Otis Library Hybrid Annual Meeting Minutes
Thursday, January 12, 2024
6:00 PM, Meeting Room*, Otis Library
Sue Brofman, Chair called the meeting to order at 6:05 PM. Members present: Jim Adams (Zoom), Sue Brofman, Tom Burke, Diane Dyer, Susan Ebitz, Brad Havill, Gloria Mamohkin, Carol Reife (Zoom), Donna Rich, and Celeste Watman.
A motion was made by Diane, seconded by Donna, to approve the November Annual Meeting Minutes. The motion was unanimously approved. The December meeting was a social gathering at the Grouse House. No decisions or official business took place.
Tom delivered the Treasurer’s Report. He noted that interest was up. He is submitting a budget to the town for a 2. 5% for FY 2025. A motion was made by Gloria, seconded by Diane, to approve the treasurer’s report. The motion was unanimously approved.
Directors Report: January 2024 submitted by Brad Havill
Attendance:
- Had dropped down but seems to be on the rise again. Last couple of weeks have been around 60 people/wk.
Programming:
- Parent Forum:
- Low attendance but great ideas
- Cookbook Club:
- Nov – Small group but we invited anyone who came in to participate.
- Jan – appears to have grown. About 10 participants for tomorrow.
- Book Club:
- Has been going strong.
- Needs to move to a day when the library is open so we can count it as a program.
- StoryWalk:
- Suspending putting out new books until May. The cost to prepare books and low attendance numbers a factor.
- Puzzle:
- 3rd puzzle recently completed (2 before didn’t take off)
- Had several patrons come in just to do the puzzle, multiple sessions.
New:
- Legislative Breakfast January 26 @ 8am at the Milne Library (Williamstown)
- Outreach/Programing Assistant
- Search was suspended for holidays, will resume. Salary range $18- $20.
- Annual Appeal: $12,467 currently
A motion was made by Susan, seconded by Gloria, to approve the Director’s report. The motion was unanimously approved.
- Old/Ongoing Business
- Small Population Grant (SPG) – Hybrid community Meeting, Otis Town Hall, 6:30 PM with Andrea Bono-Bunker, on January 16th. Andrea will be available to answer all questions related to Otis Library application requirements and timetable for the Small Population Grant. The community needs to understand that $150,000 requested from the town for the Planning and Design Phase of the grant will be returned to the community if the Otis Library is not chosen as one of grant recipients. The members of the community Brad will create a flyer. Sue, Diane, and Susan will distribute around town. Social media will be notified. Gloria suggested a mail program called Constant Contract to reach all our patrons by email. Brad and Tom will investigate this.
- FYI: StoryWalk – Brad cited cost to prepare books and low attendance numbers as a factor in suspending the SW. “The Artivist” by Nicholas Smith, will remain up through the month of February per Gloria’s request.
- Book Club – will meet the third Thursday of the month at 4:00 PM. This hybrid meeting will take place at the library and on Zoom. In Memoriam by Alice Winn:
5.New Business:
- Otis Library Fair – After much discussion, the trustees of the library agreed to hold the Library Fair on Saturday, July 6th on the Town Green from 10:00 – 3:00 PM. Committee Chairs will be determined at the regularly scheduled meeting in February.
- Other:
- The staff and trustees will send Lynn Pyenson a note acknowledging her contribution to the library and wishing her a happy retirement.
At 7:25, Susan made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Gloria. The Board unanimously approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Ebitz, Secretary
Next Meeting: February 8, 2024
Future Meetings: March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10, November 14, December 12, 2024