HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-06-19 Board of Library Trustees MinutesBoard of Library Trustees
Minutes of Meeting - June 19, 2006
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Present: Karyn Storti, Chair; Karen Brown; David Hutchinson; Vicki Yablonsky. Ruth Urell, Library
Director; Elizabeth Dickinson, Assistant Director.
Minutes
The minutes for the May 15 meeting were accepted by unanimous vote.
Presentations on Summer Reading Programs:
"Get a Clue @ the Library" Corinne Fisher, Head of Children's Services
Ms. Fisher explained that this year's Children's Summer Reading Program is based on the popular board game,
Clue. In the Library's version, Chumley, the library gerbil, has been kidnapped, and a number of library staff
members are suspects. Children will receive clues to the identity of the "perpetrator" as they read throughout the
summer. (Chumley will be returned at the end of summer party)
Activities for the summer reading program are inspired by both the mystery theme and the idea of "games." On
the "games" side, activities will include weekly family game nights, chess workshops, a field trip to a computer
game company, and a visit from an artist who creates graphics for computer games. On the "mystery" side,
there will be a magic show, an opportunity for children to create their own alias, a writing contest that features
mystery stories, and of course the opportunity to find Reado. This year, as in the past, children can bring in a tee
shirt and have it imprinted with the special summer reading logo. Many other exciting activities are planned
including a performance by nationally known musician, Steve Songs.
In addition to earning "clues," children will also earn dollars that will go toward rebuilding the libraries of New
Orleans. The Friends of the Library will donate dollars to the rebuilding effort for each hour that a child reads.
Playing by the Book: Kathy Miksis, Promotional Services Librarian
Ms. Miksis introduced "Paige" and "Mark" the mascots for the Adult Summer Reading Program. Adults
participating in the program are invited to fill out a form for each book that they read this summer. The form
includes the name and author of each book, and the reader's name and phone number. Entry forms are
submitted at the "My Gools 1-2-3 Booth" beside the reference desk. At the end of the summer, there will be a
drawing for the grand prize.
Financial Report
Ms Urell reported that the all accounts in the municipal budget except salaries have been zeroed out as we are
now approaching the end of the fiscal year. Remaining bills will be paid out of donations and /or state aid.
Statistical Report
Circulation continues to be very consistent. The Library was open two more days in 06 than we were in 05.
Liaison Reports:
Friends of the Library Report:
Ms. Axelson was not present, so Ms. Urell gave a brief review of recent activities:
• The Annual Meeting honored outgoing President Lynn O'Brien, for her contribution to the Friends.
• Ms. Urell, Ms. Dickinson, outgoing treasurer Kathy Vaccaro, and incoming treasurer Beth Klepeis, met to
review the Friends' budget for the upcoming year..
• Jackie Storti who was named the Assistant Treasurer, will be working with Ms. Klepeis.
• The House Tour, which was held in May, made a profit of over $1200.
Reading Public Library Foundation Report
Mr. Anthony was not present, so Ms. Dickinson gave a. brief summary of the meeting:
• Mr. Burbank reviewed the investment portfolio of the Foundation.
• Mr. William J. Hecht was nominated to be a member of the Board of Directors, and was unanimously
approved.
• Mr. Austin, Mr. Brzezenski, and Mr. Cohen will meet over the summer to discuss long-range planning.
Director's Report
• Ms Urell announced that the Library has hired a new part-time librarian in the Children's Room. Ashley
Waring will begin work on June 28, and will work approximately nine hours per week.
• Ms. Urell provided an update on several building maintenance issues:
o Painting has begun in the stairwells in anticipation of the new carpeting being installed.
o The wall which sustained water damage in the basement has been sealed. The Town's insurance
company has agreed to pay for the repair of the wall and replacement of the carpeting.
o Ms. Urell has obtained three estimates on the cost of removing the books and shelving from the
affected area.
o $20,000 has been allocated to Facilities for the next fiscal year to repair the turret roofs.
o The air conditioning is on, but only two out of 4 chillers are currently working.
• Ms. Urell passed out invitations to the Wednesday evening reopening celebration which will be held on
June 28. The ribbon cutting will take place at 6:00 p.m.
• Ms.Urell announced a donation in memory of Mary Komidar will be accepted by the RPL Foundation.
• A new bench has been installed on the front lawn, which is a gift from the Chappell family in memory of
Dorothy Stratton Williams. Ms. Urell will contact the family about arranging a small ceremony at the
Library.
By Laws Committee
Mr. Hutchinson announced that there was no report this month from the bylaws committee.
Trustee Items
Ms. Urell updated the Trustees on the status of the Long Range Planning Process. She has contacted the Board
of Library Commissioners and has asked them for names of people who have experience with building issues.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. The next meeting of the Board will be Monday, July 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Dickinson
Assistant Director