1998-02-09 Board of Library Trustees Minutes

Home Browse Search

Board of Library Trustees Minutes of Meeting - February 9, 1998 Present: Mrs. Maria Silvaggi, chair; Mr. Stephen Conner; Mr. William Diamond; Ms. Cherrie Dubois; Dr. Christine Redford. Also present: Mr. Richard Ogden. Absent: Mr. Robert Fields. Mrs. Silvaggi called the meeting to order at 7:05. Minutes: The minutes of January 5 were accepted. Financial report: Trust funds stand at about $116,000. Statistical report: December's circulation was slow due to construction and the displacement of the Children's Room. The number of reference questions is climbing, as expectations for service increase. Ms. Young presented some circulation statistics for new fiction. Average circulation per book in the first year has increased considerably over the past few years. This seems to be a result of more conscientious selection of fiction. Board members expressed concern that patrons may not be being exposed to titles outside the mainstream; however, staff is making efforts through programming (such as the Word of Mouth discussion group) to encourage reading of titles other than bestsellers. Report from the Chairman: Ms. Silvaggi recommended the editorial in the November/December issue of Public Libraries. At the Budget Council meeting, all three boards of the Budget Council voted against Library Board membership. Board of Selectmen chair Camille Anthony stated that anyone is welcome to attend and participate and make recommendations. Town Counsel gave the Town Manager an opinion supporting the legal existence of the Budget Council. Other citizens are challenging Budget Council's use of executive session and are contacting the Attorney General. A joint meeting with the Foundation Board will be held on the April 7. Director's report: Progress is being made on the new nonprint area. The low bid was $13,000; $20,0000 was budgeted. Remaining funds can be used to buy furniture. Installation will take place in May. Kimberly Lynn is working on the staff page of the Library's Web site. A volunteer reception is scheduled for April 29. Lucille and Frank Husarik are two outstanding volunteers in Technical Services. Candidates' night is March 19. Doris Kearns Goodwin is speaking at the high school on March 27 for a Foundation fundraiser. Her fee is being underwritten by the Reading Cooperative Bank, the Foundation directors, and the Friends. Liaisons: The Friends' coffee hours are very successful. They are planning a formal tea in April and the house tour in May. At the dinner given by the Foundation at the Larsons' home, community leaders were asked to give the Foundation their financial and personal support. Continuing education: Discussion of the Internet classes was deferred until all trustees have attended a class. f.: