Library Meeting Minutes 09/28/2017

Otis Library Meeting
Thursday, September 28, 2017

Five-year Committee- 5:30, Full Board – 6:30

Members present included: Jane Feldman (acting chair), Kathy Bort, Susan Ebitz, Walter Engels, Steve Graves, Lois Hall, and Eve Kummel. The meeting was called to order at 6:35.

1. August Minutes were approved
2 August Treasurer’s reports were reviewed and approved
3. Treasurer’s Report:

  • We’re in good shape financially. The library just received a quarterly payment of $15,000 from the town

  1. Director’s Report:
  • Attendance is down and has averaged around 30-35 people per day; circulation has decreased as well. However, CWMARS electronic activity is still high.
  • New acquisitions include Vietnam War books and audio materials. The staff will watch for the PBS documentary release and purchase it when it becomes available. Books by Martin Walker; Jacqueline Windspear, Cara Black, and Lisa Wingate were added to each authors’ book series.
  • STATE ARIS REPORT (annual report information survey) ARIS inventory, statistics, financial, and compliance report have been completed. (Personnel payroll has not been addressed). This information has been sent to the state. Details about the summer reading program were also sent.
  • Additional weeding of adult nonfiction, and children’s CD’s completed to allow patrons the opportunity to take these books out from October 1 through November 15th.
  • Jon Charrow has wiped the hard drives on the old computers, and reviewed all old equipment, discarding what doesn’t meet our needs at no charge to us. He will also look at computers offered to the library to see if they meet the needs of our patrons.
  1. Five Year Strategic Plan
  • We have an extension that allows to submit the plan by November 15th.
  • The members of the library board received a complete copy of the strategic plan and were invited to make suggestions so that final revisions could be incorporated for the next meeting.
  1. New Business
  • Special Programming – The Riverbrook art show and reception was well attended. Programs scheduled to date include Susan Quinn displaying her photography during the month of October. (A reception will be held on October 14.) The Farmington River Regional School will share a display during the months of November and December.  There will be no exhibit during January or February. In March, Mark Hungate will share his photos and in April, the board will display items from the museum.
  • Kathy talked to Jeanne Randorf of the cultural council and inquired how to make our projects more viable. Two proposals have been submitted; one for painting with Greg Maicheck and the other is a family night storytelling and sing along with Maryann Maicheck.
  • Each of these events would be about $150 – $200
  • The Historic Society has met at the library and requested that they might use the building for some of its meetings. The Board approved of this action and stated it was an important part of the mission of the Otis Library.
  • New emails

kbort@otislibraryma.org  KATHY

lhall@otislibraryma.org  LOIS

bod@otislibraryma.org  BOARD OF DIRECTORS

info@otislibraryma.org  GENERAL PUBLIC / GENERAL INFORMATION

  • The town has a new website townofotisma.com . The library is listed under departments; A request for a quick link cannot be done now.
  • Agenda ideas – 48-hour notice is required
  • Susan shared that she’s conducting a weekly Brain Builders playgroup for ages 0 – 5 and a book club for fourth through sixth graders. Both programs are being held at the Mason Library. She’s looking forward to putting this experience to good use by volunteering this summer in Otis at the library.

The meeting was adjourned at 7: 20. The board votes to go into Executive Session at 7:30. The meeting adjourned at 8:00.

Next meeting: Thursday, October 12, 2017, Five Year: 5:30, Full Board: 6:30

Respectfully Submitted,

Susan Ebitz

Recording Secretary