HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-08-02 Board of Library Trustees MinutesBoard of Library Trustees
1 : Minutes of Meeting
August 2, 2004
RECEIVED
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Present: Vicki Yablonsky, Chair; Bill Anthony; Karen Brown; Karyn Storti; Kimberly Lynn,
Director; Elizabeth Dickinson, Assistant Director. Also attending: George Hines, Chair, Board of
Selectmen
Ms. Yablonsky called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
Minutes for the meetings of June 21 and July 6 were approved.
Financial Report
Ms. Lynn passed out a summary of financial activity for the fiscal year 2004. Combined actual
expenditures totaled $919,584. The municipal allocation for 04 was $869,000. The difference
between the allocation and the actual expenditures was made up by state aid funds, donations,
and trust funds.
Statistical Report
Ms. Lynn distributed a summary of circulation statistics which showed that circulation is up for
the year.
Director Search Update
Karyn Storti updated the Board on the progress of the Director Search.
• Advertisements have been placed in local papers, the major library publications, the Boston
Globe and on national and state-wide library websites.
• The screening committee has met twice. The group is working on developing a matrix for
evaluating candidates and on formulating interview questions.
• The committee will meet again on August 5 to begin reviewing resumes. At this point,
twelve resumes have been received.
Director's Report
• Ms. Lynn reported that there was an attempted break-in on Thursday, July 22. A person
attempted to enter the building though a window in the circulation office, but was
unsuccessful. Custodians John Davis and Skip Mansfield secured the window. The bush in
front of the window has also been trimmed. A suggestion was made by Mr. Hines that a light
be left on in the circulation office. A police report was filed.
• ARIS (Annual Report Information Survey) has been completed and sent to the Massachusetts
Board of Library Commissioners.
• A first draft of the FY 06 budget has been completed. The budget request from the Town is
usually received in September.
• A new trash barrel has been installed in front of the building. The planters have been tended,
and the area is now much more attractive. Custodian John Davis has also done painting and
carpet patching in the lower level media area. Ms. Lynn expressed her thanks to Mr. Davis
for his great work.
• Ms. Lynn has requested that shrubs surrounding the building be trimmed, and the overgrowth
on the chain link fence bordering the parking lot be cut back.
• Small leaks and/or condensation have caused some water damage to several ceiling tiles in
the basement and on the first floor. In addition, investigation revealed several areas where
there is a problem with mold. Custodian John Davis will order additional ceiling tiles to
replace those that are damaged. Although the problem has been fixed for the time being, the
pipes will need to be checked out more thoroughly before the changeover to heat in the fall.
• Head of Circulation Michelle Filleul is investigating keytag library cards. These are
miniature cards that attach to a keychain. Ms. Brown stated that the Winchester Public
Library offers this option. She volunteered to assist Michelle by answering questions or
providing information.
• Reference and Reader Advisory Librarian Nancy Aberman celebrated her 20th anniversary
as an employee at the Reading Public Library on July 23. The staff surprised Nancy with a
lovely party at a restaurant in Danvers.
• Other anniversaries coming up soon: Children's Librarian Brenda Wettergreen will celebrate
twenty years with the Library on December 3 l; Circulation Technician Madeleine Gillis will
celebrate her 20th anniversary in January, 2005 and Technical Secretary Nancy Smethurst
will celebrate 20 years of employment with the Town of Reading in May 2005.
• Ms. Lynn informed the Board of ongoing problems with several difficult library patrons.
Celebration Committee
The Board voted unanimously to reappoint Bob McLaughlin as Library representative to the
Celebration Committee. The motion was made by Karyn Storti and seconded by Karen Brown.
Thepurpose of the Celebration Committee is to distribute funds that support projects in local
history.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held
on Monday September 20 at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Dickinson
Assistant Director