1997-01-13 Board of Library Trustees Minutes

Home Browse Search

Board of Library Trustees Minutes of Meeting Januarfy 3,J997 Present: Ms. Cherrie Dubois, chair; Mr. William Diamond; Mr. Robert Fields; Dr. Christine Redford; Mrs. Maria Silvaggi. Absent: Mr. Stephen Conner. Ms. Dubois called the meeting to order at 7:10. Minutes: The minutes of December 16 were accepted. Financial report: A fair amount of capital funds has been spent on computers and rewiring the building for the NOBLE telecommunications upgrade. The new wiring will bear more traffic, allowing graphics on workstations. The state aid has been received, and some nonfiction bills have been paid from it. Statistical report: December was a very good, month, with circulation over 21,000. Circulation is rarely over 20,000 for December. Children's Services report: Corinne Fisher reported on increases in use of services and materials. Because deposit collections can now be delivered by the school van and teachers don't need to come to the library, there has been an increase in deposits. The Children's Room saw big jumps in nonprint circulation, due to budget increases for nonprint material. Minor adjustments in periodical titles have led to a twenty percent jump in circulation for periodicals. The children's collection accounts for thirty-eight percent of the Library's total circulation, well over the state average of thirty percent. The leaking chimneys damaged some books and the ceiling. The chimneys will be repaired when the HVAC duct work is done. Board members reported receiving positive comments about the Children's Room from new residents and visitors from other towns. This summer's reading club theme will be medieval, throughout the Library. When asked what is the biggest issue facing the Children's Division, Ms. Fisher brought up the salary step system. Director's report: Circulation staff member Gerri Pothier has joined Michael Colford and Rachel Baumgartner in attending Simmons' library school. Liaison reports: Dr. Redford reported from the Friends' Executive Board meeting that the group has lots of ideas and a good lineup of programs. Unfinished business: 1) A post office box and bank account have been established for the Reading Public Library Foundation. The $6500 from the Cripps and the Pratts will be transferred into the new account. Susan Meuse is vice-president of the Foundation. 2) The Director will find out from the Town Manager what to do next about the bylaws. 3) Ms. Hanley asked the Board to postpone action on her contract until the salary study is done.