Minutes for June 27, 2023 – Board of Library Trustees
In attendance: Wendy Neil, Karen Nugent, Director Marie Letarte, Gloria Parkinson, Colby Armstrong, Jill Ashton Absent: Francisco Ramos
Invited Guest: Barbara Friedman
Town administrator Mike Ward arrived at 6:37 pm
Call to order 18:05
Public comment by Cathy who lives across the street. She loves the library.
Motion made by Wendy to move chair report to after public comment. Seconded by Karen.
Unanimous vote in favor.
Wendy’s chair report talked about many of the positive changes the board has made over her
years as a trustee and chair. Wendy also thanked all trustees past and present for their hard work.
Election of officers:
We welcome Jill Ashton to board as our newest trustee.
Wendy Neil nominated Karen Nugent as chair, Gloria seconded
Karen nominated Gloria Parkinson as vice chair, Wendy Neil seconded
Wendy nominated Colby Armstrong as secretary, seconded by Gloria Parkinson.
Gloria suggest we put dates in our meeting minutes when discussing notes from subcommittee
meetings. Gloria also made motion to amend minutes that were discussed in our 06/27 meeting.
Seconded by Colby. Unanimous vote in favor.
Invited guest Barbara Friedman, library building consultant discussed MPLCP grant program
Recommended making town report unique, reflecting unique community, throughout history and now for the building grant application
July 13 Greenfield Library reopening, after its renovation. doing something very similar with its building renovations
Very long process, lots of little details and barriers to work through
Cost of renovations vs from the ground up –usually renovations are more expensive
Review of application process for town administrator Mike Ward
Government and community outreach
Permanent building committee for projects over $50k
Barbara Friedman left meeting at 7:11 pm
Motion to accept Barbara Friedman as building consultant by Wendy, 2nd by Gloria, all approved
Reports
MPLCP grant application update
Director’s report
Approval of application for extra hours, likely on Saturday afternoons,
possibly Sunday or Monday, based on input from the survey,
evening hours extended on Tuesdays,
Motion by Gloria to open library for 5 additional hours on Tuesday evenings and Saturday afternoons to be active after Labor Day, 2nd by Karen, all approved
Year to date budget –on track. Will have to overspend in the Materials line because it was not adjusted to reflect the 15% required by state statute when salaries were adjusted
Friends update
Still looking for new Friends
Promoting more, ad campaign to get more people involved
Challenge update
Very vocal person on Facebook talking badly about Library due to dishing out drag
Problem with book “gender queer” over graphic content
Subcommittee updates
Building & facilities
Karen, Gloria, Francisco (Marie)
150k warrant article passed
Decided not to do postcards
Various workshops and meetings
List of to-dos
Possible new locations for alternate site required by grant application
Advocacy and outreach
New marketing strategies, getting the news about the 150th out
Suggestions to work with Coffeelands or other town businesses
Policy
Board of Trustees Code of Ethics – up for a vote
Wendy objected to the details of one of the points
Committee to review at its next meeting on July 14th
Mike ward left at 8:25 pm
Unfinished business
Marie’s review: two people or as committee? Whether or not we have to post it
Press releases with library news
New business
Reading challenge: Battle of the Clintons starting after July 4
Date of next meeting July 25, 6pm
Motion to adjourn at 8:45 pm by Gloria, 2nd by Wendy, all approve
Minutes submitted by Gabrielle Turcotte