1995-11-13 Board of Library Trustees Minutes

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Board of Library Trustees N Minutes of Meeting - November 13, 1995 Conference Room - Reading Public Library - 6:00 p.m. P=:.ient: Ms. Cherrie Dubois, chair; Mr. Robert Fields; Mrs. Elia Marnik; EL_'Christine Redford; Mrs. Maria Silvaggi. Also present: Rachel and Steve Baumgartner, Chris Prah. Absent: Mr. William Diamond. Ms. Dubois called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Mr. Chris Prah, of Netcasters, gave a demonstration of the Library's World Wide Web page. It will be put on an Internet server and accessible to anyone with an Internet connection. The page includes: a book review system which allows people to enter their own book reviews or search reviews by keyword, etc.; a news section including hours, the current Bibliobits column, and a calendar of events; a comments/suggestions form and a place for posted responses. Ms. Hanley mentioned that there is already incredible interest from some of the schools about the book review system. Other plans for the future are a Friends membership application, a system for applying to book the meeting rooms and to book museum passes, and a who's who of the staff. Minutes: Mr. Fields moved to accept the minutes of October 16. Mrs. Baumgartner corrected the spelling of Wendy Auld's name. The motion passed. Financial report: $25,000 in state aid has been received. Director's Report: A replacement for Theresa Bond has not been found yet. Li -son reports: Mrs. Silvaggi asked for an update on cooperative ventures with the School Department, etc. The Director replied that the three Boards are focusing on the budget now. She and the Superintendent are talking informally. They will meet with Ms. Dubois soon. Friends report: The membership drive is looking very good. It is ahead of where it usually is at this time of year. The Friends will run a trip to the Pops on December 29. They received $1000 in memory of Fran McSheehy from her daughter. A memorial having to do with music is planned. Unfinished business: 1) The Director reported that the volunteer reception was a very nice event. The volunteers provide an incredible range of services. 2) Ms. Dubois told the Board that Russ Graham has joined the fundraising committee. The committee will bring in a professional to help them get started. 3) The Town Manager is expecting a 2.5% increase in FY97 salaries. Division heads have requested an additional part-time reference librarian, added page hours, a technology coordinator, increased materials money. Ms. Hanley will work on focusing the message of our budget request. 4) The Superintendent of Schools is very interested in doing more with the library. The three Boards are also very supportive. A meeting to follow up on the retreat will be held on December 2. 5) There was no discussion on the action plan submitted last month. 1