HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-11-13 Board of Library Trustees MinutesBoard of Library Trustees N
Minutes of Meeting - November 13, 1995
Conference Room - Reading Public Library - 6:00 p.m.
P=:.ient: Ms. Cherrie Dubois, chair; Mr. Robert Fields; Mrs. Elia Marnik;
EL_'Christine Redford; Mrs. Maria Silvaggi. Also present: Rachel and Steve
Baumgartner, Chris Prah.
Absent: Mr. William Diamond.
Ms. Dubois called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
Mr. Chris Prah, of Netcasters, gave a demonstration of the Library's World
Wide Web page. It will be put on an Internet server and accessible to
anyone with an Internet connection. The page includes: a book review
system which allows people to enter their own book reviews or search
reviews by keyword, etc.; a news section including hours, the current
Bibliobits column, and a calendar of events; a comments/suggestions form
and a place for posted responses. Ms. Hanley mentioned that there is
already incredible interest from some of the schools about the book review
system. Other plans for the future are a Friends membership application, a
system for applying to book the meeting rooms and to book museum passes,
and a who's who of the staff.
Minutes: Mr. Fields moved to accept the minutes of October 16. Mrs.
Baumgartner corrected the spelling of Wendy Auld's name. The motion passed.
Financial report: $25,000 in state aid has been received.
Director's Report: A replacement for Theresa Bond has not been found yet.
Li -son reports: Mrs. Silvaggi asked for an update on cooperative ventures
with the School Department, etc. The Director replied that the three
Boards are focusing on the budget now. She and the Superintendent are
talking informally. They will meet with Ms. Dubois soon.
Friends report: The membership drive is looking very good. It is ahead of
where it usually is at this time of year. The Friends will run a trip to
the Pops on December 29. They received $1000 in memory of Fran McSheehy
from her daughter. A memorial having to do with music is planned.
Unfinished business: 1) The Director reported that the volunteer reception
was a very nice event. The volunteers provide an incredible range of
services.
2) Ms. Dubois told the Board that Russ Graham has joined the fundraising
committee. The committee will bring in a professional to help them get
started.
3) The Town Manager is expecting a 2.5% increase in FY97 salaries.
Division heads have requested an additional part-time reference librarian,
added page hours, a technology coordinator, increased materials money. Ms.
Hanley will work on focusing the message of our budget request.
4) The Superintendent of Schools is very interested in doing more with the
library. The three Boards are also very supportive. A meeting to follow up
on the retreat will be held on December 2.
5) There was no discussion on the action plan submitted last month.
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New business: 1) Capital requests will include shelving, computer
equipment, renovation of the attic, self-check-out system, laptop
computers, and chairs. A rug for the Children's Room will be moved to the
top of the list. When the formal list is developed, the Director will send
i`. )ut. Mr. Fields suggested that a new roof will be needed by 2006.
Trr-'Children's Room desk will be installed in January. The parking lot is
still on the capital needs list. Ms. Hanley reported that the neighbors
have been happier, and she credits the Garden Club for their fantastic
work.
2) Ms. Hanley's performance was discussed and goals set for 1996. The chair
will complete the evaluation form.
The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane J. Y g
Assistant Di ector
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