Otis Library & Museum “In-Between “Hybrid Meeting Minutes*
Thursday, August 12, 2021
5:00 PM – Town Hall Gym
*Severe weather at the time of this meeting. No Wi-Fi in town
Members in attendance: Diane Dyer, Chair, Susan Brofman, Susan Ebitz, Gloria Mamokhin, Donna Rich, Celeste Watman (Town Hall) Jim Adams, Kathy Bort, & Lois Hall (Zoom)
Diane Dyer called the meeting to order at 5:18 PM.
July Regular Meeting Minutes accepted as amended. July “In-Between” Minutes unanimously accepted. Details of library finances were unable, so the Treasurer’s Report was tabled.
Director’s Report – Kathy asked for approval of additional funds to add 12 hours of staffing to the library during the month of August. A motion was made and unanimously approved. Kathy also asked to pay Kyle to maintain the library website up to three hours a week. Diane and Susan E. questioned how much would time it would take to post library news on a weekly basis.
Old Business:
Community Forum: MBLC small libraries Pilot Program: Trustees have personally reached out to Town officials, Cultural Council, Diverse Otis, Seniors, EMT, Fire, Otis Historical Commission, Otis Preservation and Trust, Planning Board, Rec and School Department to advertise the upcoming Community Forum on August 25, 2021, at 6:30. In addition, Flyers have been distributed throughout town. Diane and Susan B. will go to the Farmer’s Market to publicize the event. Susan E. will post information about the event in the sign at the foot of Town Hall. MBLC representatives Andrea and Lauren will be hosting this Forum sharing information, the timeline, answering questions and soliciting input from members of the community.
Fair: Committees: Food – Diane, Sue B. & Tony – Italian Food, Tony volunteered to cook.
- Publicity – Everyone
- Vendors – Lois reported there were 12
- Raffle – many additional items added: Barbara Foley is donating a quilt from the Guild, Celeste is donating a chain saw, and several Trustees have committed to donating a “themed basket.”
- Children’s Activities: Donna and Susan will make Dreamcatchers, multicultural activity with Leigha, face-painting, Rachel
- Bake Table – Diane
- Books – People would be encouraged to go to the library
- Entertainment – Kathy will investigate this
- Set-up – Everyone
- Clean-up -Everyone
Diversity Otis Library Grant – Susan E. will facilitate a staff Professional Development session on Celebrating Diversity at the Farmington River Regional School on August 27, from 9:00 to 11:00
New Business: FYI 21 Staff Salaries were discussed and approved considering current minimum wage and staff responsibility, training and time spent working for the library.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Ebitz, Recording Secretary
Next Meeting: Community Forum, August 25, 6:30 PM, Otis Town Hall