Otis Library Meeting
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Full Board – 6:30
Members Present: Diane Dyer, Susan Ebitz, Steve Graves, Lois Hall and Celeste Watman
The meeting was called to order at 6:33 by Diane Dyer, chair. The December Meeting Minutes were amended and then accepted as read.
No Treasurer’s report was given as Walter was absent.
In an email, Kathy shared the good news that it’s official that the library is certified for another year, and we were awarded $2000 from the state. In Kathy’s absence, Lois described two other initiatives that offer an opportunity for the library to connect to the community. During the month of January, patrons are invited to bring in nonperishable food items to get their fines excused. The collected food will be donated locally.
This year, the library will be participating again in a pajama drive that is sponsored by the Boston Bruins to give pajamas to children who find themselves in foster placements. The library is looking for donations of pajamas size 2T to 16. Last year, the Otis Library collected the most pairs of pajamas of any library in the county – 60 pair. The library is hoping to top that amount this year.
Susan asked for a clarification about the inclement weather closing policy of the library. Lois reports that Jimmy Crandall is called (as he has heard from the Superintendent of schools) and if the Farmington River Regional School is closed the library is as well.
The library art exhibit featuring student work from the Farmington River Regional School was very successful. At the reception and concert held on Thursday, December 21, 2017, several people attended including students, parents, grandparents, FRRSD principal, teachers, a school committee member, library staff and trustees.
Via an email, Eve reported for the Five-Year Committee, that she was waiting for a response from Kristi Chadwick for support and suggestions about how we might proceed with rearranging the interior of the library. She shared that the kids room has been cleaned and the wallpaper removed. Jimmy will paint in February.
In the December meeting, Celeste had brought up the idea of membership in the Massachusetts Board of Trustees and possible attendance at workshops. Via an email shared with all the trustees Kathy shared the following inquiry: “At the Library Board Meeting last evening the roles of trustees and the advantages to joining the trustee association were discussed. Kristie Chadwick suggested I contact you for information. I would like to know if there are any trustee orientation workshops scheduled in the Western Massachusetts Region? Who would I contact to schedule an orientation, receive materials and speak to regarding trustee issues. Please feel free to contact me at any time. Thank you for your assistance.” (Kathy Bort). In a response she shared: “I have printed copies for you to use if you want to read the hard copy. Also, I have printed 3 pocket guides if you want one just ask Lois. My conversation with Maryrose was lengthy regarding Trustees’ information. Trustee orientation workshops are scheduled in the spring. There will be one scheduled in Western Ma, we will be notified. She feels that the publications listed and those on the website are much better than joining the association at this time.”
Steve suggested that members join individually rather than as a group. The links to Trustee Resources: http://guides.mblc.state.ma.us/trustees and the link to the Trustee page with the 2012Handbook https://mblc.state.ma.us/for/trustees.php. Celeste submitted an overview of the contents of the Massachusetts Policy Collection Home page from the Massachusetts Library system and suggested that all the trustees join the Massachusetts Library Trustees organization to share ideas and improve the library.
Steve Graves announced that he will not be running again in the spring. His announcement was met with regret as his efforts and accomplishments have been many. He will be hard to replace.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:10.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Ebitz, Recording Secretary
Next Meeting: February 8, * 2018
*erroneously reported as February 15th