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Minutes
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Grafton Public Library Board
January 23, 2020
Present: Patrick Spurlock, Michelle Dufort, Lucia
Corwin, Deborah Toomey, Mary Beth Culver, Jay Maciejowski
Called to order 6:35
Public comments: None
Minutes of 11/21/19 approved
Treasurer’s Report:
·
Donations
to the annual appeal are down but there are a few regular donors who have not
yet donated. Michelle will mention in
the Grafton News that we have not yet made our annual appeal goal in the hope
that this will prompt additional donations.
·
Although
we budgeted for an increase in insurance expenses, due to the change to MVP our
insurance expenses have actually decreased.
This will buffer the impact of any decrease in annual appeal income.
·
Brief
discussion regarding if November is still the best time to do the appeal. For most, there is no tax incentive to make
donations by the end of the year. Due to
the holidays, it may also be a more difficult time financially to make a
donation. Several other local
organizations send theirs in the summer.
Perhaps February would be a better time?
The budget and cash flow implications would need to be addressed prior
to any changes.
·
The
next withdrawal/transfer will be in the next week or so.
·
The
computer glitches have subsided and it is working adequately. There are funds budgeted for replacement but
it is not necessary at this time.
Librarian’s Report:
·
Snow
removal from the last storm was an issue.
The ramp and fire escape were not adequately cleared. Michelle contacted Amber Stevens who
responded quickly and send Dominic to complete the work. Michelle is confident it will not continue to
be of concern but she will address any issues that may arise.
·
Christmas
in Grafton was very successful and Michelle received a lot of positive
feedback. Approximately 55 people
attended for Santa Clause, around 12 for Bill Toomey’s story telling, and
around 100 for the gingerbread houses. Will Danforth has volunteered to be
Santa next year. The Ginger Bread House
displays were very popular. Although we
made $300 in the silent auction, that format may not be the best as it works
best if the bidders are present to try to out bid each other. The goal of the event is to get participants
to visit each of the venues. A “buy now”
option may be a viable way to increase the purchase price for the gingerbread
houses. Michelle will also need a
volunteer on hand to stamp the passports.
·
Spanish
groups and Lunch Box group are all going well.
After school program in Jan. went well and will resume in March. There will be a book discussion in
collaboration with The Nature Museum on 2/26 reviewing The Overstory. It’s a long book so needs to be marketed ASAP
so people can start reading it! David
Longsmith will be doing census presentations and recruiting for census takers.
·
Michelle
has signed on as a community partner for the elementary school’s 21st
Century Grant. Planning for summer
programming has not really started yet beyond basic goal of dovetailing with
the community celebration of the ratification of the 19th amendment
and incorporating the state Imagine your Story theme. Adult programming will incorporate the Voices
of Conviction and women’s suffrage.
·
The
GIA approved a $1000 donation for purchase of a new projector. Michelle has researched projectors and
selected one she feels will serve the library needs well. We will assess the need for purchase of
external speakers as the projector is used.
·
Ginger
Maciejowski has begun training to be a volunteer. She will be a substitute as needed.
Old Business:
·
The
select board has approved our request for an increase in town funding. Thanks again to Michelle for responding so
quickly and squelching the assertion that the library is not a municipal library.
New Business:
·
Lucia
Corwin will run again for her board position.
Deborah Toomey will not be running.
Jay Maciejowski will be running for her seat.
Next Meeting: February 23, 2020, 6:30pm
Meeting adjourned: 7:32
Respectfully Submitted:
Mary Beth Culver