HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-11-14 Board of Library Trustees MinutesBoard of Library Trustees Meeting
November 14 2005
i
Attending: Vicki Yablonsky, chair; Bill Anthony, Suzy Axelson; David Hutchinson; Karyr Stotts; ' D A J.
Ruth Urell, Library Director; Elizabeth Dickinson, Assistant Director.
tU ~ lsvt 3 P 3: i7
The meeting was called to order by Ms.Yablonsky at 7:25 p.m.
Minutes of the meeting of October 17, 2005 were approved.
Financial Report
• Both the personnel budget and the materials budget are on target, with approximately 33% of
appropriation expended.
• Periodicals expenditures appear high, but this is due to an annual (one time) payment to
wholesaler.
• LSTA grant money has been completely expended, as required by October 1. Ms. Urell praised
reference librarian, Amy Lannon, for doing an outstanding job in administering the LSTA project.
Friends Report
Ms. Axelson reported on her attendance at the most recent meeting of the Friends of the Library.
Again this year, the Friends will sponsor the Holiday Book Sale as a fundraiser. Other fund raising
ideas for the future include the Annual House Tour and possibly a spring fashion show. The Friends'
annual membership drive is going on during the month of November.
Ms. Axelson also reported that three crab apple trees will be planted in the spring in memory of Bruce
Hitchcock, who was a member of the Friends for many years. The trees will be planted beside the
driveway.
Director's Report
Ms. Urell provided a wrap-up of the Community Languages Grant, and also reported on staff
participation in the New England Library Association's annual conference. She updated the Board on
the Library's efforts to improve fire safety. These efforts serve as follow up to a presentation made by
Lt. Peter Marchetti of the Reading Fire Department at the most recent all-staff meeting. In response
to a question from a board member, Ms. Urell assured the Board that all fire safety equipment,
including sprinklers, is checked annually. Ms. Urell has received two quotes so far for the replacement
of carpeting on the second floor and in the basement. Both quotes are higher than expected.
Foundation Report
Ms. Urell reported on the most recent meeting of the Reading Public Library Foundation. The
following items were discussed at the meeting:
• Plans for their upcoming fundraiser, "An Evening with Tracy Kidder"
• Update on the Foundation's annual mailing.
• Review of the Foundation's portfolio by Nelson Burbank
µ Budget FY07
Ms. Urell reviewed the proposed budget and noted the following points:
• The proposed budget requests the Town to fully fund the 15% minimum for materials that is
required by the MBLC.
• Increase in the personnel line is due an increase in hours for the technology librarian
• Increase in NOBLE costs are related to an increase in the number of computers and the addition of
another "log in."
• Travel budget is higher due to increase in the rate per mile reimbursement, which has been
- increased by the Town to reflect the higher cost of gas; the professional development budget is
level funded.
Ms. Yablonsky will call the Town Manager to request a meeting to discuss the budget. Karyn Storti,
Vice Chair, and David Hutchinson, liaison to the Finance Committee, will also attend the meeting.
Trustee Items
Mr. Hutchinson reported that he is working on "cleaning up" the Board's bylaws and is checking
citations to statutes.
It was noted that the Town is currently working on its own Master Plan. Ms. Urell suggested inviting
a representative from this group to an upcoming board meeting to discuss with the Library Board the
educational and cultural life of the community.
Ms Dickinson was presented with a gift and card of thanks for serving as Acting Director while the
search for a new Director was being conducted.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. The next meeting will be held on December 12, 2005 at 7:00
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth S. Dickinson
Assistant Director
f
gC