HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-18 Board of Library Trustees MinutesOF f 4�
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Meeting Minutes
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Board of Library Trustees
Date: 2015 -05 -18 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Public Library Location:
Address: 80 General Way
Purpose: General Business Session:
Attendees: Members - Present:
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;OWN CLERK
DING, MASS.
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Vicki Yablonsky, Chair; John Brzezenski, Vice Chair; Alice Collins, Secretary;
David Hutchinson
Members - Not Present:
Cherrie Dubois, Andrew Grimes
Others Present:
Susan Beauregard, Teen Services Librarian; Ruth Urell, Library Director;
Amy Lannon, Assistant Library Director
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Alice Collins
Topics of Discussion:
Call to Order at 7:01 p.m.
I. Teen Services Report (Susan Beauregard)
Teen Librarian Susan Beauregard presented an overview of library services for teens
since the move to the temporary location at 80 General Way. Events included a Hunger
Games Challenge, the BoSwaMoCo (Book Swap Movie and Cocoa) event which was
quite popular and recently won an award for best logo from the Massachusetts Library
Association. This year the library has a total of 15 Netguides, specially trained high
school volunteers who work one -on -one with patrons on technology related issues.
This is the largest group ever and the size of the group allows for personalized tech
assistances every day of the week. The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) continues to have
a strong core of students, many of whom have been with the group for four years. TAG
highlights include a recent visit to Barnes and Noble where TAG members selected a
number of books for the Teen Collection. Finally, this year the annual Teen Tech Week
program included a workshop led by the RMHS Robotics Team.
Teen Librarians Susan Beauregard and Renee Smith attended a jobs program for teens
at Wilmington Public Library and hope to launch a similar program, most likely once the
library has moved back to 64 Middlesex Ave.
The annual summer reading program is getting underway and this year's theme is
"Unmasked." The librarians have several unique and exciting programs planned,
including an illusionist, a book craft event and an Instragram contest. The librarians are
collaborating with local business such as Zinga, Chipotle, Subway, Bertuccis and the
YMCA who will provide incentives throughout the summer. Also this summer, Teen
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Services librarians are trying a pilot program called BookMates that will pair up high
school students with younger readers. The program is designed to help and reinforce
literacy skills for the readers, as well as develop leadership skills for the teens.
Susan Beauregard also reported on the annual author visit with Susan Campbell
Bartoletti. Ms. Bartoletti visited with every single middle school student and also led
inter - generational discussion with adults and middle school students. This was a joint
program with the middle school PTO's and the Blue Ribbon Conference hosted by the
school district. Another school - related outreach initiative is the library's active support
of the RMHS Book Group, an after school student run club. This is the first year the
library has worked with the club, and they look forward to collaborating again next year.
Ms. Yablonsky asked about presence of teens at 80 General Way. Ms. Beauregard
reported that while less than typically seen at 64 Middlesex, there is a strong young
adult presence in the temporary library.
II. Approval of Board Minutes from April 13, 2015
Motion to Approve Minutes (David Hutchinson /John Brzezenski)
Vote: Unanimous
III. Financial Report (Ruth Urell)
The budget is on track with the two warrants that were not reflected in the financial
report issued the previous week.
Report on Gifts and Trust Funds: Ms. Urell reviewed the nine Trust funds held by the
town on the library's behalf. All have restrictions with intent and specify that only
interest can be expended. Other funds that are gifts and donations do not have the
same restrictions. The funds in the revolving account are small donations commingled
with fines and fees and the amount can be carried forward to the following year.
IV. Strategic Planner Selection
Ms. Yablonsky asked for general comments and feedback on the responses to the RFS
for the strategic planner. Each trustee had been given a full set of responses to read
ahead of time. Trustees offered comments on all submissions and came to consensus
on two finalists. The board asked Ms. Urell to check references and make a choice
between the finalists as soon as possible so that a consultant could be retained to begin
work during the summer in order to have a new plan mapped prior to November Town
Meeting and budget preparation for FY17.
V. Foundation Report (John Brzezenski)
Foundation is receptive to holding temporarily restricted funds raised for the building.
Trusts for the library will continue to be handled by the Town and any new trusts that
might be offered would require approval from Town Meeting. Ms. Urell asked that a
trustee follow up with two specific donors who have approached her regarding
donations for the building.
Mr. Hutchinson asked about any encumbered gifts from the original building, such as
room dedications that should be addressed before new structures are put in place. He
further recommended that the library create a memorial plaque to remember gifts from
the old building.
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Ms. Urell presented a draft proposal for gifts related to library building renovation. This
three phase proposal includes room naming levels, directed gifts requirements, and a
furnishings and equipment wish list. Trustees discussed how to refine this list and then
next steps. Ms. Urell will provide more details and descriptions for the list.
VI. Building Update (David Hutchinson)
Mr. Hutchinson reported that the project is moving along. The biggest issue at present is
the poor condition of the porte cochere. The structure was more deteriorated than
expected and found to be supported by rubble and not secure footings or a foundation.
The Library Building Committee voted 5 to 1 to use reserve funds to restore and expand
the porte cochere as planned. Ms. Urell has followed up with the Historical
Commission who was concerned about historic preservation. The Historical
Commission will discuss the issue at its May 19 meeting.
There will be community information meeting at 80 General Way on Wednesday, May
20 about the building project.
VII. Adjournment
Motion to Adjourn at 9:28 p.m. (Alice Collins / David Hutchinson)
Vote: Unanimous
Respectfully Submitted,
Alice Collins
Secretary
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