Meeting of the Norfolk Public Library Board of Trustees
March 20, 2008
A regular meeting of the Norfolk Public Library Board of Trustees was held on February 14, 2008 at the Norfolk Public Library. In attendance were Robin Glasser, Library Director; Heather Pisani Kristl, Associate 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 6.03 P.M.
Approval of Minutes
The February 14, 2008 meeting minutes were approved.
Director’s ReportMrs. Glasser reported that National Women’s History Month is being celebrated all month at the library with various programs and activities. Three Mill Girls, a one women program depicting the lives of three girls who lived in Lowell during the height of the mill era, was well attended. The film A League of Their Own was shown as was a jobs program
Mark Nelson of the group Norfolk Taxpayers Association requested a listing of all salaries and expenses for the library. Jack Hathaway provided information on all departmental budgets and Mrs. Glasser is awaiting a response from Mr. Nelson to see if this is sufficient to meet his needs. To date he has not replied.
Mrs. Glasser reported that she in on the regional SEMLS delivery committee.
Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is encouraging libraries to become involved with the disaster recovery programs in their towns. FEMA & MEMA are suggesting that library meeting rooms be used as recovery areas so citizens can get all assistance in one central location. SEMLS area libraries have been selected to pioneer this program.
Associate Director’s ReportMs Pisani Kristl reported that self check usage in February was at 44%. During the month of February the highest self check usage was at 59% on the fifth on the month. One year ago the average was at only 37%. Self check usage is continually increasing as patrons become comfortable with the technology.
Circulation for the month was 11,544 items. There were 10,728 patron visits. This is an 8.5% increase in the number of patrons using the library from the same period last year.
There were 33 non-library related meetings in the meeting rooms during February.
The front door continues to be an issue. Ron Bain, who is responsible for library maintenance issues, will call the company to come and repair it.
School House Project
The contract with HFP Fire Protection Services, Inc. from Hopedale is being prepared and will be finalized within a few days.
Strategic Plan Report
No report
Friends of the Library ReportMrs. Gothorpe reported that the Friends of the Library Annual Book and Bake Sale is being held this year on April 26th at the DPW Garage on Medway Branch across from the transfer station. People interested in volunteering can call Beverly Baldoni at 528-9725. There is some concern that because the sale is the last weekend of school vacation week there may be less people around to shop. She encouraged trustees and staff to spread the word about this fun event to all patrons and friends.
New Business
No new business.
Old Business
The staff prepared a listing of all non-library related meeting room activities during the period July 2007 to March 2008
Kids’ activities (events/meetings attended by children): 68
Organizations benefiting kids (attended and run by adults): 37
Town and state boards/committees: 24
Community Non-profit organizations: 37
Adult interest groups: 20
Religious: 48
Other: 17
The trustees voted to keep the guidelines for meeting room usage as they currently are, and to not charge for room usage. However, if groups use the meeting room on a regular or semi-regular basis they may offer a donation to the library. The library will track these donations.
A Warrant Article to extend pay scale steps from 11 to 16 was prepared for Town Meeting discussion and vote. The Advisory Board has voted to indefinitely postpone this article. The Advisory Board is meeting with the Personnel Board, and the Trustees plan to attend to argue the need for this warrant article to go forward.
Public Comment
None
Next Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 17, 2008 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 6:50 P.M.
Submitted by
Mary Jo Gothorpe
A true copy (attest):
Mary Jo Gothorpe, Clerk
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