Otis Library Hybrid Meeting Minutes
Thursday, June 13, 2024
6:00 PM, Meeting Room*, Otis Library
Sue Brofman, Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:08 PM. Members present: Jim Adams (Zoom), Sue Brofman, Tom Burke, Diane Dyer, Susan Ebitz, Brad Havill, Gloria Mamohkin, Carol Reife, Donna Rich, Celeste Watman and Rosy Crittenden.
A motion was made by Gloria seconded by Diane, to approve the May Meeting Minutes as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
Tom delivered the Treasurer’s Report. He noted that the payroll was up for the third month in a row. A motion was made by Celeste, seconded by Donna, to approve the treasurer’s report. The motion was unanimously approved.
Director’s Report June 2024 submitted by Brad Havill
Attendance:
• Increasing: 393 patrons in the last month (Summer Hours)
Programming:
• Book Club: June 20
• Cookbook Club: June 21, new cookbooks purchased
• Story Hour: growing
• StoryWalk: Rachel Carson
• Barry Moser: May 29th (summarize)
• Bruce Mandel: June 15th (Saturday)
Craft Fair:
• 19 (20 spaces) vendors so far
Marketing:
• Constant Contact:
o 1221 Emails sent/1,157 delivered / 48 readers (4%)
o 60% open rate / 64 bounced.
o 12 unsubscribed
ARIS: Opens July 1
Technology: Sue suggested that Brad make a list of technology issues that she can bring to the selectboard. A motion was made by Tom, seconded by Gloria, to approve the Director’s report. The motion was unanimous.
4. Old/Ongoing Business
Small Population Grant (SPG) – Sue B. reported that the grant had been submitted to the MBLC. She thanked Brandi and Brad for working on the grant. Susan expressed to the subcommittee for their work. Next steps include a site visit from MBLC. The preferred site is the Crandall property on Rt. 23. The second site would be 100 Acre park. Sue also related that Gary Thomas, Selectboard Chair, had contacted her and discussed a possible “what if “ situation for the Fratelli’s building to be used as a possible library site should it become available. The Board was very interested in its central location and open to more discussion should this property be an option.
Committees: Otis Library Fair: Chairs and Co-Chairs are in parenthesis
Vendors (Lois) – Twenty signed up so far. Sue and Tony will mark the spaces. Carol will help people find their spots.
Publicity – Tom, making the three sandwich board flyers and distributing around town, also putting up the banners. Diane, Sue and Susan posting signs in and out of town. Ads posted on social media.
Food (Susan B. & Tony) – Tony making sausage, peppers, and onion grinders and eggplant Eggplant Rollatini. Jay and Larkin will cook hotdogs on the grill brought by Dmitri. Susan will bring 5 gallons of lemonade and 5 gallons of iced tea.
Raffle (Celeste & Susan) – Susan will continue to sell $10, 50/50 tickets at the Farmer’s Market. Celeste will make a poster listing all the donations, Susan will setup the Mason jars for the Items raffle and move these items to and from the library prior to and after the fair. She will also setup cash boxes.
Family & Children’s Activities (Donna & Susan E.) – Entertainment provided by BTG Productions including a husband-and-wife team providing pirate and magic show, balloon twisting and face painting from 11:00 – 2:00. The cost is $580. Sgt. W. of the Otis Police force has managed to secure the Copsicle truck to provide free ice cream to the kids. Hillary Howard will distribute ice cream. Karen Karlberg will read her book Cooper the Dancing Llama at 10:30. Donna will lead a “happy stick” craft and Susan will offer a bookmark activity.
Bake Sale (Diane & Gloria) – Ads will be posted for baking contributions. Arlene will help. Efforts will be made to keep the baked goods out of the sun. Coffee and Danish will be provided for the vendors and workers.
Book Sale (Friends of the Library) Greg Dyer is borrowing a flatbed truck. Rosy is coordinating moving the books and coordinating the sale . Rosy is looking into having unused books picked up.
Set -up/ Clean up (All) – Mike H. , Dimitri, and Jay available for setup.
Parking (Jim E. & Robert R, ) Traffic will flow in a circle with “head in” handicap parking.
5. New Business:
Sue asked trustees to sign up for the community table at the Shared table at the Farmer’s Market. The table will be used until Columbus Day.
Items for July Agenda
Other
At 7:50, Susan E. made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Tom. The Board unanimously approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Ebitz, Secretary
Next Meeting: July 11, 2024
Future Meetings: August 8, September 12, October 10, November 14, December 12, 2024