MINUTES OF BLAISDELL MEMORIAL LIBRARY TRUSTEES MEETING

September 23, 2013

Present: Rhoda Capron, Susan Medeiros, Sara Wotton, Melanie Metz, Kathleen Matthews

Meeting was called to order at 5:41 p.m.

Policy Update/Current Task: Discussion about the Internet Policy was tabled. Pat has updated the inventory for the Technology Plan. Due to the loss of several DVD’s taken out by one patron, consideration is being given to placing a limit on the number of DVD’s allowed to be checked-out. The decision was made to use the latest sample of a Library Director Evaluation that Rhoda downloaded. The staff will be expected to complete the same evaluation.

Secretary’s Report: The minutes of the August meeting were read. Rhoda moved to accept the report.  Sara seconded the motion. All voted in favor. Questions arose about the time-limit for posting meeting minutes and whether or not these needed to be approved by the Board before posting. The State RSA’s will be consulted for clarification.

Treasurer’s Report: The August financial report was reviewed. Susan moved to file the report. Melanie seconded. All voted in favor.

Library Director’s Report:  The summer patterns of high circulation and significant numbers of new patrons continued in August. Rhoda pointed out the particularly strong number of patrons downloading books. The “Natural Building” presentation was well-attended and well-received. The new day-time book club has started. Rhoda plans to attend the monthly Senior Luncheon to promote the book club. In early October there will be an AARP program about the Affordable Care Act. The furnace filters need to be changed but Rhoda has yet to hear from the Town Manager about who will be performing this service. Rhoda is still exploring possibilities for expanding the shelving for the Non-Fiction collection.

Committee Report:  Kathleen reviewed the recent meeting with the Board of Selectmen about the landcare report presented to them by the Board. Funding for the Fall application of herbicides was approved and work has already begun. The Landscape Committee recently met to discuss potential future plans that include purchasing a landscape design for the unfinished areas at the front of the building and undertaking a town-wide mailing to raise funds for implementing the design. The committee needs clarification about how much funding is currently available before it can proceed with either endeavor.

Old Business: Rhoda shared highlights of her recent trip to Washington, D.C. for New Hampshire Librarians Day. The 2014 Capital Improvement Plan which Rhoda recently submitted to the Town was discussed, particularly the Children’s Librarian position. It was decided to table discussion of Hiring Guidelines until the 2014 Budget work has been completed.

New Business: Rhoda reviewed the Town’s guidelines and time-table for the 2014 budget process.  Although the dates may change, the Board is scheduled to meet with the Selectmen in mid-November and the Budget Committee on December 5th. The Public Hearing for the Town Budget will be February 6th. Susan recently attended an NHLTA workshop which she’ll discuss at the next meeting. All Monthly Tasks have been completed. Susan moved to accept all donations. Sara seconded the motion. All voted in favor.

Next Meeting: October 21st at 5:30 p.m. The Board will meet in closed session at 4:30 to complete the annual Library Director Evaluation.

Meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathleen Matthews