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Members Present:
Chair Joan Ress Reeves, Rose Ellen Reynolds, Donald Deignan, Mary Cummings,
Phyllis Harnick, Deborah Barchi, Donna Good, Anne Kayarian, Jay Litman

Members Absent:
William Shuey, Joanne Aspri, Artemis Kirk, Madelyn Rumowicz, Dennis Cheek,
Mark McKenney, Ann Crawford, Joshua Teverow

Present from the Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS):
Barbara Weaver, Beth Perry, Donna Longo DiMichele, Laurie Scialabba

Observers:
Denise DiMarzio, Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative (RIFLI);
Kevin McKay, Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative;
David Macksam, Cranston Public Library;
Louise Moulton, Providence Public Library;
Karen McGrath, Auburn Branch, Cranston Public Library;
Susan Reed, Pawtucket Public Library;
Kristen McKenna, Providence Public Library;
Kathy Ellen Bullard, Providence Public Library

Introductions were made.

Chair Reeves thanked Judy Carlson at Tech Access for hosting the Library Board meeting. A tour will be done after the meeting.

I. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes will stand as circulated with minor corrections.

II. DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Ms. Weaver reported that the House Finance Committee is determined to continue with the elimination of the Motor Vehicle excise tax. There will be no funding of new projects unless $30,000,000 from the elimination of the Motor Vehicle excise tax can be found. Funding issues may impact Article 4 (Public Library Construction), Article 6 (e-government) and the Library Linx Project.

The official unveiling of the new Rhode Island quarter took place at Fort Adams in Newport on May 21. U.S. Mint Director Jay Johnson and the Governor thanked librarians for their participation in supporting the efforts of the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by allowing all Rhode Islanders to vote on the new coin design by either voting online or at their local library.

III. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None.

IV. CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

Chair Reeves reported that a hearing was held on Article 4 of the Governor’s budget. It was noted that the Regulations for Public Library Construction/Renovation Reimbursement Funding under 29-6-6 of the Rhode Island General Laws were filed with the Office of Secretary of State in 1999. Appendix F of the rules gradually raises the cap to $5,000,000 in FY 2003. Chair Reeves gave testimony on behalf of the Library Board. Representatives from the East Greenwich Free Library and Providence Public Library also gave testimony.

No legislation has been written yet for the Library Linx Project.

Chair Reeves reported that the Rhode Island contingent visiting Washington, D.C. for American Library Association’s Legislative Day were well received by the Rhode Island congressional delegation. Scheduled appointments were informative. Senator Reed’s amendment to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) has been passed. Senator Reed’s web page specifies RILINK, (Rhode Island Library Information Network for Kids), as one of the “Innovative Solutions to the Challenges Faced by School Libraries.”

Ms. Weaver reported that the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) is scheduled for reauthorization soon. The Council of State Library Agencies in the Northeast (COSLINE) hosted a Senate Staff Luncheon to discuss ESEA and LSTA.

V. COMMITTEE REPORTS

There were no committee meetings.

VI. NEW BUSINESS

Chair Reeves received a letter from Dale Thompson, Providence Public Library, about the Library Board vote to reduce the Literacy grant by $16,000. It was requested that a presentation be made at the Library Board meeting on May 21, 2001. Chair Reeves provided a brief background and noted that the federal appropriation for FY 2002 is not yet known. RIFLI Information Packet and Our Stories, An anthology of writings from learners of the Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative in public libraries statewide. Fourth edition was distributed. Ms. DiMarzio stated that 835 adults and 305 children are currently enrolled in the program; most of them are immigrants. RIFLI runs sixteen programs and 200 people are waiting to participate. Approximately 800-1,000 people are on the waiting list for the literacy program at the International Institute. There is a need for literacy programs. It cost $17,500 for RIFLI to run a literacy program. $16,000 reduction in funding would mean the loss of one program, which means a lost opportunity for thirty people and their children. Influencing parent’s literacy has an effect on children’s literacy. Ms. McKenna reported on the stories of individuals enrolled in the program. All those enrolled in the literacy programs get their library cards. They use the library and are customers of the library. Ms. McGrath stated that those enrolled in the literacy program at the Auburn Branch have a library card and use the library. Chair Reeves thanked all for their presentations and comments. Chair Reeves stated that the Library Board vote on the federal budget was based on level funding. Chair Reeves suggested lobbying for funding on the state and federal level. Adult literacy programs are needed as well as literacy programs for children. The need for literacy programs is expanding, however funding is not expanding to meet the need. There is a state and social services component to the literacy issue. It was suggested that other avenues of funding be explored. Ms. Reynolds stated that the decision was not an easy one. $820,000 in federal funding amounts to less than $1.00 per person for statewide services. Chair Reeves stated that lobbying for LSTA reauthorization in the amount of $500 million dollars, with an increase in the base grant to states is worked on.

VII. AGENDA FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

None.

The meeting adjourned at 5:30 P.M.