HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-08 Board of Library Trustees MinutesMinutes of the Board of Library Trustees Meeting Monday, February 8, 2010 P', ED ~ TO E-R,K" RI DING, 'I' SS. Attending: David Hutchinson, Chair; Vicki Yablonsky; Cherrie Dubois; Karyn StortgUOR 1 b P 11 41 Curtis; Jeff Doucette; Marsie West, Finance Committee; Betty Davidson, Library Volunteer; Nathan Strack, Boy Scout Troup 728; Lorraine Barry, Head of Reference; Amy Lannon, Reference Librarian; Dorota Socha, Assistant Director; Ruth Urell, Director Trustees and guests participated in an Appreciation ceremony for library volunteer Betty Davidson. Betty has volunteered for the Reading Public Library for 17 years indexing the Daily Times Chronicle. Betty received a plaque, and cake and coffee were served to celebrate. Boy Scout Nathan Strack observed the Trustee meeting Meeting called to order 7:15pm Reference Librarian Amy Lannon made a presentation of the new RPL web site, with information about email; RSS feeds; Share/Save feature; live chat, etc. Minutes approved unanimously (Curtis/Storti) Financial Report (R. Urell) • Detail budget salary information confirmed, accurate Statistical Report (R. Urell) • Review of statistics • Adult circulation increase continues to show steady growth; Children's circulation slight increase; total circulation shows substantial annual increase (approx 10%) Foundation (D. Curtis) • Appeal brought in approximately $23,000. There were fewer donors, but the average gift amount was higher than in the past. Friends (C. Dubois) • Eight houses have been committed for the House Tour • Waiting for additional ads (deadline was 2/5) • House Tour is the 1st Sunday in May (5/2/2010) Director's Report (R. Urell) • Review of State Aid information; Reading Public Library photograph featured in the hand out from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) • Children's room shelving: Vendors has measured for replacement/repair shelves, with steel based supports. Facilities will put blocking in the walls. Payment considerations: Town Manager will pay $3000 from reserve account; Library asked to pay balance of approximately $2500. Trustees question why library is expected to pay for unbudgeted capital expense - is that a Facilities responsibility? Where should funds come from? Building Evaluation and Recommendation Report • Review of Chairman's draft letter to define purpose of the Community Library Improvement Committee (CLIC) • Trustees authorize Director to submit a warrant article for April Town Meeting to Selectmen at 2/9 meeting • The State announced a new round of funding for library construction. Timeline to meet submission deadline: Warrant article on April Town Meeting to fund a feasibility study/schematic design (required to submit an application to the State) Vicki and Ruth will attend State information session for building projects Hire a consultant to write the building program If money available July 1, hire architect to do feasibility study/schematic design October 5, 2010 deadline to submit "intent to build" letter to MBLC January 27, 2011 deadline to submit application for State Aid construction funds Trustee Items • State budget figures for Town of Reading increased from original forecast; Town Manager's recommended library budget would add additional. $9000 to book budget (15%) • Financial Forum Wednesday 2/10, Senior Center • Thanks to Dorota for lovely photographs of Trustees • Review of facility rental rates and fees of town meeting space • Allison Sloan was selected as Library Journal Paraprofessional of the Year, and will be featured in the March 1 st issue. Adjourn The motion to adjourn was made 8:56pm (Doucette/Dubois) Next meeting: Monday, March 15, 2010, Conference Room, Reading Public Library Respectfully submitted, t5v~ J Allison Sloan DaSilva Recording Secretary Senior Library Associate