HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-09-27 Board of Library Trustees MinutesReading Public Library Board of Trustees
Minutes
September 27, 2010
7:00 p.m. L-i a w i 1 I
Attending: David Hutchinson, Chair; Karyn Storti; Cherrie Dubois; Jeffrey Doucette;
Dick Curtis, Ruth Urell, Director
Minutes: Approved minutes of Sep 2 meeting (Dubois/Storti)
Approved minutes of Aug 16 meeting (Curtis/Doucette)
Financial Report (R. Urell)
Trustees reviewed the financial report, including a brief discussion about the state of
funds. It was noted that the General Fund budget is on track, but will have to ask for a
transfer of funds to cover on sick leave buyback and because of staffing needs as a result
of a maternity leave. The overage is close to $10,000.
Building Design Study in final revision and when completed there will be a second
payment to Godfrey's Associates.
Statistics
Brief statistical report this month included in Director's Monthly Report. Assistant
Director Dorota Socha is working on creating different reports which will focus on
various services and trends and will be available starting next month. It was requested
that the report focus on patterns and major changes.
Ruth Urell noted that Museum pass circulations have gone down and circulation numbers
are slightly down in comparison to July which was an exceptionally busy month.
Foundation
Richard Curtis reported that the Foundation is preparing a mailing for the end of
November. They are interested in recruiting some new Board members.
Friends
Cherrie Dubois reported that the Friends are having another Little Black Dress Girl's
Night Out in November. The annual house tour has secured four houses for the tour in
May.
For fundraising, they are looking to sell a tote bag with zipper for $15 or less.
Ad Hoc Municipal Building Committee
Thursday night is last meeting. Vicki Yablonsky will be attendance and will report on it
at next Trustee's meeting.
Building Program
Trustees visited libraries and chose three finalists to interview for the architect. The
group voted to select Beacon Architectural, Peter Byerly, and Adams& Smith, Richard
Smith. They were familiar with Smith because he did the assessment. It was noted that
Smith has 30 out of 30 successful MBLC grant proposals. The recommendation was
made to the Town Manager, who is currently negotiating the fee with the firm. The
Town Manager, architects and Ruth Urell are discussing details related to space and are
reworking the Building Program as needed.
Building Program goes to the Library Commissioners next week with the Letter of Intent
submission packet.
On Thursday, there is a conference call scheduled for Richard Smith and Peter Byerly.
They will discuss the program areas and come to an agreement on numbers. Letter of
Intent will be submitted to the BLC on October 5 h.
The trustees discussed the formation of a Building Committee and the desired
representation of its members. Trustees voted on the wording of the Charge to the
Committee.
Directors Report
Library received $7500 grant from the state for a program called "Greening Your
Library." Librarian Eileen Barrett is the Project Director. The program's purpose is to
highlight library resources that are related to energy efficiency and other environmental
issues. The library will communicate information to the public through setting up a
display table, providing new resources, and offering a series of programs.
Ruth reported about a $3000 donation from the Library Foundation specifically for
STEM based learning materials. The funding will be paid to the library from the
Foundation from time to time as the collection is developed.
Adjourn Doucette/Dubois
Respectfully submitted,
Susan J. Coyle