Otis Library Meeting Minutes 11/12/2020

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Otis Library & Museum Annual Meeting*

Thursday, November 12, 2020

5:00 PM

 

* Meeting will be conducted in accordance of the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law

Members present – James Adams, Kathy Bort, Sue Brofman, Lois Hall, Gloria Mamokhin Donna Rich, Celeste Watman and Susan Ebitz

Recording Secretary Susan Ebitz called the meeting to order in Diane Dyer’s absence called the meeting to order at 5:06 PM.

The October Minutes were  approved unanimously.

 

Treasurer’s reports: Approved unanimously

 

Director’s Report: (See unedited attached)   Unanimously approved.                                                                 

 

Unfinished Business:

  • Susan B. explained how the CARES Act Grant might be applied to the library. She and Susan E. discussed applying potential funds towards technology expenditures. Both Sue & Susan recommend that the board not apply for money through the CARES ACT because once we asked John Charrow to set aside time for tech support we would be responsible for this expenditure and the grant might not reimburse us.  Celeste made a motion to accept the recommendation, Gloria seconded it and the motion was passed unanimously.
  • Discussion ensued around the hours advertised for Thursdays. Members would like to meet at 5:00 but the library is open till 6:00, Lois suggested the library be closed at 5:00 instead of six on the second Thursday of the month only. Susan/Sue made and seconded a motion to close the library at 5:00 on the night of the monthly library meeting but remain open till 6:00 every other Thursday of the month. Library signage would not have to be changed. This motion passed unanimously.
  • Donna and Susan gave an update on the StoryWalk detailing past and future plans. The Smithsonian Museum donation was very much appreciated and the featured book “How Raven Stole the Sun” was very well received. They plan to keep the “live” walks ongoing throughout the year to provide “safe” gatherings and promote community engagement with the library. An on-line application for people who might want to be guest readers will be drafted and presented back to the board when it’s ready.

New Business:

  • Kathy announced that the library would be able to reopen on Saturdays from 9:00 till 1:00. Kyle Hawley has been hired to assume this shift. He’s also willing to organize Hank Wingate’s notes when not busy with patrons.
  • Gloria made a motion, seconded by Sue to authorize Kathy to order and ship three bookcases that would match the existing furniture in the children’s section. These bookcases cost $678. The Board unanimously approved this motion.
  • Kathy reported that the library wouldn’t participate in Halloween book distribution this year. Normally, children come to the library and they can be given a book that matches their reading level and area of interest. Due to COVID restraints, that is not possible this year. Kathy reported that the recently completed “school bag” project co-sponsored by the REC Department was a big hit.
  • Gloria gave an in-depth overview of a grant opportunity sponsored by the ALA and Small & Rural Libraries for up to $3000. The grant is due on December 2, for the first-round applications. The purpose of the grant is to provide community engagement resources and opportunities for library workers serving small and rural communities. The Otis Library & Museum seemed to meet all the qualifications but there was a question of whether CWMARS meant the Library was also a member of ALA. Celeste and Kathy will research this. There are numerous requirements including taking on-line webinars. Gloria and Susan E. agreed to co-facilitate this grant subcommittee. Susan B. made a motion that was seconded by Donna to authorize Gloria and Susan to pursue applying for this grant.
  • Kathy reported she’s submitted a letter about sanitizing equipment to the town. She’s also requested an air quality evaluation. Both of these “asks” to relate to keeping staff and patrons safe despite COVID.
  • The election results of the annual meeting:

Chair: Diane Dyer

Recording Secretary: Susan Ebitz

Treasurer: Susan Brofman

 

The motion to adjourn the regular meeting was made by Gloria and seconded by Celeste at 6:15 PM.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Susan Ebitz, Recording Secretary

 

Next Meeting: November 12, 2020

Future Meetings: December10, 2020, January 7, 2021, February 11, 2021, March 11, 2021, April

2021, May13, 2021, June 10, 2021

 

Director’s report                                                                                             November 2020

 

 

Attendance                         Curbside 609/106                           Browse 112/55

Acquisitions                         Books 82                   Audio 3              DVD    55

 

Book cases delivered and set up:  Separate section for children’s movies; more organization of children’s materials   more space for displays

Kyle working Saturdays…

11/21   Kathy will work

Concerns

Numbers are increasing and constantly changing…………………need the authority to move from open library to curbside if needed

Thanksgiving schedule      concern of visiting people from out of area

Wednesday 11/25      open as usual

Thursday    11/26      closed for Thanksgiving

Friday 11/27 & Saturday 11/28    Curbside Only

Christmas Schedule               Wednesday 12/23     open as usual

Thursday 12/24 thru 12/29 closed for Christmas

Wednesday 12/30 open as usual

Air conditioners have been removed and air circulation is concern