Otis Library Annual Meeting
Thursday, November 8, 2017
Full Board – 6:30
Members Present: Kathleen Bort, Diane Dyer, Susan Ebitz, Walter Engels, Jane Feldman, Steve Graves, Eve Kummel, and Lois Hall
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 with Diane Dyer presiding as chair. Both the October Meeting Minutes and October’s Treasurer’s report were accepted as read. Members also signed the required Conflict of Interest Form.
Walter reported that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General Non-Profit Organizations, Public Charities Division annual filing was completed in a timely manner. Our second quarter, Town stipend is in and Walter reports that so far, we’ve spent about $7,000 more than last year but that is because John Charrow, who maintains and educates about tech is billing us quarterly.
In her Director’s report, Kathy shared that attendance is average for this time of year, library computer use is steady, but that delivery of bins in (five) and out (six) is higher than last year. She shared the list of new acquisitions and detailed plans that the staff would take to weed out books until November 15th, after which they would be offered free to patrons. Unclaimed, free books, would be donated with help from the Trustees. John Charrow has put all cables and wires on clips above radiators in the public computer area. The library continues to reach out to be part of the community. Kathy reported during Halloween, 101 children, 72 adults stopped in and took many books as well as used the bathroom. The Otis Historic Society will be meeting November 29th at 1:00 and the Farmington River Regional School will post an art exhibit from November 10th until January. A reception will take place on Thursday, December 21 from 4 to 6 pm. Kathy asked for trustees to help with refreshments.
Submitted to the
In giving an update on the Five-Year Committee Report, Eve was happy to report that the plan had been finalized and a copy had been submitted to the state, the Town of Otis via the select board office, and a copy remains at the library. Eve proposed that soon the board should devise a plan and schedule to implement the FYI goals. At this point, there was discussion, disagreement, and consensus that this item should be put on the December agenda.
New Business included the official election of officers for the Trustees of Otis Library from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. The Board consists of:
Diane Dyer: Chair, Assistant Treasurer
Walter Engels, Treasurer
Susan Ebitz, Recording Secretary
Jane Feldman, Trustee
Steven Graves, Trustee
Eve Kummel, Trustee
Celeste Watman, Trustee
Jane has contacted Peter Cameron to give a talk on Monday, April 16th as part of our artifact from the Museum celebration during the month of April. Peter has written a book on the Revolutionary War entitled Loudonville Norton Cemetery: May we Never Forget, A History of Loudonville. Susan suggested featuring the art of local artist William Noel during this exhibit. That suggestion was tabled for the time being.
Under Old Business concerning library emails, Kathy reported that she is monitoring this site for us.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:34.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Ebitz, Recording Secretary