Otis Library Museum Meeting
Thursday, December 13, 2018
6:30
Members in attendance: (All present): Jim Adams, Kathleen Bort, Diane Dyer, Susan Ebitz, Walter Engels, Jane Feldman, Lois Hall, Eve Kummel, and Celeste Watman
The meeting was called to order by Diane Dyer, Chair at 6:37. Jane made a motion that was seconded by Eve to approve the November minutes. In his treasurer’s report, Walter shared that he checked with Kim Wheler, an accountant at Smith Watson and reported that the library is current with MA Library and federal tax filings. He also shared that the lighting expense was filed under “repair and maintenance” and filed electronically with the state. A second CD was purchased at 2.35% interest which will expire on November 30, 2019. Walter also brought up the 2020 fiscal budget noting that the library hadn’t asked the town for more than the 1.25% mandated increase in years. There was unanimous agreement among board members to consider requesting a slight increase in order to better serve our patrons and keep up with rising costs. Susan made the motion that was seconded by Jane to accept the Treasurer’s Report as read. The motion passed unanimously.
Kathleen Bort, Library Director submitted the following report:
- ADMINISTRATION – our certification as a library was approved, we received our tax-exempt certificate
- ATTENDANCE & CIRCULATION – Decreased to winter status with an average of 20 people per day. Delivery includes four bins containing mostly DVD’s, books, delivery items, computers and audio.
- ACQUISITION – In December 59 new books, audios and 78 new DVD’s were purchased for the library.
- PROJECTS AND PLANS
- Removal of all old materials on porch
- Transfer of all weeded material to the porch
- Weeding of Nonfiction materials in January
- REMINDER Farmington River Regional School Art & Music Reception: Thursday, Dec. 20, 3:30 to 6:00. The library will provide refreshments
Under unfinished business, Celeste referred everyone to the following library policies documents: Library Bill of Rights, and the Freedom to Read Statement. Walter shared that the library abides by both statements. After some discussion, Susan made a motion that was seconded by Eve to accept both policies and include them in the Otis Library & Museum Policies.
Under new business, Celeste and Jane reported that the fundraising sub-committee recommended that the Library Fair should be reinstated as our second major fundraising event. The board voted unanimously to reinstate the fair. Susan will find out when the fireworks are so that the library can coordinate with the town. She also offered to explore funding options from The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) website should a discussion of renovating the library become a reality. Jim offered to do a presentation for the library as a possible fund raiser and offered other names of potential speakers.
Eve made, and Susan seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:18.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Ebitz, Recording Secretary
Next Meeting: January 10, 2019
Future Meetings: Please don’t schedule speakers on our regularly meeting nights
February 14, 2019
March 14, 2019
April 11, 2019
May 9, 2019
June 13, 2019