Minutes for July 25, 2023 – Board of Library Trustees
Library community room
In Attendance: Chair Karen Nugent, Jill Ashton, Wendy Neil, Gloria Parkinson, Francisco Ramos, Director Marie Letarte
Absent: Colby Armstrong
Call to Order at 6:01 pm by Karen
No Public comment
Approval of minutes for June
Motion to accept minutes for June by Gloria, 2nd by Jill, no amendments, unanimous vote yes
Reports
MPLCP Grant Application process current activities
Working on paperwork for application
Consultant Barbara will help with focus groups
Director & Consultant Meeting once a week via zoom
Grant application Due next May
Director’s report
Technology update – ARPA funds on hold until the results of the town-wide assessment of technology needs
CFNCM meeting tomorrow about foundations
Kathy’s back working part time
File found in archives: letters, historic members, Carnegie foundation letters
Town’s Permanent Building Committee meets monthly
Spent 24% of budget on programs so far
Friend’s update
Meeting tomorrow at 6:30
Still in need of new people
If there are no friends, there will be no book sale for Old Home Day
We need a new chair, new committee members, volunteers for the Friends
Dudley Library almost closed, due to budget shortfalls – enough people spoke out for town board to change their mind
Challenge update
Legislative Ban on banned books in early process
Haven’t had specific instances since last meeting
Subcommittee updates
Building and facilities
Description of Subcommittee Chart: Town’s Permanent building committee -> interested and informed group of people (not trustees) -> money -> professional fundraiser – (See diagram attached)
Vote to take place at next meeting when trustees have more information
Second site required by grant – potential locations around town
Reconfiguration of subcommittee
Subcommittee cannot exceed 3 people
Francisco and Karen stepped down from building subcommittee, Jill has expressed interest in joining, meaning the committee is Marie, Gloria, and Jill. Next meeting, Aug 11, 10:45 @ Chestnut St. lot
Advocacy and outreach: Recommendations for director to implement & delegate
Meeting at Coffeelands July 14, 2023
Subcommittee continues to meet at Coffeelands as part of the outreach strategy.
Improve communication for library in all regards
Write articles for the item
Ads of local TV
Publicity schedule. Next meeting, Aug 11, 9:30 at Coffeelands
Monthly advocacy assignments for trustees
150 questions/facts about the Bigelow Public Library
Getting people to talk about the library
Copies of library info sheet
Policy did not meet
Animals in the library. Next meeting, Aug 18, 11:00
New Business
Discussion about blocking Facebook trolls
Staff member advocates just blocking certain internet user whose stirred up trouble on Facebook regarding LGBT+ books
Director does not want to further provoke poster, especially given that harassment has stopped for the moment
Unfinished business
Date of next Meeting: August 22, 6 pm
Motion to adjourn at 7:42 by Karen, 2nd by Wendy all approve
Minutes submitted by Gabrielle Turcotte
Building and Facilities Subcommittee
July 14, 2023, at 11:30 AM
Gloria presented her graphic of the Building Project participation—the circles represent the size of the community