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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-12-12 Board of Library Trustees Minutes- r Board of Library Trustees Meeting December 12, 2005 F Attending: Vicki Yablonsky, chair; Bill Anthony, Suzy Axelson; Karen Brown; David uto lei n; Karyn Storti; Ruth Urell, Library Director; Elizabeth Dickinson, Assistant Director. The meeting was called to order by Ms.Yablonsky at 7:00 p.m. Minutes of the meeting of November 15, 2005 were approved. Financial Report • Ms. Urell made no specific comments as all accounts are on track and there were no unusual expenditures. 1I/ • It was noted that the $10,000 gift recently announced by the Reading Public Library Foundation has not yet shown up in the donation account. Statistical Report • Circulation statistics remain at the same level as the previous month. • Ms. Urell noted that she is paying particular attention to the circulation of non-print formats with the intention of funding these formats at a higher level in the future. • Ms. Urell also noted that there had been 75 reservations for museum passes in the month of November, indicating a very strong interest in the pass program. • The new database statistics form was distributed. As this is a new report, comparisons are not yet possible. Ms Urell will invite Lorraine Barry, Head of the Reference Department, to a future meeting to explain how the statistics were derived and to answer questions from the Board about the databases. Friends Report Ms. Axelson reported on the fundraising efforts and activities of the Friends of the Library: • The annual membership drive is underway, and renewals are coming in. • Holiday Book Store has been set up and is doing well • Planning for the Spring House Tour is going very well: five families have already agreed to participate. • Author Anita Diamant will present a program, sponsored by the Friends, in conjunction with this year's Open House. The program will take place Sunday, March 5 at 2:00 p.m. Foundation Report Mr. Anthony reported on his attendance at the most recent Foundation meeting • A summary of the expenses and income from the Tracy Kidder event was distributed. Total profit, including donations from Verizon and the Nigro Family, was $4, 015.00. • Annual mailing has raised approximately $10, 650 so far. • New officers were elected as follows: President: Bruce Austin Vice-President: Neil Cohen; Treasurer: Amy Comondouros • A discussion was held regarding various ideas for future fund raising. Several suggestions were made including the possibility of having a wine and cheese event. Director's Report Grants Ms. Urell outlined two grant proposals which she has submitted for consideration to the Mass Board of Library Commissioners. • In the area of customer service, the Library intends to request $10,000 to fund a program to publicize the reference databases. • The Library has also informed the MBLC of its intent to request $7, 500 to fund a community reading program. This program would pair readers in Reading with readers in India for book discussions via teleconferencing equipment. • In conjunction with the Wakefield Library, Ms. Urell has applied for a $500 professional development grant. This grant would provide funds for staff training on the topic of "sensitive and difficult communications." • Ms. Urell is exploring the possibilities for funding a digital scanning project. This project would use the scanning equipment owned by the NOBLE network, and would involve one or more volunteers, supervised by the local history librarian. Carpeting • Ms. Urell passed out a summary of the quotes that she had received from each of the three carpeting companies. All of the estimates were higher than expected. • After some discussion, it appeared that there was consensus to use the available money to carpet the stairways. • Ms. Urell then passed out the Town's building maintenance capital plan which was obtained from Mary DeLai • It was unclear from looking over this plan, whether or not there was additional money that might be applied toward the carpeting. • It was agreed not to make any decision on the carpeting until the whole issue of the capital budget could be discussed with Town.Manager Peter Hechenbleikner. • It was also agreed that it would be helpful to invite Selectman Ben Tafoya to a future meeting to provide more information about the capital plan and how capital projects are funded. • A meeting has been requested with the Town Manager to discuss this issue as well as the 07 budget. Ms Yablonsky, Ms. Storti and David Hutchinson will be attending this meeting. Budget FY07 • Ms. Urell distributed copies of the FY07 budget and an updated budget narrative. • She also pointed out that our current state aid allocation is less than it was in 2002. She is concerned that the MBLC is not putting a high priority on increasing state aid. Suggestions were made as to how the Trustees could help to bring greater attention to this issue. Handouts • Explanation of the formula for determining the Municipal Appropriations Requirement- • FY07 Action Plan • Reports from staff members who attended the Massachusetts Library Association Conference • Report on the circulation of materials purchased with funds from the Community Languages Grant • Notes from a workshop Ms.Urell attended on "Crime Prevention in Your Library" Trustee Items • Mr. Hutchinson reported that he has been in contact with Michelle Williams, who is the liaison from the Finance Committee to the Library. They are hoping to set up a meeting soon. • The By Laws Committee report was postponed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 on a motion by Ms. Storti, seconded by Ms. Axelson. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held Monday, January 9, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth S. Dickinson Assistant Director