HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-07-16 Board of Library Trustees MinutesMinutes of the Board of Library Trustees Meeting
July 16, 2007
V 0. vv'N CLERK
RE.ADI G, MASS.
Ms. Storti called the meeting to order. p Z; S
Attending: Karyn Storti, chair; Suzy Axelson; Dick Curtis; Cherrie Dubois; David H~~#~1~chEon`, ~iclci
Yablonsky.
Also attending: Ruth Urell, Library Director; Elizabeth Dickinson, Assistant Director.
Minutes
Minutes of the June 18 meeting were approved; as amended.
Financial Report
• A request was submitted to the selectmen to transfer $16, 000 to the book budget. The
transfer from personnel was possible because of unfilled page positions and Saturday and
evening shifts that were picked up by full-time personnel. This request was approved by
the Selectmen, contingent on the approval of the Finance Committee.
• Ms.Urell announced that in FY08 the acquisitions budget will be distributed by sub-
category.
Statistical Report
Ms. Urell distributed year to date (eleven months) circulation reports. Among the items
discussed, she noted the following:
• Circulation is highest in August, and lowest in December
• Fiction accounts for 21 % of adult circulation; non-fiction: 19%
Friends Report: Ms. Axelson
There is no Friends report this month as the Friends do not meet in the summer.
Foundation Report: Mr. Curtis
• Mr. Curtis confirmed that the Foundation will hold a donor appreciation event on Friday
evening, October 12.
• There were no other items to report as the Foundation also does not meet in the summer.
Director's Report
Volunteer Recognition
• Ms. Urell distributed an article about the volunteer recognition award given by the Board of
Trustees at the Forbes Library in Northampton. This award recognizes the contributions of
long term volunteers.
• Ms. Urell inquired whether Reading Trustees would be interested in hosting a similar type
of recognition event?
• Suzy Axelson and Cherrie Dubois volunteered to be on a committee to plan a program to
honor Reading's volunteers.
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Long Range Survey
• Ms. Urell reported that 1800 copies of the long range planning survey had been distributed,
and about 20% have been returned.
• The survey findings are expected to be available in August.
Landscaping
• The Garden Club and the Department of Public Works will work together on the removal of
the current plantings.
• A suggestion was made that the Garden Club consider applying to the Cultural Council for
funding to purchase new flowers and shrubs.
Building Maintenance
• The Children's Room ceiling will be painted this week and the banners will be dry-cleaned.
• The window replacement project is progressing. The Facilities Department is getting
estimates on both replacement and repair of the current windows.
• Carpet tiles have been selected to replace the Meeting Room carpeting, and installation has
been scheduled.
• Going forward, the Library will be responsible for advocating for money for the upkeep and
replacement of the public computers within the capital budget; there is currently no funding
for this within the Library's operating budget.
■ Future technology needs include the purchase of a dedicated server which will
allow for file sharing, and computer upgrades.
■ Appropriate technology is also required to implement "roving reference-
service."
Status of the Saugus Public Library
• Saugus has reopened, but with reduced hours.
• They are still decertified, however, due to failure to meet certification requirements.
• Reading Public Library and most other Noble libraries will not serve Saugus patrons as
long as the library remains decertified.
Trustee Items
• Mr. Hutchinson pointed out the need for Reading's Selectmen and Finance Committee to
understand how the situation in Saugus affects the Reading Public Library. Ms. Axelson
suggested sending a letter to the Selectmen, Town Manager, and Finance Committee,
accompanied by an article from the local newspaper, explaining the difficult situation in
regards to the Saugus Public Library.
• There will be no Trustees meeting in August.
A motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Dubois, seconded by Ms. Axelson. Ms. Storti then adjourned
the meeting. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, September 17, at 7:00
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth S. Dickinson, Assistant Director