By Michele Bisson Savoy
Paul Signorelli led the meeting this morning held at the
Alex Rorabaugh Center in Ukiah. About 25 people attended. Each person spoke for
two minutes. Some gave opinion and some offered up ideas. The feedback from the
meeting and the surveys will help direct the strategic plan for the Library,
according to Library Director, Mindy Kittay. Ukiah Branch Head Librarian Eliza
Wingate spoke about all the changes that have taken place in the recent past,
noting the teen room, full time children’s librarian and the fun events which
ranged from goat cheese and first Fridays to Halloween costumes. It was a very
interesting meeting. Several individuals spoke about the importance of the
collection of books in the library. It was noted that the library is now open
48 hours a week and has 19 more employees (due to Measure A). Most of the
attendees liked the new furniture and layout. A couple didn’t like the new
self-check machines, but most people in the room accepted them as part of the
future, like ATMs at the bank or self-check at the grocery store.
Paul Signorelli posted the notes and they will be available
for the public in the future. Benj Thomas and Jonathan Middlebrook from the
Library Advisory Board were in attendance and both talked about the importance
of literacy and the value of the book. Mary-Kate Stoever and Michele Bisson
Savoy from the Board of the Friends of the Library attended to show their
support for the library and to gain ideas for how the FOL can support the
library in the future. Several individuals were interested in more adult
education programs including literacy.
Photos by MKS
Heartfelt thanks to the Friends of the Ukiah Library for supporting this forum, and kudos to members of the community for managing to express a variety of opinions and dreams for the Ukiah library in a very open, civil, and respectful way--quite an inspiring contrast to the contentious shouting matches we so often see elsewhere.
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