Meeting of the Norfolk Public Library Board of Trustees
April 17, 2008
A regular meeting of the Norfolk Public Library Board of Trustees was held on April 17, 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 6.02 P.M.
Approval of Minutes
The March 20, 2008 meeting minutes were approved.
Director’s ReportMrs. Glasser reported that a SAILS network new product is being beta tested at the Norfolk Library. The Director’s Station allows special reports to be done in house, and eliminates our dependence on SAILS to produce special reports. Once finalized this enhancement will be included in our SAILS contract at no additional cost.
The Internet service provider for the Norfolk Library is being changed. The library will now be provided internet and networking services by the SAILS network.
Jack Hathaway alerted Mrs. Glasser that all capital expenditures are being delayed at least until fall Town Meeting and possibly postponed until FY’10. This is especially concerning because the town’s portion of the final payment for the material sorter is due in December.
Mrs. Glasser is requesting the services of the prisoners once again. The plan is to have them spread mulch along the perimeter of the library property, to remove furniture from the School House so the renovation project can proceed, and to wash all of the library windows on the outside.
Associate Director’s ReportMs Pisani Kristl reported that self check usage in March was at 46%. During the month of March the highest self check usage was at 60% on the twenty fifth on the month. One year ago the average was at only 40%.
Circulation for the month was 11,271 items. There were 10,206 patron visits.
There were 40 non-library related meetings in the meeting rooms during March.
The selectmen recognized Robin Glasser, Bonnie Durand and Kathy Astley for service milestones. Mrs. Glasser has 15 years of service at the Norfolk Library, while Mrs. Durand has completed 20 years and Mrs. Astley 10.
School House Project
The bid for the renovation of the School House will go out within a month. The project should be completed within several weeks. A dedication will be planned once construction is completed.
Strategic Plan Report
No report
Friends of the Library ReportMrs. Gothorpe reported that the Friends of the Library Annual Book and Bake Sale planning is completed. This year’s dedicated committee has been at work planning the sale since early February. This year’s committee includes Maureen and Conrad Buck who do all of the pre-sorting of the books and then transfer the books from the library sorting room to the storage trailer at the DPW garage. Margaret Lange who sorts all of the children’s books during the year prior to the actual sale, and who’s also is in charge of the bake sale. Judy Ross is a new member this year and is in charge of all publicity. Patti McCarty is in charge of distribution of flyers to the schools and the placement of all yard
and directional signs. Beverly Baldoni will once again be calling all volunteers and bakers to assist during the set up and on the actual sale days. Thayer Olson and Ann Hanssen will be feeding the volunteers during the twelve hour set-up days, and they’re also in charge of the food during the Preview on Friday evening. Pat Brylinsky, another new member to the Book and Bake Sale Committee, will be sending out donation letters to area businesses to solicit money which will offset the sale expenses. Denise D’Entremont and Jen LaFond are in charge of the Preview on Friday evening and the Book Sale on Saturday. Mary Jo Gothorpe will oversee the committee and the set-up of the sale. The sale is being held in the DPW garage at 33 Medway Branch Road for the third year, and it will begin at 6:00 pm on Friday, April 25th. Saturday hours for the Annual Book and Bake Sale are 9 – 4.
New Business
Mrs. Glasser and Mr. Boulay met with both of the Selectmen candidates. Conversations with the candidates for school committee will be held on April 29th.
Old Business
The warrant article presented to the Selectman by the Trustees relating to the Director’s compensation will be discussed by the Trustees at Town Meeting. The Advisory Board has recommended indefinitely postponing this article.
The Fiscal 09 budget is expected to be level funded.
Public Comment
None
Next Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, 2008 prior to Town Meeting.
Adjournment
There being no further business it was moved and seconded and the Trustees VOTED to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 P.M.
Submitted by
Mary Jo Gothorpe
A true copy (attest):
Mary Jo Gothorpe, Clerk
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