HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-23 Board of Library Trustees MinutesTown of Reading
Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Board of Library Trustees
Date: 2017-01-23
Building: Reading Public Library
Address: 64 Middlesex Avenue
Purpose: General Session
Attendees: Members - Present:
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Conference Room
Session:
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TOWN CLERK
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John Brzezenski, Chair; Cherrie Dubois, Vice Chair; Alice Collins, Secretary;
Andrew Grimes; David Hutchinson; Vicki Yablonsky
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Amy Lannon, Library Director
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Alice Collins
Topics of Discussion:
Meeting called to order 7:05 p.m.
1. Approval of Minutes:
Approval of Minutes from December 12, 2016 proposed. Three minor edits proposed and
edited. (Yablonsky/Dubois) Vote: Unanimous.
2. Financial Report:
Stipends have been awarded to Ashley Waring and Renee Smith. Kathryn Melesciuc has
been promoted to Sr. Admin Assistant. Senior Library Associates will receive a raise in April
2017. In the Circulation Department, a page will be hired and an associate position filled
due to the retirement of Maureen Conwell at the end of February.
We have received 1st half of Stated award in the amount of $16,205.99. This money will
be used to support the RFID and it�J'.rr�aintenance; marketing & communication and
professional development. �
Ergonomic issues at workstations have been addressed with improvements (keyboard trays
and new monitor stands) forthcoming.
Director Lannon proposed 3 options for Foundation monies:
1) $1,285 for piano tuning and installation of a damp chaser to be used for humidity control.
Motion to accept this action (Collins/Yablonsky) Vote: Unanimous.
2) $5,000 for "wrapping" of two brick columns in lower level lobby with wood paneling to
match that of the bench. This action was not voted on at this time.
3) $5,400 for three exterior light shades to provide uniformity in appearance and lighting.
Motion to accept this action, with a cap of $1,800/light structure (Grimes/Collins) Vote:
Unanimous
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A budget presentation was made last week focusing on the cost of operating on Sundays.
To maintain the library open 2-5 pm, October to May schedule, the cost is $31,500. A
proposal of running from October thru June, with hours of 1-5pm would require $51,000.
The restoration of Thursday morning hours would necessitate an additional $28-30,000.
This last option was NOT presented to the Town Manager. Alice Collins commended Amy
Lannon for her presentation which was "on task and provided historical background'2
3. Director's Report:
Ten applications have been received for the Assistant Director position. Four candidates will
be interviewed; one of the applicants is an in-house applicant. Jamie Penny and Lorraine
Barry comprise the search committee, in addition to Amy Lannon. During Corinne Fisher's
medical leave, Rachel Baumgartner has agreed to pick up extra shifts for coverage.
Amy Lannon provided brief overview of programs and services offered. For staff, a security
webinar was attended by six staff members and is available for staff through an archived
version.
The two -night Exam Cram for high schoolers studying for mid -terms was attended by 75-
100 students each night. This is a new resource supporting the academic/social/emotional
health of youth. Mystic Valley Elder Services made a presentation to staff of services they
provide. This is relevant as the library is a primary point of contact for a lot of our citizens.
Winter Warmers was a well-received program with approximately 70 people in attendance.
Other sponsored events for the past month are the Entrepreneurial Series in conjunction
with Crosslink.org, the Memory Cafe and a Story Walk.
The Local History room is now complete. There are a few millwork projects still to be
completed in the library: teen room banquettes, children's room turret, and the pre-school
area castle entrance. All construction contracts are to be complete before final $1 million to
be released. David Hutchinson asked about the timeline feasibility. Amy Lannon reported
that she has not received a firm end date commitment.
4. Policy Review:
The piano usage form is now more detailed; several edits were suggested and made. Motion
to accept the policy, as amended (Hutchison/Dubois) Vote: Unanimous. Laptop policy is for
the three Dell and two Chrome computers available for in-house use. The policy now
includes use by high school students. These are primarily used for overflow from the current
workstations. Motion to accept the policy (Coll ins/Du bols) Vote: Unanimous. [lice Collins -zr—.
made the motion to accept the policy, Ch$rie Dubois 2nd, all approve -a]
S. Other Business:
Amy and John Brzezenski collaborated on a set of 18 month library goals encompassing
financial, employee retention/development, donor gifts, creating a donor wall, programs and
budget. Cherie Dubois volunteered to assist with creating a photographic display with a
historical perspective of the town.
Meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm (Collins/Hutchinson)
Respectfully submitted,
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Alice Collins, Secretary
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