HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-09-24 Board of Library Trustees MinutesRECEIVED
TOWN CLERK
READING, MASS.
Board of Library Trustees
Minutes of Meeting -Sept 24, 2002
PreseidZS hgqC(ArrR., 5~gene Nigro; Richard Ogden, chair, Maria Silvaggi, Vicki
Vablonsky.
Mr. Ogden called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. The Board welcomed Elizabeth Dickinson,
new Assistant Director. Ms. Lynn passed out a revised agenda.
Minutes: The minutes of June 17 and August 19"' were accepted.
Financial report:
Ms. Lynn pointed out the following error in the financial report for this month: The amount of
$13,483.00 recorded under" revenues and reimbursements" for state grants should actually be
under the regional reference contract. Mr. Ogden inquired about the disparity between the
amounts already expended on adult books and videos versus the amount spent on children's
materials. Ms Lynn explained that the two departments had different ordering patterns, and
that ordering is on tract in both cases. Ms. Lynn also explained that money from donations
and trust funds did not show up in the budget figures for adult materials. Mr. Ogden, then
asked that the report be revised so that future financial reports will reflect the actual amounts
available. Ms. Lynn also pointed out that payments to NOBLE are now being made in
quarterly installments. Rick Schubert was announced as the new liaison firom the Board of
Selectmen to the Library_
Statistical report:
Circulation figures for August were down slightly, but average daily circulation is still up,
despite the reduction in hours. There was a brief discussion of efforts to increase circulation.
It was noted that Salem Public Library has the highest circulation within NOBLE; Reading
retains its position as 92 in circulation. A trip to Salem Public Library is planned so that
Reading staff members can learn more about how Salem has achieved its first place success.
Director's report:
Ms. Lynn announced several personnel items: new Assistant Library Director Elizabeth
Dickinson and new Technology Coordinator Kevin Furilla both assumed their posts on
Monday, Sept. 16`1'. There was a brief discussion of Mr. Fui'llla's qualiticatiorrs, and his ideas
on how to secure the computer equipment housed in the library's basement. Ms Lynn staicd
that it is her expectation that Mr. Furilla will spend about one third of his time dealing with
the library's cornpUter issues and maintenance. Library staff members Michael Colford and
Jamie Penny are currently conducting interviews to fill the vacant 18.5 11our a week tech
services/ circulation position. Reference librarian Sally McDonald has announced her
retirement, effective March 6, 2001
Ms Lynn also annor_mced that she had spoken at Rotary about the Libr<irv's scr~ ices to Im-al
I)usiness owners and entrepreneurs- Ms. Lynn's talk also included a discussion of the
economic situation of the Library, and a request for $5,600 to replace outdated computers,
Ms. Lynn stated that she was encouraged that the Rotary would do what they can to help
purchase the new computers.
The recently held Antiques Appraisal night was very successful, netting appro.xirnately `2,000
for the Library. The Board continues to be very interested in the issue of pr~~iirotin, hcaith and
Meeting Room Policy
Ms. Lynn updated the hoard members on the controversy regarding the appearance of the
World Church of the Creator, a white supremacist group, at the Wakefield Public Library.
Because of anticipated protests and the possibility of violence, the !Wakefield Library closed
for the day. Ms. Lynn then offered the Board the opportunity to review Reading's meeting
room policy. The Board decided however, to take no action at this time. A motion was 9nade
by Mr. Nigro to leave the policy as it is. The move was seconded by several board me'"Ibers
and unanimously approved.
Fundraising
The director of the Pop Warner cheerleading squad contacted Ms. Lynn regarding a
fundraiser. The organization asked if the library would be willing to offer a "library
sleepover " as a raffle prize. Discussion of this topic made several points, including the
problem of having staff available to oversee the event. Ms. Silvaggi stated that the Board
could not commit itself to such an undertaking, as the library is an entity of town government.
Trustee items:
In response to a question about the date of the next Foundation meeting, Ms. Lynn stated that
the Foundation would meet on October 7"i. Mr. Ogden announced that he had received a call
from Camille Anthony regarding an ad hoc group being formed to discuss and disseminate
information to the public regarding the consequences of budget cuts. "phis ,,roup has held one
meeting, and is planning to include a focus group at its second meeting. The purpose of the
focus group will be to get input from a diverse group of Readin, citizens on hmv hest to
disseminate such information.
Meeting Bates
Schedule for the remainder of the year was distributed. Mr. Ogden asked that discussion 01'
the budget be included on the agenda for both the December and January nrcctin"s. The next
meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 22"`+ at 7:00 p.rn.
The meeting was adjourned shortly after 9:00 p.m. Ms. Lynn invited those 111embers who
wished to stay after the meeting to view screen shots of several newly desi,ned RN. web
pages.
Elizabeth S. Dickinson
Assistant Director
