HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-05-17 Board of Library Trustees Minutesf
Board of Library Trustees ,
Minutes of Meeting -May 17, 1999 99 r
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Present: Ms. Maria Silvaggi, chair; Mr. Stephen Conner; Ms. Cherrie Dubois; Ms. Donna
Indelicato; Mr. Richard Ogden; Dr. Christine Redford.
Ms. Silvaggi called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Minutes: The minutes of April 5 were accepted.
Financial report: The May report reflects the transfers voted Town Meeting. Two computers
have been ordered using capital funds since the report was produced; the balance of $1500 in
that account will be spent by the end of the fiscal year.
Statistical report: Videos are fifteen percent of total circulation. About three-quarters of the
paperback bestsellers are checked out at any one time. The overall decrease in circulation is
similar at other libraries. One theory is that people are buying more of their books. There was
a discussion of fiction selection, multiple copies, etc.
Report from the Chairman: 1) The Board watched a videotape of Town Meeting's
discussion of the Library's budget. Several Town Meeting members spoke in favor of adding
$20,000 to the Library's material budget. Since it began to seem that the Library was being .
pitted against other departments, Mrs. Silvaggi asked Town Meeting members to reconsider
the proposal at the summer Town Meeting, when it is expected that additional state funds will
be available.
The Director asked that all trustees be present at Town Meeting whenever the Library's
budget is up for discussion.
The Board discussed options for addressing the need: mail a fact sheet to Town Meeting
members; get an article in the newspaper close to the time of the issue, explaining the
technical details of state aid, be clear at Budget Council meetings about the intent to present
the materials budget as an ongoing commitment by the Town, not as a new program. The
President of the Friends is interested in asking the Friends to campaign for the $20,000
increase.
2) Trustees are asked to-attend the Town's upcoming diversity training, and a team-building
retreat for the Budget Council on September 17 and 18.
3) Bob Fields' will included a $10,000 trust fund for the Library for books. The arrangements
have been complicated and are being handled by the Trust Fund Commissioners and the
executor.
Director's report: Four visitors from the Manchester, NH library toured the Library, in
anticipation of renovating a school building very similar to this one.
Liaison reports: None.
New business: 1) The action plan for FY00 was reviewed. Goals are taken from the last
long-range plan. The board suggested some changes. The action plan for FY01 has to be
written in October, and can possibly reflect the new strategic plan.
2) The Board reviewed the vision and mission that will be discussed by the planning
committee.
3) Dates for next years' meetings were established.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Diane I Yo g
Assistant Direct r