Board votes to invest $7,500 and debates the rescue fund’s purpose

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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE HERMOSA BEACH FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY-HELD
AT THE LIBRARY ON DECEMBER 15, 1994
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Tim Ferguson, Pat Gazin, John Hales, Steve Hoffmann, Bill Malone, Charlotte
Malone, Al Valdes (arrived at 7:17 P.M.)
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Betty Evans, Gina Miller.
OTHER ATTENDEES: Toni Empringham, Myron Gazin, Kate Greiner, Cathy McCurdy, Leyla Woods, Ron
Schneider, CLM.
CALL TO ORDER: At 7:05 P.M. by Vice-President Ferguson, in the absence of President Al Valdes.
MINUTES: ACTION - To approve the minutes of the meeting of September 15, 1994, and the summary of the
special meeting of November 1, 1994. Motion Bill, second Steve.
TREASURER'S REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION: Treasurer Bill Malone presented the report covering
the period from January 1, 1994 through December 15, 1994 reflecting a balance of $10,969.12. He noted that
our funds were only drawing 1% interest per annum and recommended that $7,500 be transferred to an account
earning a higher rate of interest. ACTION - To approve the report and the recommendation that $7,500 be
transferred to an account with a higher return of interest. Motion Charlotte, second Tim. So ordered. (In
accordance with ARTICLE IV, Section 5 of the ByLaws, only the concurrence of the Board is required for this
action.)
(President Al Valdes arrived at 7:17 P.M. and chaired the remainder of the meeting.)
PURCHASE OF A COMPUTER FOR THE LIBRARY: Following up on discussion at the special meeting of
Nov. 1, 1994, Tim investigated various CD-ROM reference products. Prices were as follows: $4200 for a
Hewlett Packard recommended by the County; $2429 for the unit used by the Hermosa Beach School District;
$3000, or less, for the Century Software employed by suppliers to the Santa Monica School District.. Ron
explained the disparity in the costs, the county's being the highest, in that it includes maintenance and up-dating.
It is not known whether the other prices include these features.
John questioned the advisability of our investing a large sum of money in view of the uncertainty of future county
funding for libraries. Tim explained that the motivation for investigation was two-fold: the need for this library
to move into the electronic age, and our wish to provide the HB library with a valuable and permanent tool.
The relative merits of reference volumes vs. CD-ROM products were discussed. Lease-Option was rejected as
being impractical for our needs. In response to a question, Cathy McCurdy reported that there was a complete
technology lab at the Valley Middle School.
CLM REQUEST AND REPORT: Acceding to Ron's request, the following action was taken: ACTION - To
remove from "on the fly" status and put into the county computer, all materials contributed by the HBFOL since
September 1993, provided that Ron guarantees that these materials are to be returned to us in the event of our
separation from the county, or his transfer to another library. Motion Charlotte, second Bill. The motion carried
with Leyla Woods opposed. Contrary to his information on 11-1-94, Ron could not now assure us that the
California Collection would also be returned.

