HomeMy Public PortalAbout20111117 - Library - Meeting MinutesBoard of Library Trustees
Meeting November 17, 2011; Minutes
In attendance: Rownak Hussain, June Harris, Stan Pulnick, John Belger, Marie
Eldrige, Mike McNamara, Susan Johnson, Sally Getel.
Meeting commenced, 7 p.m., chaired by Marie Eldrige, who presented an
Agenda attached by reference.
Stan moved to approved minutes of October meeting as written. Marie second
the motion. All in attendance voted to approve.
Welcomed two members of the friends of the library, Susan Johnson and Sally
Getel. Susan explained history of organization. Described group as, “small,
but mighty”. Have managed to raise large sums of money for the friends.
Susan’s goal was to grow the friends so as not to burn out a small group of
volunteers. While there is a small core group, there are some struggles.
Friends is the main fund raising arm of the library. Susan provided some
examples of how they have used money for the benefit of the library. Library
cannot function without this group. Recently the friends provided funds
allowing the library to purchase an LCD projector, a DVD player, a public
announcement system, book display cases, and, a few years ago, a new
circulation desk. Talked about Trustees creating a news letter and collaborating
with the friends on a publication page. Trustees are thinking about two news
letters a year. Friends are in need of people who are willing to work.
Discussed booksale, applecrisp and how much work is involved which typically
falls on the shoulders of a few.
Rownak presented budget. Agreed to review budget page, by page. Rownak
explain expecting one step increase. Calculate Saturday hours separately.
Currently 5 part time and 4 full time (including Rownak). Issue of hiring an
additional person. Met with Town Manager on Monday to put out idea of
adding a 19 hour part time person. Town Manager’s response was not
favorable. Town is currently asking all departments to do more with less.
Discussion among the Trustees as to how best to formulate a plan moving
forward to support request for additional staff. Was suggested we reach out to
the community to see what residents are looking for in terms of hours of
operation, etc.. Rownak commented the Town has been pushing her to use
funds from the McGovern Trust and to ask for less from the Town.
Completed review of the budget. Motion to approve budget as presented.
Move to second. Vote took place. All Trustees voted to approve the budget.
Budget allowed.
Stan gave us a status on all of the hard work he has been doing to make repairs
and improvements to the current library facility.
Marie next provided an update on the library building project and community
preservation application. Marie did not feel it was likely we would get any
funding now. Scott Richardson was asked to go back and look at the estimated
costs in an effort to be sure no disallowed items are found in the request.
Marie talked about Laura Barry spearheading the library foundation. They are
currently looking for non voting members to sit on the board. Marie asked for
volunteers. Marie said she could attend. Mike agreed to give it a try.
Discussion turned to Trustees each bringing a blurb to the next meeting with a
picture, if possible.
Rownak talked about library holiday program. She will send out an email by
way of reminder.
Motion to adjourn. Moved to second. Meeting ended at approximately 9:15
p.m.