1996-09-16 Board of Library Trustees Minutes

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Board of Library Trustees Minutes of Meeting September 16, 1996 Present: Ms. Cherrie Dubois, chair; Mr. William Diamond; Dr. Christine Redford; Mrs.`Maria Silvaggi. Absent: Mr. Robert Fields, due to illness. Also present: Mary Bastiani, Maria Blewitt. Ms. Dubois called the meeting to order at 7:05. Minutes: The minutes of June 18 were approved. Statistics: Total circulation for the fiscal year was 313,050. The Wakefield library is closed a's'of today, for three weeks. It will open in a temporary location for one year. This library is already feeling the effects of Wakefield's closing. Report from the Chairman: The role of the Library has been changing over the last decade or two, necessitating a change in the way the Board works. There are more active roles for each member. Ms. Dubois proposed that the Board set goals for itself, just as the Library and the Director set goals. Personal goals should perhaps be set also: attend conferences, staff meetings, etc. In Foundation news, the Cripps have established a Library fund, and the check on the interest will be sent every September. Donald Cripps has custody of the fund. Board members need to be supportive of the foundation as people ask questions. Ms. Dubois asked the trustees to think about what kinds of goals the Board would like to set for FY97. Concerning the Cripps fund, a letter to the Library outlining its purpose would be appreciated. The Director has boilerplate language. It was suggested that the Cripps be asked for a letter after the first year's money has been spent. Director's report: Doreen Bolnick is leaving for Malawi. In her stead, the Children's Room has hired Rachel Baumgartner, who is attending library school. The centennial celebration was wonderful; Ms. Hanley extended her thanks to the Board and the Friends. Liaison reports: Mr. Diamond reported that Eleanor Bishop is a permanent patient in Wingate. He invited the Library, the Historical Commission, the Antiquarian Society and other interested parties to go over the material in her collection. Library staff removed a number of things of a historical nature, which are now being cared for and added to the Library's collection. What remains is being removed and the house will go on the market. Report from the Friends: Mrs. Bastiani commended Ms. Hanley and Diane Young for leading the centennial celebration. There will be a trip to a performance of the Messiah on December 8. Kenneth Gloss of the Brattle Book Shop will speak on March 6. The newsletter is near completion.