Otis Library Minutes
March 8, 2023, 6:00 PM
Otis Library/Zoom
Members present: Sue Brofman, chair, Jim Adams (Zoom) Tom Burke, Diane Dyer, Susan Ebitz, Lois Hall, Gloria Mamokhin (Zoom), Carol Reife, and Donna Rich. Absent: Celeste Watman
Sue Brofman called the meeting to order at 6:05 PM.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to approve the amended February Minutes was made by Donna, seconded by Gloria and unanimously approved.
Treasurer’s reports: Susan E. made a motion, seconded by Gloria, to accept February’s Treasurer’s Report. The treasurer’s report was unanimously approved.
Interim Director’s Report:
*Delivery stays at 3 to 4 bins a week.
*Boston Bruins PJ drive will wrap up next Wednesday and I will send the total number in at the end of the day. So far, we have 50 pairs. I will call Pittsfield DCF after the finish and get the PJS to them.
*Last night Notice Otis used the Roosevelt Room for the Banksy: Completed program by Carol Diehl. It was well attended by 28 people. Maximum seating.
*I received an email from David Maloof today asking if the library would like to host an event that the Otis Cultural Council is funding. There are 7 programs to choose from and they are Learning & entertainment programs.
Love Around the World / Understanding Each Other through Music
Laugh & Learn / Healing through Comedy & Laughter
Listen, Learn & Play / Health and Happiness through Music Happy Songs are Here Again / 100% Smile-Making Songs
Ukulele Day / Learn & Play for Hours a Day (2.5 hr. Long)
Ukulele Workshop / Learn to Play Ukulele as a Group
The Ukulele Show / Entertainment (+Learning, too)
*We did Ukuleles last year so I would not choose any of the last three. The programs are all about 90 minutes except the 1st Ukulele program.
*I also received today an email from Jeanne Randorf (OCC) listing two programs by Ed the Wizard they are funding for the library. Alchemy Laboratory and Reading is Magic. Programming is something I would like a little help with. The FAIR. It’s that time.
Old/Ongoing Business:
- Bylaws: Susan B. presented revised Bylaws with suggested changes for the Otis Library. The motion to approve was made by Susan E., with a second by Gloria. The motion passed unanimously. Sue B. will file these by-laws with the Secretary of State.
- Hiring Subcommittee Report: The hiring sub-committee summarized the interest in, and applications received for the position of library director. Eight people asked for applications, one applicant was unable to apply because there were not enough hours, and one completed application was received. The deadline is Wednesday, March 15th. There was discussion about continuing to advertise as only one application packet was received. In the end, the board agreed that re-advertising the position before the original deadline had been honored would be counterproductive on many fronts. It was decided that the sub-committee will interview the one candidate who has applied as well as any subsequent candidates that apply and are qualified to serve as director. If no qualified candidate applies, the Board will re-open the search and Gloria re-advertise the position in the Shopper’s Guide.
- Small Library Grant: Sue B. reported that she had been told as an aside that the town officials may be thinking that a new library building is not as much of a priority as other town projects and that the Erbe property might have other uses. Sue suggested that all board members go to the upcoming selectboard meeting and focus on advocating for the new building project by asking that the “letter of intent” be signed by town officials to keep a potential Otis Library Project in this grant cycle. The letter of intent is due April 28, 2023.
- Friends of the Otis Library: Diane reported the group is growing. In addition to herself and Rosy Crittendon, Jeanne Randolf, Carol and Ross Reife. Carol and Ross have sent the groups by-laws to Sue B. There is a tax fee of $750 to be paid. Diane said that checks made out to her with “Friends of the Otis Library” written on the memo line would help defray these expenses.
- Strategic Plan: Susan E. reported that the sub-group has met and worked on revising the community survey, existing goals and action plan. Revisions to the existing Mission Statement are nearly complete.
- Susan will write the article for OO April and Jim for May.
- FYI StoryWalk – “Rachel Carson”, Rookie Reader” up through March
New Business:
- Hybrid Policy: The link for Hybrid monthly meetings of the board will originate from the Otis Library Zoom account.
- Trustee Stuff: Lois will make up three additional keys to the library. Diane already has a key. The keys will go to Susan B., with the remaining key to remain at the library. Lois will write up the directions for using the alarm.
- Library Fair – FYI Otis Library Fair: July 8th, 10:00 – 3:00, on calendar
- Subcommittee Reports
- Venders – (Lois)
- Publicity – (Gloria)
- Food – (Sue B., Diane)
- Raffle – (Tom)
- Family & Children’s Activities (Donna & Susan)
- Set -up/ Clean up.
- Entertainment
- Other
A motion to adjourn was made by Diane, seconded by Tom. It passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Ebitz, Recording Secretary
Next Meeting: April 13,
Future Meetings: May 11, June 8, 2023, Library Fair, July 8th, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM