HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-07-16 Board of Library Trustees Minutes' ' RECEIVED
Minutes of the Board of Library Trustees MeetinJOWN CLERK
Monday, July 16, 2012 READING, MASS.
Present: HII SEP 18 P !` tS
David Hutchinson, Chair; Richard Curtis, Vice Chair; Alice Collins, Secretary; Cherrie Dubois,
Ruth Urell, Director.
Meeting called to order: 7:14 pm
June 18, 2012 Minutes approved unanimously. (D. Hutchinson/C. Dubois)
Financial Report
R. Urell withdrew end of fiscal year salary funding transfer request as it was not needed to cover
extra training costs. Deposited State aid second half funds are being carried forward and will be
used to install a new patron Self -Check system which will be installed in new library building
since there is no space available for the equipment in current building. A recent gift of $1,000 by
the Young Women's League of Reading will be used for teen programs. R. Urell provided detail
of various FY2012 expenditure categories.
R. Curtis asked if Simmons internship will continue this fall. R. Urell commented a summer
intern would be extremely helpful but hopes to get an intern maybe next spring.
Trustee Liaison's Reports
Foundation (R. Curtis)
No report. Foundation does not meet in July or August
Friends (C. Dubois)
A table has been set up in library foyer from time to time to encourage patrons to join
membership in Friends. D. Hutchinson asked the number of current memberships?
Approximately 500 membership households. The goal to raise money is to increase membership
funding vs. special events fundraising. If 10% of Reading's population participated, it would
make a major difference. A. Collins noted more publicity would help raise awareness regarding
what involves being a Friend; it is basically just paying the $15.00 dues.
Director's Report
Evergreen is going ok. The staff has been well trained and is working with patrons on the new
system. Some of the difficulty is customization for lists, purchases, reports and statistics.
Corinne Fisher, Head of Children's Services was just notified of the approval of LSTA Federal
Grant for "Science Is Everywhere" to be implemented in October, 2012. Children's Summer
Reading Program a success. The Teens Summer Reading Programs have been fully filled.
Teens can participate online vs. coming in to note progress.
Nancy Aberman's retirement event was wonderful, with guests including patrons, town staff,
state legislator, and many library network contacts commending and thanking Nancy for her 28
years of service.
1
June circulation statistics were remarkable. To quote an email to staff from Michelle Filleul,
Head of Circulation, "considering not only were we learning a new library system this past
month, but we were also the busiest library within NOBLE. We had a total of 36,447* items
checked out and renewed during the month of June. Kudos to all!"
R. Urell distributed written MLA and PLA Conference reports.
Building Update: At MBLC meeting on Thursday, July 12, the Board acted on an application
from West Springfield PL to change the site of their proposed library project. The Board voted
to approve a site change, effectively granting West Springfield another 6 months to submit
schematics and remain in the running for its grant. That means Reading doesn't "move up" in
eligibility.
At a later portion of the meeting, MBLC Director Rob Maier reported on status of construction
funding from state capital budget, which is stalled. Also possible, when funding becomes
available, libraries on the list may receive contracts from the state and start to award money as
they secure local approval by town vote. Ruth met with Peter Hechenbleikner to propose
working with local officials, trustees, legislators, to advocate for more state capital funding.
Grafton and Shutesbury (2 towns on the award list) did not get their local approval — money
should be available for Reading 1St on the waitlist. A plan would be to get town support,
conditional on state funding, a town meeting vote in fall to get approval to put the public vote in
a special election next spring.
Trustee Items: Executive session was called at 8:38 pm for a salary discussion.
Open session was resumed at 9:12 pm.
Motion was made to cancel August 20 meeting — Approved (R. Curtis /A. Collins)
Adjourn
The motion to adjourn was made 9:16 pm (C. Dubois /D. Hutchinson)
Respectfully submitted,
Kathryn Melesciuc,
Administrative Assistant,
Reading Public Library
*Note correction: Circulation: 40,414 R. Urell