HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-06-15 Board of Library Trustees MinutesFq
Town of Reading
A b Meeting Minutes
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Board of Library Trustees
Date: 2015 -06 -15 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Public Library Location:
Address: 80 General Way
Purpose: General Business Session:
Attendees: Members - Present:
RECEIVED
TOWN CLERK
,READING, 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:
Brenda Wettergreen, Children's Services Librarian; Ruth Urell, Library
Director; Amy Lannon, Assistant Library Director
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Alice Collins, Secretary
Topics of Discussion:
Call to Order: 7:09
II. Approval of Minutes from May 18, 2015
Motion to approve minutes as amended (David Hutchinson/ Alice Collins)
Vote: Unanimous
III. Financial Report (Ms. Urell)
The library is spending down the budget in anticipation of the year end close. Ms. Urell
reported that three staff members will be attending the American Library Association's
Annual Conference in late June. Also, pending approval by the Selectmen, the annual
COLA for staff will be increased from 1% to 1.5 %. In a related matter, the new
Administrative Services Director will be reviewing the Pay and Class study results and
make recommendations regarding the additional step changes.
IV. Friends Report (Ms. Urell)
The Friends had their annual meeting and will be continuing with their co- presidents.
There is a new treasurer and assistant treasurer, as well as a new membership chair.
The overall membership levels are on the increase. The Friends are planning for the
House Tour in 2016. The Library and Friends continue to work together on an adjusted
budget.
V. Foundation Report (Mr. Brzezenski) The Foundation had their monthly meeting and they
have quiet summer planned with more activities ramping up in the fall.
VI. Building Update (Mr. Hutchinson)
Mr. Hutchinson reported that the last Library Building Committee meeting included a
discussion of porte cochere. The Committee also discussed the furniture budget which
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was approved. The goal was to sign the service amendment with the architects in order
to move forward with the design and purchase of the furniture and shelving.
Ms. Urell updated the Trustees on the status of the Automated Materials Handling
System. The Town procurement officer, Jane Kinsella, has been in communication with
three companies listed with the MHEC contract. Selecting one of these three vendors
would not require a full RFP per ch.149 B. If none of the three vendors meet the
requirement, the town will move forward with the formal procurement process.
Additionally, Library staff have been working to develop scope of work for a RFS related
to technology design package. The installation of technology will have to be taken on by
another vendor. The technology package will include VOIP phones, all AV and all public
computing equipment.
Ms. Urell opened discussion about options for a donor recognition board as part of the
signage design. CBT will work with a subcontractor for a design bid for this project.
VII. Director's Report
Summer Reading Plans and Services Update (Brenda Wettergreen)
Ms. Wettergreen gave an update on the annual Summer Reading Program "Every Hero
has a Story" for ages birth through grade six. This year's incentives are a free book and
children will also be able to select a bookplate dedication for their favorite book. All
activities and incentives are part of a statewide reading program and designed to
develop and encourage literacy skills. The last week of the program includes a visit from
"Heroes Unlimited ", a traveling troupe of players from California who will give a series of
brief plays centered on well -known heroes. The librarians have worked hard to schedule
lots of traditional and new programs during their off the desk time.
Ms. Urell presented a proposal from Ms. Corinne Fisher, Head of Children's Services.
Ms. Fisher asked the Trustees to consider granting permission to allow the children's
room to collect for Troop Support for one or two weeks during the summer reading
program. Trustees had no objection as this would be part of the program for a specific
period of time.
Policies Revisions Process - Tabled until August.
Gifts
The library continues to receive ongoing donations in memory of a longtime patron.
Staff Update
Ashley Waring, Children's Services Librarian, has been appointed to the Caldecott
Committee. Also, Rachel Baumgartner was credited for her assistance as the Local
History Librarian at Reading Public Library in the recently published book "One Murder
Too Many ". Ms. Baumgartner and Ms. Lorraine Barry are also working on a NEH grant
related to digitization of local history materials. Finally, Michelle Filleul, Head of
Circulations Services recently received the "Paralibrarian Advocate of the Year" award
by the Massachusetts Library Association.
Planning
After checking references and some further discussion, Ms. Urell has moved forward
with a strategic planning contract with Anderson and Gray. Ms. Urell reviewed the most
recent terms of the contract which include an extensive survey. Anderson and Gray
anticipate completing the process by November 2015. Ms. Urell also recommended
including a marketing and branding element to the strategic planning contract.
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VIII. Trustees New Business
Officers Reorganization (Ms. Yablonsky)
Motion to re -elect Vicki Yablonsky, John Brzezenski and Alice Collins in existing officer
positions (David Hutchinson /Alice Collins)
Vote: Unanimous
Approve 2015 -2016 Meetinq Dates
Based on Trustees' availability there will be no meeting in July 2015. The August
meeting will be August 10. Other meeting dates are acceptable.
IX. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn 8:33 p.m. (Alice Collins / David Hutchinson)
Vote: Unanimous
Respectfully Submitted,
% Alice Collins
Secretary
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