Hughes Carnegie Center Group Meeting Minutes

October 24, 2005

Plymouth Congregational Church, 4:00 p.m

Present: Reta Cosby, Hans Fischer, Beth Schultz, Barbara Watkins

We reviewed the mayor's proclamation recognizing  National Children's Book  Week, November 14-20, and the partnership of the Lawrence Public Library and Hughes Carnegie Center group in Read to Tots activities that week.

Barb noted that Dave Corliss has obtained a temporary EIN number as part of the 501c3 application process.

The group congratulated Reta on receipt of her  well-deserved NAACP award!

Reta updated us on activities in preparation of the Nov 5 Kansas Reads  workshop to be held at the Lawrence Public Library 11:30 a.m. -2:00 p.m. Letters and emails are being sent out this week announcing the events to our senior center and daycare-provider partners. This event will overlap the KU-Nebraska game, which begins at 12:00.

We will purchase 10 copies of the hardbound book by Debi Gliori, No Matter What, for the workshop events and to give to the daycare centers for permanent use.

Barb volunteered to help prepare the handouts for the workshop.

We discussed the possibility of meeting with Bruce Flanders and possibly library staff and other groups that may be interested in partnering with the library in its proposed new setting.

Hans suggested that we need to broaden our base.

Beth said that we need to articulate our vision and the need for literacy in the community.

Hans suggested that we prepare a white paper.

Beth said that we needed to serve as a clearinghouse for  other groups that are committed to literacy and that we need to become advocates for literacy.

The group agreed to draft several 100-word statements for our proposed white paper dealing with the following issues:

   o  What is literacy? (Barb)

    o  Why do we need a literate community? (Beth)

    o  Is Lawrence a literate community? (Beth will call Mike and Jan to get current data and information to respond to  this question.)

     o  How can we become a literate community? (Reta and Hans)

We discussed developing a website for HCC as advocates.

Barb will send a query to all original study group members to ask whether we should resubmit our proposal to occupy the Carnegie Library building. Proposals are due Jan. 20, 20006. View information about this RFP at http://lawrenceks.org/currenttopics/carnegie_library_use_rfp_2005.shtml

Hans shared information about space and funding needs for HCC in relation to the Carnegie Library site and in general.

Reta suggested that we discuss working with Lawrence Freenet and contacting other potential partners.

Our next meeting will be at Plymouth Congregational Church, 4:00 p.m. Nov. 7.