HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-10-16 Board of Library Trustees MinutesBoard of Library Trustees Meeting
October 16, 2006 '
Attending: Karyn Storti, chair; Bill Anthony; Suzy Axelson; Karen Bro@; David , u@hinso(i;e-licki
Yablonsky.
Ruth Urell, Library Director; Elizabeth Dickinson, Assistant Director.
Special Guests: Amy Lannon, Young Adult Librarian; Michelle Williams, Finance Committee Member
The meeting was called to order by Ms. Storti. Minutes of the September 18th meeting were unanimously
approved.
Presentation By Amy Lannon
Ms. Lannon provided details for the Board regarding the very successful summer reading program for young
adults. She also described the 6t' grade cookie tours which are going on now, and outlined upcoming
activities. Goals for this year include:
• Put more focus on working with the schools
• Reinforce student learning by having 8 h grade students re-visit the Library
• Plan more teen activities for vacation periods
• Provide readers advisory services for `tweens
Provide information to parents and teens on Internet safety
The Young Adult librarians have decided to disband the Teen Advisory Group which previously met once a
month. Librarians will use a variety of ways to obtain input from teens including publishing a teen
newsletter, putting graffiti paper on the wall in the Teen Spot, maintaining the teen blog, and having a
presence on My Space.
Ms. Lannon concluded her presentation by listing a number of items on the Young Adult Department's Wish
List including adding computers, increasing the budget for books and AV materials, instituting a standing
order for the graphic novels collection, and increasing display space.
Financial Report
All accounts are on track, and there were no unusual expenditures this month.
Statistical Report
Circulation is up 6.5% over September. Circulation in the Children's Department is up 11%. The total
number of items in the Library's collection is currently 127, 375.
Friends Report: Ms. Axelson
• There were many new faces and lots of enthusiasm at the Friends' first meeting of the year.
• The Friends have elected new officers. Lynne Freeman has agreed to be the new President.
• A program planning subgroup has been created, made up primarily of new members. This
group held a meeting the following week to brainstorm ideas for programs. There was discussion of
developing a travel series in honor of former Friend of the Library, Bill McLaughlin.
• The Friends will present authors Mameve Medwed and Elinor Lipman in a free program for
the public on Friday evening, November 3, at the Coolidge Middle School.
Foundation Report: Mr. Anthony
• Reading @Large, a locally produced television program, will film a segment on the Library
which will include information on the goals and activities of the Foundation.
• Five of the Foundation Directors accompanied Library Director Ruth Urell to a workshop
on "Conducting an Appeal" which was sponsored by the Massachusetts Board of Library
Commissioners.
• The Foundation's annual mailing will be sent out in November.
• A sub-group has been formed to look into the option of charitable gift annuities.
• The Foundation will use interest income from investments to enhance the Library's materials
budget.
Director's Report/ Budget
• Financial Forum will be held this week. Revenues will be known and will be announced at
this meeting.
• The Library's priorities for the 08 Budget include:
Restoration of four hours on Thursday mornings
Materials budget fully funded by the Town
Increase staffing by 12 hours per week in the Circulation Department
Replacement of worn out /damaged furniture
Expansion of services to teens
Teen Services Focus
Ms. Urell discussed the need for expanding library services to teens. Currently the Library does not have
sufficient coverage for after school hours. It was also noted that the Library can not accommodate the
number of teens who apply for the Volunteen program each year because of limited staffing.
By Laws Committee: Mr. Hutchinson
• It was noted that the by-laws require that the Board's slate of officers include a Secretary.
• Ms. Storti then nominated Ms. Yablonsky to be Secretary. The motion passed
unanimously.
• The Board agreed that the section of the bylaws pertaining to the timing of the election of
officers should be changed. A suggestion was made to change in the wording as follows:
Previously the new officers were elected "at" the June meeting.
The new wording would state that the new officers be elected "by" the June meeting.
• While the Trustees were reviewing their responsibilities, it was noted that the Director should be
provided with a written employment contract. Mr. Hutchinson will research further.
Trustee Items
• Ms. Storti suggested that the area next to the dumpster be designated as the "smoking area,"
but a final decision was not made.
• Trustees were reminded that next month's meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 14 as
Town Meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 13.
Ms. Storti then adjourned the meeting. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday,
November 14, 2006, at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Elizabeth S. Dickinson
Assistant Director