SIMSBURY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
Monday, January 23, 20112
THESE MINUTES HAVE NOT YET BEEN APPROVED BY THE LIBRARY BOARD.
PRESENT: Gail Ryan, Marianne O’Neil, Diana Fiske, David Blume, Joy Himmelfarb, Diane Madigan, Anne Erickson and Charmaine Glew. Susan Bullock, Director, Eileen Sickinger, Recording Secretary. George Boissard, Friends Liaison.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Mrs. O’Neil, Chair. The minutes of the January 4, 2012 meeting were accepted as presented.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE: Harry Starrett and Cole Starrett
EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT: Boy Scout Cole Starrett presented his proposed Eagle Scout Project of cleaning the area between Boy Scout Hall and the Library and adding three (3) benches where people could sit and read. He will get any necessary town permits and will check about the placement of the benches. Following discussion, Diana Fiske moved that the Library Board accept the Eagle Project of Cole Starrett as defined in his proposal. Second: C. Glew. The motion passed unanimously.
ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS: Mrs. Bullock requested that #12, Sav-A-Tree, be added to the Agenda.
COMMUNICATIONS: The January 5, 2012 issue of The New York Times had a full page ad on “I Love My Librarian”, in which Jennifer Keohane was featured.
REPORTS: Friends: G. Boissard stated that $2,000 has been set aside for Cole Starrett’s Eagle Project. A permanent President-elect has been named. The Book Sale continues to be successful. Friend’s Treasurer will be resigning after the May meeting, and there are two leads for a piano for the Library. The piano currently on loan from Avon will be returned in March.
Decorating: Mrs. Glew will be meeting with Dale Cutler on Thursday to review the lighting situation.
Building: The walkway between Boy Scout Hall and the Library is almost complete. April is the target date for completion and there will be publicity to inform the public of the additional parking.
Landscaping: Bruce Powell of Sav-A-Tree met with Mrs. Bullock regarding fertilizing the trees and shrubs on the Library grounds, as well as trimming overhanging branches. Using Library funds for such a project was discussed, as well as the fact that Friends will be creating a Wish-list Committee – something that such a project might come under consideration. It was decided that Mrs. O’Neil and Mrs. Fiske will meet with Tom Roy to discuss the Town’s approach to the care of Town grounds.
Parking: Some of the handicap parking spaces on the upper level appear problematic and it has been suggested that changes be made so the spaces provide better access to the building for a handicapped person. This is another matter that will brought to Tom Roy’s attention, specifically to see is an additional space could be added by cutting the curb in the area facing the building. This would add one additional handicapped space.
CHAIR’S REPORT: (See Budget)
DIRECTOR’S REPORT: In reviewing the written report, some of the highlights were, the need for technology upgrades, and a fiber optic cable for faster internet has been installed. The cost and need for more e-books continues to grow. Classes for downloading books will be held every Thursday in February.
The spring brochure for the Department of Continuing Education has a center insert on “Job, Career and Education Resource Guide” highlighting what is available at the Library.
Free tax counseling will be held again this year for Simsbury’s senior population in cooperation with the Senior Center and an informal conversational English group for adults wishing to improve their English will be meeting on Tuesday mornings.
In April the Music Listening Adventures will continue.
BUDGET: Meetings have been held with the Board of Finance and Mrs. O’Neil and Mrs. Bullock have met with Mrs. Glassman and Mrs. Harris, Town Finance Director, to review the proposed budget for 2012-13. The Board is dedicated to restoring the six (6) hours that were removed a few years ago. There was discussion on raising fines and a study will be implemented to see what other libraries charge for late fees, copies and room use fees. The Library’s budget workshop is scheduled for February 27th.
Following discussion on raising fines from 15-cents to 20-cents for books and 10-cents to 15-cents for copies it was decided to wait to see what other libraries are getting for book fines, but to increase the charge for copying: Joy Himmelfarb moved that effective February 1, 2012 the cost of making copies at the Library be increased to 15-cents per page. There were seven (7) in favor and one (1) opposed to the motion. The motion passed.
The public’s support will be sought for the budget.
PLA CONFERENCE: The Public Library Association’s meeting will be held in Philadelphia March 13-17. Two staff members have requested funds to attend. The Town is not funding any out-of-state travel but the Library Board has funds available and after discussion, Joy Himmelfarb moved that up to $2,300.00 be appropriated to send two (2) staff members to the Public Library Association meeting in Philadelphia on March 13-17, 2012. Second: M. O’Neil. The motion passed unanimously.
SAV-A-TREE: (See Landscaping)
At 9:45 p.m. C. Glew moved for adjournment. Second: G. Ryan. The meeting was adjourned.
Diane Madigan, Secretary/es
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