Thursday, October 29, 2009

Library Trustees' Meeting - 9/28/2009

In Attendance: Tom Wallace, Roger Daniels, Jan Serfass, Susan Turbyne

Minutes from the August 17 meeting were reviewed with two minor additions. Tom made a motion to accept minutes as amended with Roger 2nd. All in favor. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Through Sept 25, the Library has spent 62% of its budgeted money. Tom noted that the new budget line “Programs” was added to recognize special performances and programs throughout the year. Library assets to date total $96,319.43 (checking, CD’s and Endowment Funds).

Library Director’s Report: Rachel Funk had come in on a September Saturday morning to hold a children’s program and will do so for the next few months. There was a nice crowd of children attending. Susan requested new hours for the library due to the Interlibrary Loan van that comes through the area on Wednesdays. Tom made a motion to change the “Open” hours from Tuesday to Wednesday, 12-8, Thursday 10-12 & 2-5 and Saturday, 10-12. Roger 2nd. All in favor. Motion carried. Susan contacted the State and the Interlibrary van will stop at her house on Wednesdays around 8:00 a.m.
The Library floors were redone by Michael Caristi and he has done an excellent job. Susan has asked that the remaining floors be refinished before the end of the year.
Volunteers have helped restock the videos and weeded out old ones, input the ISBN numbers into the spreadsheets and many other assorted jobs. There is work to be done in the Children’s Room books relabeling and purging old books.
Staffing is still a concern with Rachel’s absence but Susan feels she needs more time to adequately come up with a job description. Jan will check with Plymouth State University about possible interns.
Old Business: Furnace Inspection – Inspector found several problems with valves and grommets that need to be fixed. He questioned if there was an annual tune-up done. Roger will call Carl Doe to see if he will come in to fix the problem areas. Paint on the ceilings is beginning to peel off in sheets and will need to be addressed soon.
Out of the requested $5000 from Endowment Funds: Refinishing of wood floors was $952 and Wentzel Electric added outlets for the new computers for $819.98. New lighting is being looked at along with refinishing the remaining floors.
New Business: Budget is due to the Town Office by November 2. Susan and Tom will work on that and present it at the next Trustee meeting for approval. Selectmen have tentatively scheduled Nov. 23rd for review of proposed Library budget. Tom and Susan will attend. The Trustee’s had a brief discussion on what it would take to make the Library building ADA compliant. Tom will talk to the Selectmen about possibly establishing a capital fund to begin saving for building on an addition for handicapped accessibility.

Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Next meeting – October 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Library Trustees' Meeting - 8/17/2009

Byron G. Merrill Library

Trustee’s Meeting

August 17, 2009

In Attendance: Tom Wallace, Jan Serfass, Roger Daniels, Susan Turbyne

Minutes from the May 4, 2009 meeting were reviewed. Tom made a motion to accept minutes as presented with Roger 2nd. All in favor. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Through August 17 the library has spent 55.9% of its budget. We currently have $88,827.99 in Endowment Funds with $57,826.41 of that to remain in required principal. CD’s amounts total $72,886.41

Old Home Day - book sale netted $419.07

Fuel Oil – Price is locked in at $1.899 per gallon for the ’09-’10 winter season.

Trust Funds – 2008 Interest Income from Town held Trusts (Charter Trust) received as follows: Wm. Doe Trust = $155.02 and Adelaide Bond Trust = $178.60

Library Director’s Report: There were no problems in administration during Susan’s absence for the month of July. Rachel and Dorothy did an excellent job of keeping the library running smoothly. Old Home Day was a success as usual with many visitors stopping in. Volunteers Toni Lewis, Ann Trotter, Jennifer Wentz, Tom Wallace and Jim Turbyne helped out with the book sale. A “Thank You” party was held in the afternoon for Rachel Funk, the children’s coordinator and assistant in the library. She is taking a new job out of the area and will be leaving the position in the BGM library.

Susan talked about the open staffing position due to Rachel’s departure. We discussed the needs and wants of the library director and what was needed for the growth of the library and it’s programs. Two part time workers? One for the children’s section and one able to do computer entry? A college student looking for an internship or experience? Susan asked that the hiring be put on hold until she sorts out exactly what she needs in an assistant(s).

Susan questioned the hours and days the library is open, perhaps changing the days to coincide when the Interlibrary Loan van comes through the area on Wednesdays. Can we have the van stop at the Library? No decision was made at this time.

Susan will be out of town on Sept 10-12 and will look for extra help for Dorothy on those days.

Old Business: The Library is authorized to spend up to $5000 on improvements. Some additional electrical work was completed by Wentzel Electric for $819.98. Mr. Bob Caristi was contacted to sand and refinish the floors in the AV room and computer room. Work to be done on Sept. 23. The Library will be closed on Sept. 24th to move furniture back.

Tom made a motion to adjourn at 7:45. Roger 2nd. All in favor. Meeting adjourned.

Next meeting – Sept 28.