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Minutes
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Grafton Public Library Trustees Meeting Minutes
January 21, 2016, 6:30 pm
Attending: Bob
Donald, Andrea Dunmire, Christopher Schemm, Deborah Toomey, librarian Michelle
Dufort.
Public Comment: David Whittall is attending the meeting
because he has put in his application to run for the Library Board. Christopher
Schemm did not re-apply and the Board urged Christopher to continue to come to
Board meetings as historian and member emeritus. His knowledge has proven
invaluable.
Bob Donald brought the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. The
minutes from December 17, 2015 were approved.
Librarian’s Report
The monthly Friday after school program has been packed.
Michelle has limited the number of participants to 10 but has been flexible. As
many as 15 children (K-5) have attended with her permission and even at that,
she has to turn some children away. She is unable to handle any more than 15
children do to space limitations. The Board supports her decision not to
increase the number of attendees. There will be no program in February because
of school holidays.
The Support for People Experiencing loss was attended by
eight people. This program is sponsored by the Library and Brattleboro Area
Hospice and meets monthly.
Michelle has begun a new book discussion group which will
first meet Tuesday, January 26th. Thirteen people are registered to
discuss survival stories. The following month, animal stories will be the
theme. The idea behind this is making connections with other people. It is
hoped that selecting themes with people reporting on the books they have read
will boost circulation. A themed discussion also will not require the purchase
of multiple copies of the same book that would become excess to the Library’s
need.
Mary Feder is welcomed as the Library’s newest volunteer.
Michelle is contacting all volunteers to host a meeting for
them on February 3rd. The agenda will include confidentiality of
library records and safety issues. Under review will be where the first aid kit
is housed, the location of the flashlight, and what procedures to follow if the
volunteer should encounter a situation where they feel unsafe. Michelle suggests that the Board develop a
safety policy. She will make some suggestions as to what the Board might want
to include.
Automation is ongoing, but proceeding quickly now that all
the non-fiction have been barcoded and entered.
Treasurer’s Report
The library budget is right on schedule and copies of the
statement were distributed to the Board.
The Library’s funds lost money recently due to the Market’s
volatility and decline. However, we are still doing okay.
The Annual Appeal has been successful with a net of $6,734,
close to the amount of $7,500 that had been budgeted. Donations are still
trickling in and it is anticipated that we will meet our goal.
Building and Grounds
Melvin Rice will take down the maple and the pine trees on
the Library lawn. He asked whether anyone in need in Grafton would welcome the
maple wood. Michelle and Deborah located someone who would be pleased to have
it. It was nice that he thought of this and will deliver.
Lucia Corwin was unable to attend the Board meeting so we
are unsure of the status of the exterior painting at this time. Michelle will
contact both the painter and Mr. Rice to obtain the required insurance
documents prior to the work being done.
The entry door is sticking on the floor. This happens in the
winter and needs to be investigated. Under the area is a crawl space and this
may contribute to the issue.
A new circulation desk was discussed. The current one is too
tall and too small to hold the laptop needed for book check out. Michelle has
some concerns about replacing the desk and has some things that she’d like
included when changes are made. The Board suggested that she compile a list of
her wants and concerns. Andrea indicated that John Turner might be interested
in taking a look and making suggestions.
The replacement of the worn rug in the circulation and
walk-in areas was discussed.
Other Business
A memorial for Jerry Stevens needs to be decided upon. The
Board is waiting for the Stevens family to decide what they would like and it
was suggested that they be contacted. The Board is ready to act and will do so
once informed of the family’s wishes.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah Toomey
Secretary