HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-03-15 Board of Library Trustees MinutesBoard of Library Trustees
Minutes of Meeting -March 15, 2004
Present: Vicki Yablonsky, Acting Chair; Bill Anthony; Karen Brown; Suzy Axelson; Steve Conner;
Karyn Storti; Kimberly Lynn, Director; Elizabeth Dickinson, Assistant Director.
Ms. Yablonsky called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., and welcomed new board members Karen Brown
and Bill Anthony. She then explained the process of electing officers, and asked for nominations for the
position of chair. Mr. Conner nominated Ms. Yablonsky who was elected unanimously. Ms. Yablonsky
then nominated Mr. Conner for vice-chair, seconded by Ms.Axelson, and also voted unanimously.
Minutes of the February 24th meeting were approved.
20th Anniversary Celebration: Library Breaks A Guinness World Record
Ms. Yablonsky asked Library Director, Kimberly Lynn, to report on the success of the Library's 20th
Anniversary Celebration, and the attempt to enter the Guinness Book of World Records. Ms. Lynn stated
that the celebration was truly a great community event. Not only did the Library break the previous
world's record, but more than double the required number of people participated. The celebration was
extremely well-organized, and received a large amount of media coverage.
Presentation by Elder Services Librarian, Lorraine Barry
Ms. Barry distributed a. handout listing the services for older adults offered by the Library. These services
include the large print collection, other aids for the visually impaired such as audiobooks and described
videos, delivery to three senior housing communities, homebound delivery, a monthly book discussion
group at the Senior Center, Internet classes, senior information in the large print area, and the senior
webpage.
Ms Barry described an innovative multigenerational book discussion to take place in April. Students at
the middle schools will meet with nationally-recognized author, Janet Taylor Lisle, and members of
Reading's senior community. It is hoped that more intergenerational events can be planned,for the future.
Other future projects involve expanding the collections, revamping the display area, and improving the
senior webpage. Ms. Barry also described a grant application she is working on which will provide
improved services for older adults. Grants for this project will be awarded later in the spring.
Ms. Lynn pointed out to the Board that Ms. Barry is a part-time employee. In addition to her tasks as
Elder Services Librarian, she also serves as the Library's webmaster, and works half of her weekly hours
on the Information Desk. The Board expressed their admiration and appreciation for Ms. Barry's
dedication and accomplishments.
Financial Report:
Ms. Lynn explained the different accounts, and the current status of appropriations for each account.
Statistical Report
Traffic count is especially high. Circulation is up 8000 items year to date.
Director's Report
New media shelving, designed to relieve the overcrowding in the audiovisual area, will be installed
on March 17. The Friends of the Library have agreed to pay for the new shelving.
• Ms. Lynn has requested a proposal for a new workspace in the circulation check-in room that will
provide for better workflow and a more ergonomic work environment.
• 'EBSCO is starting a library booster program that will allow people to subscribe to magazines through
the Library's website. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Library. This will be set up as a pilot
project.
• Two new pages will be hired as current page hours are below what was budgeted.
• Ms. Lynn is working on a project to identify and trademark all town logos. Ms. Lynn was assigned
this project by Town Manager, Peter Hechenbleikner. There followed a discussion of the role of the
Town Manager in assigning work to the Library Director.
• Bob Keating, head of parks and recreation, has examined the trees at the end of the driveway.
According to Mr.Keating, at least one of the trees will need to come down. Discussion followed about
possible alternatives.
• Ms. Lynn explained that it was time to begin work on our next strategic plan. A staff committee has
already been set up. Ms. Brown and Mr. Conner volunteered to serve as trustee representatives.
• Ms. Lynn is working with Susan Bernardi on an "Information Dashboard" (basically a website with
town information, statistics, graphs etc.)
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. The next meeting will be on Monday, April 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Dickinson
w Assistant Director