HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-10 Board of Library Trustees Minutes6 P^
Minutes of the Board of Library Trustees Meeting
April 10, 2006
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Attending: Vicki Yablonsky, chair; Suzy Axelson; David Hutchinson; Karyn Storti {
Elizabeth Dickinson, Assistant Director.
The meeting was called to order by Ms.Yablonsky at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Yablonsky congratulated Karyn Storti
and Suzy Axelson on their re-election to the Board.
New Officers
Ms.Yablonsky nominated Karyn Storti to be the new Board Chair, and Suzy Axelson to be the new Vice-
Chair. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hutchinson and passed unanimously. Ms. Storti then assumed
her role as Chair and presided over the remainder of the meeting.
Minutes
Mr. Hutchinson moved that the minutes of the meeting of March 20 meeting be approved. The motion
was seconded by Ms.Yablonsky and passed unanimously.
Financial Report
There were no comments on the financial report. All accounts are being expended on schedule.
Statistical Report
Circulation statistics continue to be very consistent, compared with statistics for the previous year.
Foundation Report
There was no Foundation Report as Mr. Anthony was not present.
Friends Report
Ms. Axelson did not attend the most recent Friends of the Library meeting because of a schedule conflict.
She did report, however, that Lynn O'Brien will be stepping down as President, and will be replaced by
Lynne Freeman.
Legislative Agenda
Ms. Dickinson passed out copies of the Legislative Agenda prepared by the Massachusetts Board of
Library Commissioners.
Director's Report
Staff Development Day
• Ms Dickinson reported on the plans for the Annual Staff Development Day which will be held on
April 28.
• This year's plans feature a bus trip to western Massachusetts with stops at the Eric Carle Museum
of Picture Book Art, The National Yiddish Book Center, the Jones Library in Amherst, and the
Emily Dickinson Museum. While at the Jones Library, the staff will enjoy a tour of the building,
as well as meet with their counterparts in each department.
Memorials and Donations:
• Three kwanzaan cherry trees will be planted along the driveway in memory of Bruce Hitchcock.
This memorial is funded by the Friends of the Library.
• A memorial bench has been placed on the front lawn in memory of Dorothy Stratton Williams.
The bench is the gift of the Chappell family. The library will hold a small ceremony for the
families of Mr. Hitchcock and Mrs. Stratton later in the spring.
• A memorial is also planned for former reference librarian, Sally McDonald. The reference
department is currently discussing ideas for a lasting tribute to Sally.
• Plans are in the works to purchase a permanent picnic table to be placed in a shady area of the
lawn. This will be funded by a donation from the Reading Junior Women's League.
Maintenance and Capital Update
Carpeting
• Quotes for carpeting stairs are due on April 7. Estimated amount needed is $10,000.
• The Town Manager has put $45,000 into the second tier capital plan for funding in the fall,
pending the approval of Town Meeting. If these funds are approved, plans will be made to carpet
the basement level, possibly in December 06 or January 07.
Painting
• Plans are underway to repaint the interior of the Library.
• We are in the process of choosing historically correct colors, with advice from both Rachel
Baumgartner, our Local History librarian, and the staff at the Purple Door.
Windows
- • Windows in the Workroom have received a temporary fix of a new paste-like glazing. This will
keep them safe until permanent repairs can be made, or replacements installed.
• The Facilities Manager has put $20,000 into the proposed capital plan for window repair and/or
replacement.
Roof Repairs
• Temporary repair is holding up at present.
• The Facilities Manager has requested an additional $20,000 to put new roofs on the turrets.
• The ceiling in the Children's Room, which is damaged, has also been placed on the roster for
repair.
Evaluation of Library Director
Ms. Yablonsky pointed out that the Library Director's annual performance review needs to be completed
by May 19. Ms. Urell's review will be included on the agenda for the May 15 meeting.
Report of the Bylaws Subcommittee
Mr. Hutchinson reported that the Subcommittee wishes to revisit the original questions.
Ms. Axelson made the motion to adjourn which was seconded by Mr. Hutchinson, and passed
unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. The next Board of Trustees meeting will take
place on Monday evening, May 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth S. Dickinson
Assistant Director