MINUTES OF BLAISDELL MEMORIAL LIBRARY TRUSTEES MEETING

October 21, 2013

Present:  Rhoda Capron, Susan Medeiros, Pat Vachon, Melanie Metz, Kathleen Matthews

Meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m.

Policy Update/Current Task: A number of patrons have requested a lengthier time for borrowing books.  Rhoda recommended the Circulation Policy be changed so that patrons may borrow printed materials for three weeks rather than two weeks, with two exceptions: DVD’s and New Books, both of which will still only circulate for two weeks. It was also decided to limit New Books to two per person so that more people have an opportunity to have access to these books. Susan moved to accept the policy as amended.  Melanie seconded. All voted in favor. Discussion of the Internet Policy was tabled until a later date. Staff appraisals of the Library Director will be discussed at a closed meeting on Monday, November 4th at 6:15.

Secretary’s Report: The minutes of the September meeting were read. Susan moved to accept the report. Rhoda seconded the motion. All voted in favor.

Treasurer’s Report: The budget report for September was reviewed within the context of budget-crafting process for 2014. Rhoda noted that the Movies and DVD’s lines still have not been consolidated. She will speak to Janet again. Susan moved to file the report. Pat seconded. All voted in favor.

Library Director’s Report: September was another record-breaking month for Circulation with more than double the number of books borrowed compared to 2002. The furnace has been cleaned and filters replaced in the humidifier. The first meeting of the new day-time book discussion group went well. The Teen Advisory Group is being reorganized with the intention of recruiting new, younger members. The annual Autumn Friends of the Library Book Sale will be November 9th. Rhoda has scheduled a program for mid-November by a gentleman who climbed Mount Everest. Staff evaluations have been completed.

Committee Report: Kathleen reported that the committee has elected not to do the town-wide mailing this fall due to the expense. Instead, the committee’s will focus on obtaining a professional design for the front of the building, developing signage for the landscape, and funding the purchase of plants to install in the front, including those needed to replace existing invasive species.

Old Business: Susan shared information from the state-sponsored library trustees workshop that she recently attended. The general theme was libraries as community centers. Susan described a number of ways in which town libraries were expanding their roles as community centers, some of which already occur in our library and others which were discussed as possibilities for the future. Rhoda shared insights from her recent attendance at a conference with the same theme. Work commenced on the 2014 Budget with a line-by-line review of current spending and the decision to keep most lines at 2013 levels. Rhoda will contact the Town Office about the possibility of presenting the proposed budget to the Selectmen on

November 18th.

New Business: Rhoda shared the job description she has written for the new part-time Children’s Librarian position being proposed for 2014. No further discussion was needed regarding the Capital Improvement Plan. The annual Volunteer Appreciation Pie Social will be Sunday, November 17th. Due to time constraints further discussion about Hiring Guidelines and Trustees Annual Goals were tabled until the budget is finalized. All Monthly Tasks have been completed or are in the process of being done. Susan moved to accept all donations. Kathleen seconded the motion. All voted in favor.

Next Meeting:  Monday, November 18th at 5:30 p.m.

Monday, November 4th the board will meet in closed session to discuss staff evaluations.

Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathleen Matthews