HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987 Board of Library Trustees Directors ReportA J,
~ D >
Director's Report
March 16, 1987
READING
PUBLIC LIBRARY
.Personnel
Circulation Head, Dorothy Alworth hosted six staff members from the Melrose
Library who came to Reading to learn about our automated system.
Clerical staff members Ann Blaisdell, Eileen O'Malley, Elaine Singleton,'
Jeannette Warren, and Carol Smith attended workshops at Town Hall on Friday
February 27. Professional, administrative, and clerical staff members Susan
Flannery, Nancy Aberman, Muf Shaw, Dorothy Alworth, Sally McDonald, Ann Blaisdell,
Elaine Singleton, Corinne Fisher, Doreen Bolnick, Diane Young, Trene`Sunbury, and
Jeannette Warren attended another workshop on the second of March. The subject
of this workshop was communication between staff and different departments.
Mr. Romeo Marquis was the speaker. On March 10th Doreen Bolnick, Diane Young,
Theresa Bond, Jeannette Warren, Diane Manikowski, and Madeleine Gillis attended
a workshop at Town Hall on Under-standing Handicaps.
Nancy Aberman and Doreen Bolnick gave "a tour of the Library to two representatives
from G.K. Hall on Feb . 5th. They were interested in how we selected and promoted
our large print materials.
I met with the library-media specialists from the Reading Public Schools on
March 4th. We discussed various methods to automate and share their collections.
On February 25th I'made a statement at a hearing of the Joint Committeee on
State Administration at the State House. The hearing was on bills relating to
state funding for public libraries. On March 9th I met with Jean Martin from the
Historical Society to discuss the Library participation in plans for Reading's
celebration of the Constitution's bicentennial. It was agreed that I (or another
member of the staff) would be a member of,the Planning Committee..
Building
The doors of the public restrooms on the second floor are now locked. Jae had to
buy new locks since the old ones used the same key as the front door.
As far as we can tell the Checkpoint Security System is finally working properly.
Drapes have been ordered for the meeting room in the fabric that the Board selected
at the last meeting. The cost including hardware, flameproofing, blackout linings,
and installation will be $3328.
Services
Sxith grade tours continue. Originally students from the Coolidge School were not
going to come to the Library for tours. But the wide popularity of the program
caused them to rethink their decision and they will soon be,participating.,
64 MIDDLESEX AVENUE READING, MASSACHUSETTS 01867 TELEPHONE 617-944-01140
The CLSI circulation system will be inoperative for one week to ten days
r beginning March 9. The system is being-upgraded (a new processor added and new
software) to allow faster response time and greater capabilities for the future.
We have prepared as best we can and are trying to keep our patrons as well informed
as possible in order to minimize the negative reaction.
Nancy gberman, Corinne Fisher, and Doreen Bolnick have each submitted entries
in the Massachusetts Library Association PR Awards contest. Each Library was
limited to five entries and that's how many we submitted. Entries: Make Tracks
for Reading Summer Reading Program, videotape on services for senior citizens,
"The Gentle Reader", three information brochures for senior citizens, and
the brown bag flyer for the Friends' book reviews.
Administrative
After last month's Trustees meeting Nancy Aberman and I attended the end of
the Selectmen's meeting. We happened to catch the discussion of the Library's
budget. Peter Hechenbleikner's recommendation included only one change in our
budget. He cut the materials budget by $1600. He did however recommend our
new programs. The Finance Committee will be reviewing our budget on March 17.
Beth Klepeis and I met with the representative from MBI Business Systems
(recipient of the State Contract) twice. We have decided on what equipment
and software we need and the price was easily under the $5000 I quoted at
our January meeting.
The Library's annual report has been turned in to the Town Manager. The
instruction this year was to keep it short.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Flanne y
Director
