HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-04-14 Board of Library Trustees MinutesBoard of Library Trustees
Minutes of Meeting -April 14, 2003
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Present: Richard Ogden, Chair; Suzy Axelson; Stephen Conner; Roberta McRae; Karyn Storti; Victoria
Yablonsky; Kimberly Lynn, Library Director; Elizabeth Dickinson, Assistant Director.
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Ogden at 7:00 p.m.
Welcome
Mr. Ogden congratulated the new trustees, Ms. Storti and Ms. Axelson, on their election and welcomed
them to the Board. A copy of the Trustees Handbook was passed around for the new members to
examine. Ms. Lynn is contacting the State Board of Library Commissioners to obtain additional copies.
Election of Officers
The slate of officers was presented:
Chair: Richard Ogden
Vice-Chair: Victoria Yablonsky
Mr. Conner asked if there were any further nominations
acclamation to accept the slate of officers proposed.
As there were none, the Board moved by
Minutes of Meetings: January 14, March 17
Minutes of the January 14th meeting were approved as submitted.
--Minutes-of the March 1 -7th meeting were amendedto include that the Board conducted Ms Lynn's annual
performance evaluation. Ms. Dickinson was also asked to correct the spelling of Mr. Conner's name.
Financial Report
For the benefit of the new Board members, Ms. Lynn reviewed the various elements of the financial
report, and explained the handout on trust funds.
Circulation Report
Ms. Lynn explained the necessity for "weeding" the collection. The Library's capacity is approximately
100,000 items, but current reports indicate that our holdings are at least 117,000. Since the Library is so
overcrowded, it is essential to discard those books which are out of date, damaged, or no longer of
interest. Ms. Axelson asked what happens to the discarded books. Ms. Lynn explained that the books are
either donated to social service organizations, or transferred to the "book sale" room. Only in cases where
the book is dangerously outdated or terribly damaged is it recycled.
Director's Report
The Library's Second Annual Open House attracted more than 1,200 people. 1,800 items were circulated,
compared to 1450 at the Open House in 2002.
Discussion continues with Verizon on the possibility of locating a cell tower at the Library. Ms. Lynn
reported that a lease agreement with Vcriz()n would bring in $20,000430,000 per year. Therc was
T discussion regarding possible methods of payment if the lease is approved. In another step toward final
approval, Ms. Lynn has met with the Historical Commission to explain the project and listen to their
concerns.
The theme for this year's Children's Summer Reading Program will be "the rain forest." As in the past,
the Children's Summer Reading Program will be funded by the Friends of the Library.
Ms. Yablonsky shared that this month's NMRLS newsletter includes an article on the excellent
cooperation between the Reading Public Library and the Reading High School Library.
The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be Monday, May 19. The June meeting will be Monday,
June 16. A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Conner and seconded by Ms. McRae. The meeting
adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Dickinson
Assistant Director