HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-04-24 Board of Library Trustees MinutesMinutes of the Board of Library Trustees Meeting
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Present:
David Hutchinson, Chair; Richard Curtis, Vice Chair; Alice Collins, Cherrie Dubois, Andrew Grimes,
Vicki Yablonsky, Ruth Urell Library, Director; Kari Oanes, Library Intern.
Meeting called to order: 7:06 pm
March 19, 2012 Minutes approved unanimously V. Yablonsky /A. Collins
R. Urell introduced IC. Oanes, intern from Simmons, and noted she has worked 103 of her needed 120
intern hours at the library. She has been a pleasure to work with and has worked in every division.
Financial Report (R. Urell)
Town Meeting approved transfer of $1,500 to cover training of new Adult Services librarian. The fines
and fees revolving fund has been 87% expended to replace many Children's and Adults materials either
missing or worn out.
Trustee Liaison's Reports
Foundation (R. Curtis)
R. Urell met with Marketing Committee chaired by John Brzezenski regarding funding more
library programs. The Teen mentoring program and Volunteens have a great need for support.
Friends (C. Dubois)
House Tour still looking for volunteer hosts. Ticket sales are brisk, sponsors are strong, booklets
look great and now just hoping for good weather.
Director's Report
March Monthly Report, Reading's circulation is high compared to nearby towns, however the March
2012 statistics were down from March 2011 less visitors, could be the beautiful weather.
Money Smart Week — several programs running. How much money are you saving by visiting the
library? Borrowing books, cds, dvds, programs, museum passes compared to buying. There are
programs scheduled for Children's, Teen and Adults all week.
World Book Night America — celebrating Shakespeare's birthday to give away books to people that are
typically nonreaders. Publishers across the country provide the books; libraries cannot be the book - givers
but can serve as a drop off for the books from the publishers. Michelle. Filleul, Head of Circulation, and
R. Urell gave out books at RMHS and Burbank YMCA.
Nine new staff pcs are needed for Evergreen conversion; Town Meeting voted approval of $11,000 from
town technology budget to purchase the computers.
Evergreen training ongoing for Tuesday, May 29`s crossover weekend. Tuesday will be very busy after
t
long weekend. Publicity for the public will begin on Monday, May 7 .
Staff Development Day is Wednesday, May 9'h. The Library will be closed all day.
Corinne Fisher, Head of Children's Services, filed a LSTA $7,500 grant for Science is Everywhere, we
should hear this July.
Interviews starting Thursday, April 26`h for the Adult Services and Reference Librarian position. We
received 60 applications, five were not qualified having no MLS, there are at leastl0 standout applicants.
R Urell reported highlights of Monday, April 23 Town meeting: the Town's finances are sound, 5%
capital commitment, primarily roads and vehicles, police civil service vote, 2% COLA increase, M.A.R
requirement fulfilled and the budget will be finalized on Thursday, April 26.
Pakistan exchange in May - Ruth meeting with P. Hechenbleikner to discuss meetings and programs.
Election of Trustees officer positions to be held at June meeting. Ruth mentioned the duties of secretary
to take on a more definitive role, occasional correspondence from Trustees, etc.
M.B.L.0 FY2013 Funding Outlook - an increase of over 100k, however, state funding for libraries is still
very poor, at 1990s levels.
Several Town policies distributed including Policy on Political Activity in Public Buildings, Policy on the
use of Cell Phones at Work and Policy on Animals in Public Buildings.
Library Legislative Day, April 11 — Beth Klepeis, Vice President, Friends of RPL and Ruth met with
State Representative Brad Jones for about 30 minutes. Rep. Jones has talked with the M.B.L.C. and he is
very confident that we will get our funding this summer due to other libraries not getting their funding
within the time limit required. Ruth and Beth also met with Senator Katherine Clark and Representative
James Dwyer.
Building Program issues — M.B.L.0 had requested a new design regarding the parking lot for additional
spaces and circulation design. The Trustees discussed asking Town meeting to give some design money
and November town vote for approval.
Trustee Items:
■ Tentative Trustees Meeting Dates for 2012 -2013 were approved.
Adjourn
The motion to adjourn was made 8:29 p.m. (V. Yablonsky /A. Grimes)
Respectfully submitted,
Kathryn Melesciuc,
Administrative Assistant,
Reading Public Library