HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-03-17 Board of Library Trustees Minutesv
Minutes of the Board of Library Trustees Meeting
Monday, March 17, 2008_
Attending: Karyn Storti, Chair; Suzy Axelson; Dick Curtis; Cherrie Dubois; V f6 k,4ljgn4 5 c
Ruth Urell, Library Director; Elizabeth Dickinson, Assistant Director. Nancy Aberman, Librarian
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Ms. Storti called the meeting to order. The minutes of the February meeting were approved; all in avor.
Equal Access Institute Report
Ms. Dickinson and Ms. Aberman reported on their (LSTA) Equal Access grant and their attendance at the
Lifelong Access Libraries Leadership Institute at the University of North Carolina. They highlighted these
main components of their training: trends and issues in aging, brain research, lifelong learning, civic
engagement, space planning, technology, community partnerships, appropriate collection development,
and programming. They also discussed how these factors have influenced their work with the Livewires
program, and the implications of what they learned for the future of the Library in general.
Financial Report
• New chairs have been purchased through funds from the donations account. Several members of
the Board commented that the new chairs are very attractive and comfortable.
Statistical Report
• Circulation is up again this month.
• Ms. Urell noted that our adult book circulation is very closely divided between non-fiction and
fiction. This might be explained by examining patrons' borrowing patterns: One explanation is
that more patrons borrow fiction, but these people borrow fewer titles. A smaller number of people
may be borrowing non-fiction, but are taking out a larger number of titles. This has implications
for space planning.
Ms. Urell will investigate whether it is possible to get more detailed statistics from NOBLE which
would, show for example, how many people borrowed fiction vs. how many people borrowed
non-fiction for a given time period. Ms. Dubois also suggested that it would be interesting to
know whether people are taking out the new non-fiction or older non-fiction titles.
In response to a previous question, Ms. Urell explained the following terms on the Statistical
Report:
■ "sound" indicates music recordings
■ "unassigned" refers to items borrowed from other libraries that do not match up with our
assigned categories
Ms. Urell distributed a chart, prepared by Nancy Aberman, showing circulation statistics for the
Large Print collection. This collection has shown a steady increase in circulation over the last five
years, and as a result has received an increase in funding. However, space limitations remain as a
constraint on growth.
Friends Report: Ms. Axelson
• A membership sub-committee has been created and has been meeting regularly.
• Girls' Night Out, a fundraising event held on February 28, was a great success.
0 The Crate and Barrel Event has been cancelled.
• Ms. Urell met with the Friends sub-committee on March 14 to discuss a variety of issues,
including how to retain the support of businesses who have sponsored the House Tour in
the past.
Foundation Report: Mr. Curtis
• Mr. Curtis was not able to attend the most recent Foundation meeting, but did report on
their continuing efforts to establish charitable gift annuities as a vehicle for giving to the
Foundation. Two gift annuities have already been received, and two more are pending.
• Foundation members are planning to meet with local attorneys, as well as potential donors
to discuss the establishment of charitable gift annuities to benefit the Foundation.
Director's Report
Long Range Planning
• Ms. Yablonsky suggested that the Trustees set up a separate meeting to create a plan for
conducting the Long Range Planning process. It was decided that they would meet at 7:00
p.m. on Wednesday, April 9.
Building Report
• New windows have been installed in the workroom. Screens are scheduled for installation.
• Ms. Urell wrote a Request for Quotes for a building assessment and sent it to the following
four architectural firms: Gienapp Design Associates, Tappe Associates, Adams and Smith
Architects, and William G. Barry, Jr. Due date for quotes to be submitted is March 24. Ms.
Urell spoke with the Town Manager and Mary Delai in the Facilities Department prior to
sending.
Budget 09
• Ms. Yablonsky reported that Mr. Hutchinson spoke with Finance Director Bob LeLacheur
regarding additional state aid funds. The Library will not be receiving the additional $5,800
that was projected to be the Library's share.
• The Finance Committee will be meeting March 26 and March 27 to debate and discuss the 09
budget. Members of the Board are planning to attend these meetings. Corinne Fisher, Head of
Children's Services and Lorraine Barry, Head of Reference Services, also plan to attend.
Volunteer Appreciation Event: April 16
• Ms. Dubois reported that invitations have gone out to approximately 80 library volunteers.
• Key chains inscribed with the library "window" will be presented to the adult volunteers, and
library pen and pencil sets will be awarded to the Netguides at the event. Thank you gifts will
be distributed to those who are unable to attend, as well as to those attending.
Adjourn
Ms. Dubois made the motion to adjourn; all in favor. The next Board of Trustees meeting will take place
on Monday evening, April 14.
Respectfully submitted,.
Elizabeth S. Dickinson
Assistant Director