HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-04-10 Board of Library Trustees MinutesReading Public Library Board of Library Trustees
Minutes of Meeting -April 10, 2005
Present: Vicki.Yablonsky, Chair; Bill Anthony; Suzy Axelson; David Hutchinson; Karyn Storti.
Ruth Urell, Director; Elizabeth Dickinson, Assistant Director. Also attending the meeting: Susan.Beauregard, Young
Adult Librarian.
Ms. Yablonsky called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m., and welcomed new Trustee, David Hutchinson.
Minutes of the March 21st meeting were approved.
Presentation by Susan Beauregard: Young Adult Author Visit
Ms. Beauregard gave a brief presentation on this year's Young Adult Author Visit. The event will take place on April
28 and 29, and will feature author Maria Testa. Ms.Testa is a poet as well as the author of novels, and has written
award-winning books for both children and young adults. Her visit is a collaborative project between the library and
the middle schools. Ms. Testa will present a large assembly program, writing workshops for each class, and a special
critique workshop for selected students. An evening program will be held at the Library on April 28 for members of
the public.
Election of Officers
The following Trustee officers were elected by unanimous vote:
Chair: Vicki Yablonsky; Vice-Chair: Karyn Storti
Financial report:
All accounts are on track for the time of year.
Statistical Report
Circulation is down very slightly from the same month last year.
Director's Report
• Andrea Mercado has been selected as the new reference librarian. She will work 12 hours per week, and will
take over responsibility for the Library's computer classes. Local resident Eileen Barrett has been hired as a
" fill-in" librarian for the Reference Department.
• Mary Ellen Downey of the Circulation Department has requested a medical leave of absence: She expects to
be out of work for up to twelve months due to spinal fusion surgery.
• Elizabeth Dickinson met with Peter Hechenbleikner and Personnel Administrator Carol Roberts to discuss the
reclassification of three positions: Division Head: Circulation; Division Head: Children's Services, and
Technical Secretary. Final decision on these requests for reclassification will be made by the Board of
Selectmen at their May meeting.
• The Library's Open House was proclaimed a huge success with an appearance by bestselling author Tom
Perrotta, special programs for children and young adults, musical performances by community groups,
refreshments, door prizes, and an opportunity for the public to "meet and greet" our new Director.
• Progress has been made in obtaining books and AV materials for our Community Languages grant. Project
Manager Amy Lannon has completed the first required report to the MBLC.
• New equipment was purchased with $10,000 in capital funds. The new items include ten new computers, two
laser printers, and ten jump drives. A new color printer for the business center was also purchased, using
money from donations.
Update on Library Legislative Day
Ms. Urell spoke about attending Library Legislative Day in Boston, and provided information to the Trustees on the
Library Legislative Agenda.
Update on Teen Issues
Three middle school students have received letters stating that they will not be allowed in the Library for a period of
six weeks. These students have created many problems, and have been asked to leave the library on many occasions.
Staff Day
Staff Day will be held on Friday, May 20 at the Museum of Our National Heritage in Lexington. This annual in-service
day is funded by the Friends of the Library.
Massachusetts Library Association Conference
Many members of the Library staff will be attending the MLA Annual Conference in Falmouth on May 9-11
The preceding three items above were noted, but not discussed in detail due to the lateness of the hour. Ms. Urell and
Ms. Dickinson were then excused, and the Trustees spent the remainder of the meeting completing Ms. Dickinson's
performance evaluation as Acting Director
The next meeting will be on Monday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Dickinson J
Assistant Director