ACL Minutes
November 4, 2011
Berkeley Public Library, Main Branch
The meeting was called to order by Joshua R. at 10:15 a.m.
Miriam announced that next month she will e-mail the full reviews to everybody so they
can print them out at home/work, she will bring printed copies of citation only reviews.
Introductions: Joshua R., Miriam M., Kimberly L., Penny P., Linda, Martha S., Tamar,
Celia J., Armin, Kathy H., Eric B., Alan B., Angelique, Katrina B., Odette B., Ruth G,,
Erica, Kathy H., Susan W., Mary Ann S. were present.
Book review started around 10:15 am. and continued until 11:15 a.m. reviews were listed
in alphabetical order by first name. The ratings did not translate into the form and were
not on the printout.
Distinguished Books, chaired by Eric Barbus, were discussed from 11:15 a.m. until
11:56 a.m.
Break and book sale took place from 11:56 a.m. until 12:07 p.m. Penny P. acted as
Treasurer.
The Business Meeting was convened at 11:20 a.m.
Miriam announced that this month they were using a new method for book reviewing. All
books that need reviews are on a cart and individuals can choose the books they want to
review and sign them out on the sign-up sheet.
Treasurer’s report (Sherry’s) - We have $4,217.93 in the treasury, and $4,177.87 in the
Dorothy Helfeld Scholarship fund. Sherry has done some research regarding new banking
options. Penny Peck presented the group with a pamphlet from US Bank for review. As a
small profit ACL will not have to pay any monthly fees. Members can make
recommendations next month and will vote yes or no to change banks.
Distinguished Books (Eric B. and Kathy) – Distinguished Book Roundup will be held at
Penny P.'s on January 29, 2011
Performers’ Showcase (Armin) -they currently have enough applications to fill all
performer slots and have a waiting list. Registration forms/flyers will be distributed at
CLA by Penny P., and Armin will send form to Joshua so he can put it online. The
Performers Showcase will be held on February 4th at the Fremont library. Armin will
have a paper volunteer sign-up sheet available next month and it will also be on the ACL
wiki.
Institute – (Amy M.) Joshua relayed the message in Amy's absence that the polling on
best days to hold the Institute confirmed that Friday a.m. or Friday all day is the best for
everybody. Amy will be holding a meeting for anyone interested in helping to plan on
Thursday, November 17 at 7 PM -- location TBA but will be in Oakland or Berkeley.
Jetsons/Yahoo/Wiki/Web – None.
Membership - None.
Editorial – Erica reminded us that they often need extra copy editing help during the
meeting. If anyone has any questions regarding reviews please call Erica at 510-597-5057
or e-mail her at esiskind@oaklandlibrary.org. It is better to ask and clarify things rather
than to just going ahead “winging it” on your own. Erica reminded the group to stay pithy
and do not make reviews too long. Keep the review short, we do not need to know
everything that happens in the book, 1 to 2 sentences for plot summary only.
Book Review Committee – Haley will be Miriam's cochair (everyone applauded).
Miriam reminded the group to keep feedback and questions coming as the review process
is fine tuned. Everyone commented that she is doing a great job.
Old Business – Kathy H. to make an electronic version of ACL's bylaws available so that
members can review and comment.
New business –Ruth G. mentioned that the mast on our website has incorrect information
she will be passing this on to Joshua. Also, Ruth G. would like to contribute books for
our book sales to help generate revenues for ACL. She has 2 to 6 cartons of books in
good condition that are good to go and she suggests that we put them on sale and if they
do not sell then we can contribute the leftovers to friends of the Library groups. She will
need a tax form for this donation. She wants to know if ACL members would like to do
this.
Announcements – Miriam announced that she will be participating in the Bill Morris
Midwinter Seminar at ALA, Armin, Mary Ann, and Erica Glenn will also be attending.
Humbug witches – Erica S. reminded members of an e-mail she sent out regarding a
collection of fairytales “…that includes Red Riding Hood & The Three Little Pigs,
among others.
What is unique in this one is that the last story is about a girl who gets lost in the woods,
and the stars watch over her. They eventually weave her a blanket (of stars?) that protects
her. The girl is partially unclothed - something memorable, but it wasn't inappropriate.
Also, the title begins with a number, as in "Twelve Fairy Tales... or 14 Fairy Tales..." or
something very similar to that. There might be an adjective after the number & it might
be Folk instead of Fairy. The number is more than 5 but not as many as 20.”
Job Openings – None.
Distinguished Books - reconvened from 12:25 p.m to 12:27 p.m
Book review - reconvened from 12:27 p.m to 1:00 p.m
Miriam clarified that if a member submits their review online but the member and the
book are not present at the meeting it will not be included in that month's reviews. If a
member submits a review online, is unable to make the meeting but sends the book to the
meeting, then that review will be included in that month's reviews. Dayni sent a message
via Miriam that she wants to nominate Whose Feet for distinguished.
Meeting adjourned at 1:01 p.m.
Minutes taken by Celia Jackson