[in person] Board of Directors

Chicago Public Library
Libraries

Tuesday, May 21, 2024
9:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m. CDT

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2505 E 73rd Street Chicago, IL (Directions)

Chicago Public Library - South Shore Branch

This is an in-person assignment and will include an additional hour of pay.

There may be a virtual component but until there are specific instructions on how to access we want to err on the side of going in person.

As of this writing, an agenda has not yet been posted but should be up soon at https://www.chipublib.org/explore/?post-type=news&tag=board-of-directors.

Check the source website for additional information

Reporting

Edited and summarized by the Chicago - IL Documenters Team

Live reporting by Ebony Ellis

Residents call for more libraries

Ebony Ellis
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 2/29
The netting began at 9:01am. Here is the agenda. Nesha Saunders, the district 6th Chief, provided opening statements, referring to renovations made to the south shore branch.
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 3/29
Mary Gen Davies, the First Assistant is providing details on upcoming programming taking place at the south shore branch library over the summer, including a tech event for seniors hosted by teens.
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 4/29
Teri Campbell, deputy commissioner for administration and finance provides a report Campbell says that so far this year, there are 36 full time employees.
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 5/29
Campbell introduces new hires. She also discusses the updates on the Kelly Fund, the main fund providing support for the all staff professional development
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 6/29
Mary Ellen Messner, first deputy commissioner, provides programming and strategy updates. She says a priority is to bring back engagement and this year, that has been successful so far. A gaming event, taking place on June 8, 2024 is targeted for teens.
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 7/29
Messner says that there are 135 interns for one summer Chicago.
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 8/29
Nicole Hannah-Jones, author of the 1619 project is scheduled for programming soon, Messner says.
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 9/29
So far, there are 5 board members present including Commissioner Chris Brown President, Linda Johnson Rice Secretary, Lynn Lockwood Sandra Delgado Dominique Jordan Turner Read more about them here chipublib.org/board-of-direc…
chipublib.org/board-of-direc…
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 10/29
Maggie Clemmons, deputy commissioner for library operations and patron experience, discusses projects across various branches. The Chicago recovery plan is funding these projects with a goal of providing comfort to patrons.
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 11/29
A video is being shown of the updates for the water works branch at 163 E Pearson st., currently with a temporary relocation.
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 12/29
Clemmons is now displaying photos of various branches that are receiving public art projects, one including Brighton Park
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 13/29
There is a vending machine pilot providing items to those in need free of charge and a mental health clinic.
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Commissioner Brown is providing a report.
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 15/29
The report includes 2024 focus areas and key priorities
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Commissioner Brown, mentions an equity assessment, working with the Department of Procurement
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Commissioner Brown mentions the all staff institute day, 800 staff attended, an improve performance, sessions including career advancement and communication strategies.
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Commissioner Brown thanks the marketing team for their work
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 19/29
Brenda Langstaat, President and CEO of the Chicago Public Library Foundation provides the Chicago public library foundation report.
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 20/29
President Langstaat reflects on approaching the 40 year mark in a few years and that there are currently 2300 organizations serving as active donors.
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 21/29
A motion to approve minutes from the previous meeting has passed.
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 22/29
The first public comment is from Cecilia Hunter. She mentions that Washington Park, Woodlawn and South Shore partnered in an event a few weeks ago. She expressed her frustration for the Washington Park neighborhood not having a public library.
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 23/29
Hunter urges the Board to dedicate space for a branch in the Washington Park community.
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 24/29
The next public commenter is Doyle Laundry says “81 libraries is not enough,” due to the violence that takes place
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 25/29
Another public commenter who identifies as a South Shore resident, affirms turners comments having youth be involved, she specifies the quality of life of Black Chicagoans.
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 26/29
The south shore resident mentions that having more than 81 libraries would be helpful and allow black chicagoans gain more of an understanding of how they interact with the world. She says when the quality of life improves, the quality of life for entire community improves.
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 27/29
The south shore resident mentions a bicycle repair co-op. One of the Board members encourages the resident to connect.
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 28/29
The meeting adjourned at 10:14pm. The next meeting is at Northtown branch on September 17, 2024 at 9am.
Ebony Ellis @Eb_Writes26 29/29
More about the event with Nicole Hannah Jones here chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/6635446…
chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/6635446…
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Note-taking by David Boykin

Residents call for more libraries

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Agency Information

Chicago Public Library

chipublib.org

(312) 747-4090

@chipublib ‏

See Documenters reporting

As provided by statute and municipal ordinance, the Chicago Public Library Board has control and management of all matters pertaining to the Chicago Public Library system.

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