DRAFT Minutes from August 7, 2013
The Board Meeting for the Trustees of Brown Memorial Library was called to order at 6:04 p.m.
Attendance: Patty Furness Robert Toppi
Bea Howe Meg Fearnley
Nola Jordan
1. As three trustees were absent, Robert Toppi was seated as a voting member.
2. The secretary’s report was accepted as presented.
3. A motion was made and passed to accept donations to Brown Memorial Library in July in the amount of $1,946.37. $1,415.00 was from our last book sale and $383.14 was a donation from FVB Landscaping – Fritz Von Beren charges us for the bed work he does, but then returns the money to the library as a donation. In general our finances are about where they should be for this time of year. Bea noted that the cost of the ceiling fans as well as the labor to install them will be paid for from the Special Projects account. The Treasurer’s Report was accepted as presented.
4. Total circulation figures for July are the highest they have been since Meg took over. Downloaded e-books were especially strong – 27 patrons took out a total of 86 e-books. Children’s material loaned was also up. A fabulous production of “Persephone: Myth of the Seasons” brought the summer reading program to a festive conclusion. A total of seventy folks gathered on the lawn as Odds Bodkin helped the children bring Laurie Buchar’s script to life. The Friends of the Library served refreshments afterwards.
5. Under New Business, Erich Caron gave the Trustees an overview of the Capital Improvement Program. It’s designed to help the town plan ahead for large capital expenses that cannot be met out of operating budgets. For an item to be included it must cost more than $10,000.00 and have a minimum life span of three years. He explained that it’s better to get something placed on the list sooner rather than later, and that priorities occasionally have to be revisited and adjusted. He left the paperwork with us and we will discuss any items we may want to include at the September meeting.
6. Bea reported that she has received information from Ayer and Goss about this year’s prepay program. Participation will cost $3.599/gallon, a twenty cent increase over last year. The Trustees voted to approve the purchase of 1030 gallons of fuel oil at this price. They agreed with Bea that it is less risky than going with market price.
7. Under Old Business, it was reported that everything is set for Andrew Pinard’s magic show on Friday, August 9, at 7:00 p.m. .
8. The Masons’ fund-raising dinner for the library will take place Saturday, August 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. A sign-up sheet for desserts is available at the checkout desk and several trustees have volunteered to help bus tables.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 4, at 6:00 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nola Jordan, Secretary