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In response to a question, Ron informed us that his present budget is more than adequate, $46,087, only $800
less than in 91-92, for books, video and audio cassettes and children's materials. Magazines and periodicals are
not included in this figure, having been furnished by the county and the FOL (over $2,000 in 93-94.)
BFI RECEPTACLE FOR DONATED BOOKS - Chip Schulz is working on this.
LETTER FROM TIM AND CHARLOTTE IN LOCAL PRESS: Ron read the following from The Hermosa
Reader:
"Money raised by our quarterly book sales, such as the one on Dec. 10, and the community
support of our organization, have enabled us to be very generous to the library. Looking ahead
we are steadily accumulating funds to be available as a "starter" for a new library."
Ron said he was told by his regional administrator that if we wish to continue to conduct book sales at the library
and in the library, and to store our books at the library, the money raised from the book sales has to come back
to the library in the form of gifts that become the property of the county library system. He added that if we wish
to collect money to promote a non-county library we must not do it on county property.
The question was suspended until such time as Pres. Valdes receives, as requested, something in writing on this
issue either from Jean Alexander or Sandra Reuben. Al stressed that this discussion was purely hypothetical
since all moneys raised up to this point have indeed been spent on the Hermosa Beach Library. The subject will
be on the agenda for the January meeting
(Although this matter was scheduled for the agenda of the January meeting, there seemed to be an interest in
further discussion of "The Letter" and the reaction thereto. The following is excerpted from that discussion and inserted here for continuity.)
Tim encouraged the group to focus on the long-range preservation of our library services and to reserve an
amount of money for contingencies. In his opinion, it was only responsible of us to provide against future
uncertainties. He explained that the intent of the letter was informational, to alert the citizens of Hermosa Beach
that, given the past performance of the county, we can't be sure what will happen after June, and that we should be prepared
In John Hales' opinion it was unwise to publish our strategy. He felt it should be kept private. Further, he stated
that the letter was a surprise to him in that it seemed to be "okaying a policy" of the board. Bill responded that it
should be no surprise since it was known that the City of Hermosa Beach was planning withdrawal from the
county system, and that (since September 1993) we had printed at the bottom of the Treasurer's report, which
was available to all, that we had a "Save Our Library" fund. Tim added that it was to this fund, completely
distinct from any revenue from book sales, we were referring in our letter.
Charlotte reminded the group that the "Save Our Library" fund arose as a result of the consternation of persons
attending a special meeting in July, 1993. At this meeting Ron told us that we were on a list of libraries
scheduled for closure. In a desire to do something, anything, to "Save Our Library" ", citizens donated money without being solicited. This money is, and has always been, in a separate account (which accumulates interest)
In closing, Charlotte said that Jean Alexander, Regional Supervisor, had expressed in the local press, the uncertainty as to future library funding.
RAISING OUR VISIBILITY IN THE COMMUNITY - John Hales has attended all Chamber of Commerce
mixers and makes sure that it is noticed that he represents an active FOL. Tim Ferguson will coordinate with the

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HB Educational Foundation as part of any computer operation we choose. Al Valdes will retain contact with the
HB Coordinating Council. Charlotte Malone announced a Forum on the Entrepreneurial Library to be held on
Thursday, January 12, 1995 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Brea. The Malones are planning to attend. Pat
Gazin has written and distributed a history of the Women's Club, copies of which will be available in the library.
(It was noted that the Women's Club has not donated to the HBFOL this year.)
MINUTE BOOKS OF THE HBFOL - These have miraculously reappeared. ACTION -to have keys made for
the file cabinet. One key is to be in the custody of the Recording Secretary, the other in a "safe" place. Motion
Charlotte, second Bill, so ordered.
NEW BUSINESS
T-SHIRTS FOR THE FOL: ACTION - That Tim, with the assistance of Cathy McCurdy, investigate and report
back on the cost, design, etc., of T-Shirts for our group. This may be a fund raising activity, but more than likely
will be to promote our visibility. No more than $200 is to be expended. So ordered, noting the objection of
John Hales.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE: ARTICLE IX, Section 1: Each elected officer shall select a current member to
represent him or her on the Nominating Committee. The President will designate one of the five to serve as
Chairman. Committee shall present its slate to Pres. a minimum of 3 weeks prior to the Annual Meeting and
Election (Thursday, Jan. 19, 1995 7:00 P.M.) The 28th of Dec. is the date slate to be furnished Pres.
LETTERHEADS: Charlotte is to bring back cost figures for a PO Box for possible use on a new letterhead
BANNER FOR POSTING IN FRONT OF LIBRARY: It was noted that patrons were not taking advantage of
he longer library hours, either due to the holiday season or lack of information. ACTION - to expend not more
than $200 for the purchase of a banner announcing the days of library service. No objections - so ordered. Pat
will attempt to get a notice on the Community Center marquee, and Cathy will try to get the message on the
school sign.
ADJOURNMENT - On motion of Al, second Leyla, this meeting was adjourned to the Annual Meeting and
Election on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 1995 at 7:00 P.M
Charcora malona
CHARLOTTE MALONE,
Recording Secretary