HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-11-17 Board of Library Trustees MinutesBoard of Library Trustees
Minutes of the Meeting - November 17, 1986
Conference Room - Reading Public Library - 8:00 p.m.
Present: Dr. Christine Redford, Vice Chairman; Mrs. Carol Beckwith, Mrs. Elia
Dangelmaier; Mrs. Cherrie Dubois, Mr. Robert Fields.
Absent: Mr. William Diamond
Dr. Redford called the meeting to order at 8:10 p.m.
Minutes:
Mr. Fields moved to accept the minutes as written; Mrs. Beckwith seconded.
Motion passed.
Financial Report: Mrs. Aberman noted that the water and sewer account will be
overdrawn due to increases in the quarterly charges. The deficit will be offset
from another account since two more bills are to be expected this Fiscal year. She
also pointed out that the electricity bill is being charged against our electricity
account directly by the Town Accountant on a monthly basis, as the bill is received
by Town Hall. All other accounts are fine.
Statistical Report: October statistics were presented.
Director's Report:
Personnel: Mrs. Aberman reported that Diane Young, the new Reference/Information
Librarian has begun.
Services/Programs: 1) A list of the programs sponsored by the Friends of the Library
for the 1986-87 season was distributed. 2) Details for the reception on November 30
at 2:00 p.m. for Robert Rice, New Library Director, were discussed. Press releases
about the public reception have been sent to local papers and the Chronicle was
called regarding having a photographer at the reception. Invitations will be sent to
all town departments, schools, governmental bodies, etc. 3) Programs for the Art of
the Book in November include Patty Wolcott, author of beginning readers, on Nov. 6
and Amy Cohn, editor of the Horn Book on Nov. 20 speaking on "Selecting Literature
for Children." Books discussed in the Art of the Book programs will be available at
the Friend' Book Sale on Nov. 30. 4) The Trustees gave authorization to close the
Library at 5:30 on November 26, the day before Thanksgiving. They asked that
sufficient publicity be given.
Building Maintenance: 1) A report was given on the HVAC system. The sensor thermome-
ter has been replaced and made vandal-proof at a cost of $672. The system has been
working properly. 2) a large cement flower pot from the entry area was broken,
probably due to vandalism. The Garden Club are checking to see if it can be repaired.
The flower pot was originally an NEH purchase at a cost of $145.
Communications: 1) The Mass. Library Trustee Association has distributed a copy of
their Handbook which lists information for Trustees on all aspects of Trusteeship,
including orientation. A copy was sent to 'the Chairman and a copy will be kept at
the Library for Reference.
2) A letter was read from Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager, requesting that a
copy of minutes be distributed to his office each month; a copy of the agenda
should be forwarded to the Town Clerk and the local newspaper, at least 2 days
prior to the meeting. Mrs. Aberman will see that this procedure is followed.
3) A letter from Ms. Linda Lahane, a School Street resident and neighbor of the
library, was discussed and the matter referred to Public Works. Mrs. Aberman will
refer the letter and write to Ms. Lahane of the Trustees action.
Unfinished Business: 1) On the matter, of the Handicapped Access Railing, Mrs.
Aberman reported that the Department of Public Works had not yet begun the bid
process. She reminded them that the Trustees are anxious to see this project to
completion as soon as possible.
2) The portable building was discussed. Public works have not been given any
authorization to move the building and suggested that the Trustees take up the
matter again with the Selectmen.
New Business: 1) the Library has received notice that it has been awarded its FY87
Library Incentive Grant of $11,339. As well as a Municipal Equalization grant of
$8896. The Equalization grant funds are the result of one year legislation which
requires that the funds must be held by the municipal treasurer in a separate
account and "expended by the library without appropriation." There are no restric-
tions on when the funds must be spent. The Town Treasurer has been notified of this
award and its requirements.
2) The Town Manager has requested that each department begin to work on figures for
the FY88 budget. New forms will be forthcoming. Mrs. Aberman will begin to work on
the budget and will work with Mr. Rice when he arrives.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. The next meeting was scheduled for
Monday, December 15 at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy S. Aberman
Acting Director and
Clerk to the Board