HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-10-18 Board of Library Trustees Minutesf
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TOWN CLERK
'EA1)1NG, MASS.
Board of Library Trustees
Minutes of Meeting 2004 NO 1 P 2: 11
October 18, 2004 J
Present: Vicki Yablonsky, Chair; Bill Anthony; Suzy Axelson; Karen Brown; Steve Conner;
Karyn Storti; Elizabeth Dickinson, Acting Director; Corinne Fisher, Head of Children's Services.
Also present: Jerry Fiore, Reading Library Foundation
Call to Order: Ms. Yablonsky called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Presentation of Gift to Library
Jerry Fiore, President of the Reading Library Foundation presented the Trustees with a check for
$5000. This generous gift will support many future library improvements and programs but
cannot be used for salaries.
Minutes: The minutes for the meeting of September 20, 2004 were approved.
Financial Report
Ms. Dickinson compared the figures to last year and we have spent slightly less overall, but are
on target. Annual subscriptions to online databases have expended much of the reference budget
early in the year. The Professional Development money was spent after staff attended VELA.
Ms. Yablonsky noted that she finds the VELA conference reports written by staff, "wonderful
and helpful." They were included in this month's packet.
Statistical Report
Ms. Dickinson reported that overall statistics are slightly down for this fiscal year.
Director's Report
• Ms. Dickinson described the library's involvement at the Community Unity Day at the
YMCA. Having a table helped publicize our services and upcoming events to many new
faces.
• Ms. Dickinson reported on actions to improve security in the building. John Davis installed
some new locks, door codes were changed and the meeting room will now remain locked
when unused.
• Ms. Dickinson received a subpoena in regard to the murder trial of a former Reading
resident.
• Ms. Dickinson complimented the terrific recent activities of the Foundation. The Barry and
Eliot (Jordan's Furniture) Evening was a huge success at Parker and the Anchee Min tickets
are selling well.
• Ms. Dickinson discussed recent fundraisers, including the Friends Antique Appraisal and the
upcoming Lions night. The Lions were asked to stop the use of their professional fundraisers
and have done so. It was suggested that they use the newspaper to explain their fundraising
technique that had caused some confusion and distress in town.
• Ms. Dickinson and the Division Heads declared the Videogame Pilot Project a success and it
will be expanded somewhat.
• The NMRLS Legislative Breakfast (funded by the region's Friends groups) will be held at the
Reading Library in March. Ms. Axelson volunteered to assist Ms. Dickinson as needed.
• Monies from the LSTA Community Languages Grant of $20,000 will be arriving soon from
the MBLC, and the staff is busy selecting materials to purchase.
• October has been a very busy month in terms of programs: 2 sing-a-longs, the 6th grade
"Cookie Tours" and 9 storytimes each week.
• Ms. Dickinson reported on some items regarding building maintenance. John Davis is
rebuilding the front of the circulation desk and the ceiling in a Children's Room closet. Ms.
Dickinson also met with John Thiffault, Director of Building Maintenance, to discuss future
needs.
FY06 Budget Guidelines
Ms. Dickinson has just received the guidelines from the Town and is working on the budget. The
entire process is slightly later this year. The forms to qualify for State Aid have been submitted.
Director Search Update
Ms. Storti reported on the progress of the Search Committee. Discussion ensued regarding how
many candidates should be recommended, the timing of the second interviews and salary. Ms.
Brown presented research on directors' salaries, comparing towns who have similar library
performance to Reading's. Ms. Dickinson presented the hiring guidelines from the "Town of
Reading Personnel Policies." Ms. Yablonsky, Ms. Storti and Mr. Conner will meet with the
Town Manager to discuss the current situation.
Ms. Dickinson voiced her willingness to continue as Acting Director in the event of a further
delay.
Library Grants
It was agreed that Ms. Dickinson should invite Esme Green and Lorraine Barry to attend a future
Trustee's Meeting to present information about the LSTA Community Languages Grant and
NMRLS's LSTA Grant for Older Adults respectively.
Trustee Items
The Trustees decided to meet regarding the Director Search and FY06 Budget on Wednesday,
November 3, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. The next regular Trustees Meeting will take place on Tuesday,
November 16, 2004 at 7:00 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Corinne Fisher
Head of Children's Services