 |
Morse Institute Library
Board of Trustees
Meeting Minutes
June 9, 2009
Trustees Present: Kathleen Donovan, Harriet Buckingham, Elliot Goodman
and Joseph Keefe
Administration Present: Jane Finlay – Acting Director
Marie Nardi – Community Relations Coordinator
Staff Present: Dale Smith, Children’s Department Supervisor
Dell Redington
Call to Order: 4:00 pm
- The minutes of the April 14th and May 12th meetings were approved.
- The President raised the issue of utilizing funds from the State Aid line to purchase hours for Sunday opening effective in September, 2009. A discussion followed. Trustee action is contemplated at the July 14th Trustees’ meeting.
- A review of the Library’s town appropriated budget reveals that the Administration has spent 91.2% of the appropriation as of June 9.
- The President discussed the hiring of the new Director by the Town Administrator. He provided the Trustees with a copy of the letter of employment which Ms. White gave to Ms. Stetson. Ms. Stetson has accepted employment as the Director of the Morse Institute Library effective July 20, 2009.
- The Board approved granting Ms. Nardi, Community Relations Coordinator, four weeks of vacation annually pursuant to the Town’s by-laws.
- Acting Director’s Report:
- Jane and Dr. Keefe attended the Town Meetings in May, 2009. The budget was voted as recommended by the Finance Committee on Tuesday, May 19, 2009.
- The Website Committee has selected Piper Mountain Webs, LLC of Gilford, NH to create the new website. First year cost for setup and hosting is $3,500.
- Mid-year report for the Equal Access Grant was submitted to the MA Board of Library Commissioners on May 6, 2009 (the due date had been extended). This grant is on track.
- A very successful Veterans’ Appreciation luncheon was held with a lot of staff participation: Cary Holmes, Liz Bailey, Marie Nardi, Rose Huling, Karol Bartlett, Charlie Ching, Dale Smith, Gaylene Bordeaux and Morse Institute Veterans Oral History support. Trustee support was given by Harriet Buckingham as she played the piano for the songs honoring each branch of the service. We have received at least six thank you notes in writing and many more in person. Four or five new interviews of veterans have been scheduled since the event.
- The Friends of the Library raised $7,470.00 at the May book sale.
- Many of the library staff and friends participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Our theme was “Hope: Adventures of a Diamond” honoring Paula Polk. Our team raised $3,267.00 out of the total $197,000. Thanks to Karen for organizing and chairing the team and others who walked or helped: Laurie, Jesse and Jeff, Paula, Connie, Dale, Jeanne, Jane and Roger, Marie, Pat, Karen’s daughter Nicole and friends, Rose with the Bookmobile, Jen Harter and family and all who brought food and to those who pledged and offered support.
- Morse Institute’s new hours will be in effect May 30 – July 5:
Monday – Thursday – 10 – 9, Friday 10 – 5:30, Saturday 10 – 2, Sunday CLOSED
The hours for July 6 – September 7 will be:
Monday – Thursday – 10 – 8, Friday 10 – 5, Saturday 10 – 2, Sunday CLOSED
- Ms. Finlay brought forward a draft policy on Unattended Children. Following discussion thereof, the Board asked her to provide some comparison statements from other local libraries. She will bring this item forward again at the July meeting along with the requested information.
- Following a lengthy discussion of the number of “funds” the Library carries on its Fund Balance Sheet and the number thereof that are classified as “restricted”, the President asked Ms. Finlay to arrange a meeting for him with the Library’s auditor.
- Ms. Christie provided the Trustees Education Program for this meeting. She provided data in support of the Library’s work in the area of language acquisition by limited or non-English speaking persons. MIL works with the Framingham and Wellesley Public Libraries to provide tutors for such individuals. There are fifty (50) pairs functioning at the Morse Institute. MA Board of Library Commissioners’ funds are utilized to provide the training for tutors and the ongoing programs. The program also addresses writing skills and resume development, as well as the language piece. The Trustees thanked Ms. Christie for her efforts and her enthusiasm.
Meeting Adjourned: 5:45 pm
The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday, July 14th at 4:00 pm in the Community Room of the Library.
| |
