Meeting of the Norfolk Public Library Board of Trustees
November 15 2007
A regular meeting of the Norfolk Public Library Board of Trustees was held on November 15, 2007 at the Norfolk Public Library. In attendance were Robin Glasser, Library Director; Heather Pisani-Kristl, Associate Library Director; Mary Jo Gothorpe, President of the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library; and the following Trustees; Harvey Boulay, Ken Nelson, and Mary Jo Gothorpe.
The meeting was called to order at 6:07 P.M.
Approval of Minutes
The October 18th meeting minutes were approved.
Director’s Report
Mrs. Glasser reported that the Friends of the Library had approved the purchase of an Electronic Bulletin Board for the library to replace the small whiteboard used to announce library programs. It will be placed in the lobby to the left of the entrance to the library proper.
The Fall Adult Programs on disasters was a success with over 35 attending the Great Fires program and 50 at the Dark Tide author presentation. The author Steve Puleo spoke about the molasses spill in Boston’s North End. He signed his popular book for those in attendance.
A town-wide mailing is planned early 2008. The booklet is an update of the one sent in 2001 and paid for by a grant from the Board of Library Commissions. Requests for donations to support the printing and mailing of the booklet have been sent to area businesses and to the Friends of the Library. The Friends have committed $500 to the project.
The remaining oak end panels that were not funded during the renovation / build of the library have been fabricated and installed by Joe O’Koren. They were paid for out of the Capital Campaign Funds.
Mrs. Glasser has submitted a grant to the Norfolk Cultural Council for an adult program to be held in March in celebration of Women’s History Month. The program is titled Three Mill Girls, and it’s an enactment of immigrants who worked in the mills in Lowell.
Associate Director’s Report
Ms Pisani-Kristl reported that self check usage in October was at 44%, and on the 4th of October it was a staggering 69%. One year ago the average self check usage was at 33% for the same period.
Circulation for the month was 10,878 items
There were 22 non-library related meetings in the meeting rooms.
Alice Talerman has been hired to replace Vijay Radics. She has begun her training period. Welcome Alice.
Permanent Building Committee/Interiors Report
Mr. Boulay reported that the final decisions are being made on the School House Project. The fixtures are being chosen, and the contract documents are being finalized. The committee is hopeful that an early December bid submission is possible. There will be a final presentation to the Community Preservation Committee at the end of November. Funds from this Committee are being used to restore the School House, a historically significant structure in Norfolk.
Strategic Plan Report
No report
Friends of the Library Report
Mrs. Gothorpe reported that the Friends of the Library held their meeting on November 5, 2007. The Annual Membership Drive will begin in January and co chairs Ann Hanssen and Thayer Olson will lead the effort. For the past several years almost 500 families have become Friends of the Library during this membership drive. Along with the Annual Book and Bake Sale held each year in April, this is our major fund raising effort.
New Business
The Trustees will be hosting a meeting of area library directors and trustees in February or March of 2008. The Friends of the Library have volunteered to provide coffee and refreshments.
Old Business
The Trustees have had no reply to a letter sent to the Selectmen in October regarding the compensation of the library director. This is an ongoing concern of the trustees as Mrs. Glasser has received no raise in two years. It was voted that another letter would be sent requesting a status on this issue.
Public Comment
None
Next Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 20, 2007 at 6:00 P.M.
Adjournment
There being no further business it was moved and seconded and the Trustees VOTED to adjourn the meeting at 7:05 P.M.
Submitted byMary Jo Gothorpe
A true copy (attest):
Mary Jo Gothorpe, Clerk
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