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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-03-21 Board of Library Trustees Minutesi, Board of Library Trustees Minutes of Meeting March 21, 2005 Present: Vicki Yablonsky, Chair; Bill Anthony; Suzy Axelson; Karyn Storti Elizabeth Dickinson, Acting Director; Corinne Fisher, Head of Children's Services. Call to Order: Ms. Yablonsky called the meeting to order at 7:14 p.m. Approval of Minutes: Ms. Storti moved to accept the minutes of Feb. 18, 14, 8, 3, 2, Jan. 26 and 10, 2005. Ms. Axelson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Financial Report Ms. Dickinson reported that the funds for office supplies are nearly spent. She pointed out that in the categories which are over 100% spent, the additional money is coining from State Aid. With the Massachusetts Library Association Conference coming up in May, the funds will also come from State Aid, since the Professional Development category is nearly spent. Statistical Report It was agreed that the circulation numbers have been a mixed-bag due in part to the strange weather this Winter/Spring. Director's Report • Ms. Dickinson reported that she has subtracted $3498 from next year's materials budget. Due to a shortfall in.the Town's expected revenues, each department was asked to make a cut and this was the Library's "share". • There have been a number of important personnel changes this month. Head of Information Services, Esme Green has resigned and taken the position of Assistant Director at the Westfield Athenaeum. Elder Services librarian, Lorraine Barry has been chosen to become Head of Information Services. Nancy Aberman will take over as Elder Services Librarian and increase her hours. Amy Lannon will also increase her hours and take over as Project Manager for the Community Languages Grant. Andrea Mercado has accepted the position of part-time Reference Librarian and will be starting in April • The Northeast Legislative Breakfast was held at the Library on March 0. Ms. Axelson and Ms. Dickinson were enthusiastically complimented on the successful event, which garnered great press coverage. • Ms. Dickinson reported on her duties as Co-Chair of the MLA Conference Scholarship Program. • The Open House weekend received raves all around! The library got great publicity from cable and both newspapers. Author Torn Perrotta was wonderful. New Director, Ruth Urell was on hand and met many Reading citizens. The Trustees thanked Ms. Dickinson and all staff members on the Planning Committee. • Ms. Dickinson distributed the Library's Annual Report, which was submitted to the Town Manager. • Ms. Dickinson and many staff members were fortunate to be able to attend the ALA Mid- Winter Meeting in Boston. Library Monthly Report Ms. Dickinson noted that Wi Fi is up and running. Although access can be spotty in the basement, there is great access on the first floor - and in the parking lot! Orientation/Welcome for New Director Ms. Yablonsky complimented staff on the confidentiality issues of the search and reported on the responses received from the other candidates. On April 7th at 10 a.m. there will be a Brunch to welcome Ms. Urell. The guest list was agreed upon. Ms. Dickinson distributed the New Director Orientation packet. Ms. Yablonsky expressed her wish to have a meeting with the new Director within her first one-two weeks. Ms. Dickinson's evaluation was discussed. The Trustees will do the evaluation at the April 11th meeting. Dealing with Teens/Disruptive Behavior Ms. Dickinson gave an update on the recent incidents with a specific group of teens. She detailed her responses and reported that the police will now be at the library during afterschool hours. She will be meeting with staff to develop consistent handling of the situation. Ms. Dickinson distributed the Disruptive Behavior policy and it was determined to need updating. Ms. Yablonsky suggested it include a cell phone use component. It was suggested that Ms. Urell could work on developing the policy, once she is settled. Patrons with Billed Items Over $100 Prompted by an ongoing situation with elements of suspected theft as well as many billed items, Ms. Dickinson discussed the situation in broad terms with Michelle Filleul, Head of Circulation. It was reported that only 30 people fall into the category of having billed items totaling over $100. General options for handling theft and billed items were discussed. The Trustees suggested discussing the specific situation with the police. Trustee Items Ms. Yablonsky reported receiving some communications from a few Lynn patrons who were upset about the library's policy towards decertified libraries. Ms. Storti suggested that the library participate in the Town Spelling Bee next year. Mr. Anthony volunteered to sponsor the team! Next meeting: Monday, April 11, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:54 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Corinne Fisher Head of Children's Services