HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-13 Board of Library Trustees Minutesj"
I; I Bo#d of Library Trustees Meeting
't S February 13, 2006
Attending: Trustees: Vicki Ya -lonsky, chair; Karen Brown, David Hutchinson, Karyn Storti, Suzy
Axelson. Ruth Urell, Library Director; Elizabeth Dickinson, Assistant Director.
Guest: Lorraine Barry, Head of Information Services
The meeting was called to order by Ms.Yablonsky at 7:00 p.m. Minutes of January 9th meeting were
unanimously approved. Ms. Yablonsky distributed minutes from the budget sub-committee meeting.
Presentation by Lorraine Barry
Ms. Barry reported on database usage. She explained the types of statistics that are available, and how
they are derived. She outlined her plans for promoting database usage. She is preparing a grant for
submission to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners for funding to support staff and public
training in the use of the databases. During the week prior to our Annual Open House, the reference
department will present a number of special database trainings, including a workshop for Reading
teachers. She is hoping to arrange this so that the teachers can receive professional development points for
their attendance.
Financial Report
Ms. Urell noted that new State Aid has been received. All accounts are on track, and there were no
unusual expenditures this month.
Statistical Report
The circulation statistics for the current month match almost exactly the statistics for the same time period
last year. Ms. Urell suggested that the circulation appears to have reached a plateau, under the current
schedule of open hours. This led to a discussion of the number of patrons not served because of early
closing on Wednesdays. Ms. Urell reported that an average of 250 people visit the Library between 5:00
and 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. It is assumed that a similar number would visit the
Library, if it were open on Wednesday evenings.
Friends Report:
Ms. Axelson reported on her attendance at the Friends of the Library most recent meeting:
• The Friends have purchased an original painting of the Library. The painting is by local artist
Jeff Caturano of Wakefield. Jeff is associated with the Center for Emerging Artists, an
organization devoted to recognizing and nurturing the creative talents of people with
disabilities. The painting has been hung in the Reference area.
• The responsibilities of the Friends' Treasurer's position have been divided in order to provide
greater oversight and security.
• Plans for the Annual House Tour are underway. The Friends have commitments from eight
families who are willing to have their homes featured on the tour. The House Tour will take
place on May 21.
• The Friends will sponsor the Library's Fifth Annual Open House as they have in the past.
They will have a table at Open House and will provide special "Chocolate Moose"
bookplates to people making a $5.00 contribution. They will also hold a special sale in the
Used Book Room.
• The Friends voted to provide funding to pay for the special programs scheduled for Open
House and for the upcoming program featuring author Anita Diamant.
Foundation Report:
Mr. Anthony was not present to report on the Foundation meeting. Ms. Dickinson, who also attended the
Foundation meeting, mentioned that there was discussion of having the Foundation featured on "Reading
at Large," a cable program hosted by Foundation director, Dick Curtis. In addition, the Foundation
members discussed the possibility of having an art show that would serve as a fundraiser for the
organization.
Director's Report
• Ms. Urell noted that over $1200 had been received in memory of Bill McLaughlin. The
Library has also received donations in memory of Library volunteer, Claire Friedman, and
former staff member, Sally McDonald.
• Ms. Urell invited the Trustees to participate in our upcoming Open House. During the event,
the Trustees will be conducting a survey on audiovisual formats.
• Ms. Urell reported on an all staff meeting held on February 9. Will Brown from the
Employee Assistance Program discussed strategies for handling difficult patrons and
sensitive situations. Plans for Staff Day were also presented.
• Ms. Urell reviewed the recent Town Department Heads' Retreat. She is working with other
Town Department Heads on the goals of town government.
• The reference department will add anew service soon: for a donation of $1.00 per page, the
public may use the Library fax to send outgoing fax messages.
Carpeting/ Capital Expenditures
Ms. Urell informed the Board that there was $10,000 available for carpeting. A motion was made,
seconded, and passed unanimously to use this money to provide new carpet for the stairways.
Mr. Hutchinson raised questions regarding the process by which the Library's capital needs are funded.
A discussion was held on this topic with a final decision that Mr. Hutchinson would discuss the issue with
Michele Williams (Finance Committee's liaison to the Library).
Budget
Trustees were encouraged to attend the Finance Committee's meeting on March 1. Ms. Urell and Ms.
Yablonsky will prepare a presentation for this meeting.
A motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Storti and seconded by Ms. Axelson. Ms.Yablonsky then
adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held on March 20,
2006 at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth S. Dickinson, Assistant Director