED this 18th day of November 2019, pursuant to a roll call vote as follows:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
_________________________________________
Jean Paul Ruiz-Funes, President
Board of Library Trustees of the
Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District
ATTEST:
_______________________________________
Suzanne Shoup, Secretary
Board of Library Trustees of the
Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
I, Jean Paul Ruiz-Funes, certify that I am the presiding officer of the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District and
as such presiding officer I certify that the attached Tax Levy Ordinance was adopted pursuant to and in all
respects in compliance with the provisions of the Illinois Property Tax Code 35 ILCS 200/18-60
through 35 ILCS 200/18-85 of the "Truth in Taxation Law".
_________________________________________________
Jean Paul Ruiz-Funes, President
Board of Library Trustees of the
Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY
I, Suzanne Shoup, the duly qualified and acting Secretary of the Board of Library Trustees of the Winnetka-
Northfield Public Library District, Cook County, Illinois, and the keeper of the records thereof, hereby certify
that attached hereto is a true and correct copy of an Ordinance entitled:
adopted at a meeting of the said Board of Library Trustees held on the 18th day of November, 2019.
_________________________________________
Suzanne Shoup, Secretary
Board of Library Trustees of the
Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District