Otis Library Board Meeting
Thursday, August 9, 2018, Full Board – 6:30
Members present: Susan Ebitz, Jane Feldman, Eve Kummel and Celeste Watman,
Absent: James Adams, Kathy Bort, Diane Dyer, Lois Hall, and Walter Engels
The meeting was called to order by Jane Feldman at 6:43pm.
Minutes: Susan apologized that the July minutes had not been typed. She will have them ready for acceptance at the September meeting.
Treasurers report: report was available, tabled until September meeting
Director’s Report:
Attendance: 40 -50 people, 60+ on some days. Monday and Wednesday, lowest attendance on Thursday, 1 or 2 people after 5 PM.
Summer Program attendance:
- Ed the Wizard – 6 children/6 adults
- Ed Willams – 2 children, 20 adults
- E-bay Workshop – 2 (Kathy & Kerry)
- Windows 10 Workshop – 13
- Android Device Workshop – 7
- Preschool story/craft hour – 1 to 7 kids and 1 to 6 adults
- Children’s Rock Programs – 1 or 2
- Berkshire Museum Science program – 10
- Ice Cream Party with the alpacas – 1 baby, 3 adults
- Trivial Pursuit – 3 to 15 winners
Circulation: 3 to 4 delivery tubs going in and out daily
Reports: ARIS, the annual support survey was submitted on August 2, 2018. Once it has been accepted by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissions, Kathy will share statistics. The next report to prepare is the Massachusetts Financial and Compliance Report due in September.
Technology: The virtual server is being built.
Kathy reported that Ed Williams was so delighted with the Williams Stone Co. program that he has decided to give a few tours. Kathy will arrange with Ingrid.
Old Business –
- Election of officers was tabled until more trustees can be in attendance.
- The trustees generated a short list of people who might be interested in serving on the board.
- Celeste, Eve, and Jane shared that the accessory sale to benefit the library on August 4, made $441.00. They will repeat the sale on Saturday of Labor Day Weekend during the Arts Festival sponsored by the Cultural Council.
- Susan has been organizing and culling book donations on the back porch. There is a good selection of children’s books. Kerry reported that she handed out 67 books last Halloween. The computer monitors were removed. Most items that are being donated are of good quality.
- Both Jane and Susan relayed that the Williams and Glider talk were interesting and well-received. Both events were held at the reception room behind St. Mary’s Church. Susan reported that the sing- a-long was also popular drawing about 20 people of different ages. This event was also attended by Jean Randolph representing the Cultural Council, our co-sponsor of this event. The Board applauds Kathy reaching out to the Congregational. Bud Bushey invited all at the sing-a-long to attend a dinner immediately after.
- Ideas generated to publicize future events included two-way signs on the road and using Robo calls. Summer programming was deemed a success! Thanks to all who made it possible.
New Business –
- Jane reported on what she’d learned attending the seminar on the Open meeting law in Sandisfield. She also gave everyone a handout for reference.
- There was discussion concerning moving items to other areas of the library for safety and aesthetics. These items include bins and a filing cabinet.
- Celeste suggested bringing in a food truck for a future fundraiser. Eve shared the history concerning recent food events in town. The idea was tabled until further study is possible.
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Meeting Adjourned at 7:50.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Ebitz, Recording Secretary
Next Meeting: September 13, 2018, 6:30
Future Meetings: October 11, 2018
November 8, 2018
December 13, 2018
January 10, 2019
February 14, 2019
March 14, 2019
April 11, 2019
May 9, 2019
June 13, 2019