HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-07-11 Board of Library Trustees MinutesBoard of Library Trustees
Minutes of Meeting - July 11, 2001
s MASS.
2001 SEP - I A 8: 3
Present: Stephen Conner, chair; Donna InDelicato; Roberta McRae; Eugene Nigro; Richard
Ogden; Maria Silvaggi; Kimberly Lynn.
Mr. Conner called the meeting to order at 7:15pm.
Director's Comments
Kimberly Lynn reported on the bomb threat at the Library and the response by staff and
the Fire and Police Departments. Ms. Lynn also reported on flooding and water damage
in Technical Services.
FY02 Budget
The Board convened in July in order to discuss additional FY02 budget cuts (less state aid
coming to Reading than anticipated combined with higher insurance costs than
estimated means a $200,000-$280,000 deficit for the municipal side).
Ms. Silvaggi reported that a citizen commented to her that the Library should not reduce
its hours of operation in response to the town-wide budget cuts. Instead, he suggested
the Library remain open with only a skeleton staff for circulation of materials.
In response to this suggestion Mr. Conner spoke philosophically about what a library is:
information; books; technology; and staff.
Mr. Ogden stated that the Reading Public Library is a full-service library.
Ms. InDelicato stated that the Library must maintain a certain level of service in order to
participate in the network as well as be certified by the state.
Mr. Nigro noted that structural problems involved with funding town departments are not
going to go away.
Ms. Lynn presented a plan to deal with an additional cut of $13,300 from the budget that
would have the least impact on hours of operation and staff salaries.
Mr. Ogden made the motion to reduce the annual operating budget immediately in
accordance with Ms. Lynn's recommendation. These cuts are contingent upon cuts
necessary pending the final state budget. Ms. Silvaggi seconded the motion. The motion
was unanimously approved.
Use of trust funds was discussed. Mr. Ogden suggested some be spent on computer
equipment.
Ms. McRae suggested the RPL Foundation publicize its purpose and use of funds.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45pm.
Kimberly S. Lynn, Director