Author: Reading

Library Board Meeting Minutes
September 25, 2018

Attendees: Heather Evans, Vanessa Maxham, Bill Bakker, Tony Pikramenos, Esther Allen

1. Call to order at 6:15 PM
2. New business – Audit of library checkbook
   • Esther Allen reviewed the findings and recommendations for improved management and clarity of the library’s checkbook. The treasurer will work and making additional changes and improved recordkeeping in line with her recommendations
3. Approve minutes from last meeting – Minutes approved by board
4. Query for changes to the agenda – Except for moving New Business to the first item, there were no additional changes
5. Secretary’s report – No report this evening
6. Treasurer’s report
   • Treasurer reviewed the current expenses and budget for FY19
   • Sidewalk repair has been completed. The board approved the use of library checkbook funds to pay for the maintenance
7. Librarian’s report
   • Soffit repairs have been completed
   • Snow plowing – Our current person has retired, so we are searching for a new person
   • Game night on Sept 21 was a success. Next game night will be in October
   • Upcoming programs
     1. Sept 26 – Herb program with RES K-1
     2. Oct 20 – Make a Plate

• Oct 31 – Pumpkin carving

1. Becca White solar information program sometime in the fall

• Several new books have been recently purchased
• Vanessa has created a list of the names and dates of service for all the town‘s librarians. We are considering how best to display and recognize all our librarians

• Annual appeal letter is being created and will go out after the next board meeting

8. New business Next board meeting date
   • The board approved a change in the next meeting date to Oct 23 (one week earlier) to allow annual appeal letters to go out earlier
9. Summary of decisions – Bill reviewed all decisions and action items
10. Adjourn at 7:45 PM

Reading Public Library Board Meeting Minutes 

Date: August 28, 2018

Meeting commenced:  6:11

Present:  Vanessa Maxham, Heather Evans, Libbet Downs, Tony Pikramenos.

Minutes from the last two meetings (July 18 and August 16 – Special Meeting): Motion to approve by Heather, seconded by Libbet.

Secretary’s Report: no new report.

Treasurer’s Report: treasurer was not present.  Question of clarification on what line the courier fees are located in the budget.

Librarian’s Report:  Because the fiber connection did not reach as far as Puddledock Park, a new network was created using Comcast modem and router.  The new network is called Puddledock Park.  Thank yous go to Jane Philpin for lending her finger labyrinths for the past year, and to JD Cross for watering the herb and flower garden.

Discussion about a fall project with the K-1 class from RES with the assistance of Lisa Kaija.

The Rec Commission and the Library are hosting an indoor game night on September 21.

The Library will hold a Make-a-Plate workshop from 10-2 on October 20.

Pumpkin carving and decorating will happen the week of Halloween.

Unfinished Business:  Dave Appleton pruned and fertilized the apple tree in the front yard.  The sidewalk and step cement repairs have been started.  Discussion on the questions of repairing the sofit that has been damaged by woodpecker holes.  James Brower gave an estimate of $390 to do the repairs.  Vanessa made a motion to proceed with hiring him.  Libbet seconded. Motion to hire Brower passed.

Summary of Decisions: Tony will contact Lisa Kaija about K-1 project ideas.  Tony will go forward with hiring James Brower to make the repairs on the soffit.

Meeting adjourned: 7:11

Date of next meeting: September 25, 2018

Minutes respectfully submitted by Libbet Downs, Library Board Member.

Reading Public Library

Board of Trustees Special Meeting Minutes

August 16th, 2018

Called to order: 10:06am.

In Attendance: Tony Pikramenos, Heather Evans, Bill Bakker, Libbet Downs, Vanessa Maxham

Maintenance Issues:

• Dave Appleton came and examined the crab apple tree out front and determined that it wasn’t dying but needed some TLC; he could do the work for $100. Libbet motioned for Dave to do the work and Bill seconded; all in favor; motion approved.
• Mike Barr gave James Brower as a recommendation to fix the holes made from the birds in the library building soffit. James subsequently gave Mike an estimate for the work. We need more detailed information before we can decide. The board hopes to make a decision at the next meeting, which will be Aug. 28th.

Meeting adjourned 10:16am.

Respectfully submitted by: Vanessa Maxham, chair.

Reading Public Library Board Meeting Minutes

Date: July 31, 2018

Meeting commenced: 6:05

Present: Vanessa Maxham, Libbet Downs, Heather Evans, Bill Baker, Janet Malcolm

Minutes from last meeting: Motion to approve by Vanessa, second by Heather

Secretary’s report: No new report

Treasurer’s report: At the close of the fiscal year we are zeroed out for the year. The budget increased to $32,300. Vanessa and Bill are working on having Bill included on the checkbook.

Librarian’s report: Local groups including Wastewater, REC, and Green spaces, continue to meet at the library. Don Scullin is borrowing a projector and the historical society is borrowing a portable screen which the library is happy to lend out. Thank you note to Stephen D’agastino needs to be sent for baking cookies for the summer programs. Esther clarified with Tony the delayed donation check. The summer reading program was a sweet series despite the SOAK program most likely effecting attendance. Thanks to Bill, Janet and Heather for helping with snacks and crafts.

Unfinished Business:

-Maintenance- Mike Barr is not comfortable with repairing the bird nest area to the soffit due to the height. Tony is waiting to hear back from his nephews who possibly may be interested in repairing. Tony also reached out to David Appleton regarding the tree in the front yard and is waiting to hear back from him. Jason Dow to do sidewalk repair and Bill will follow up with him about doing this repair in August.

New Business:

-Random Art show to be held at library on August 3. Heather is collecting art and organizing and setting this up. Will most likely be indoors if it rains. Stephen is writing about the show in Thursday’s column.

Summary of decisions: Bill is following up with Jason Dow regarding sidewalk repair. Tony is waiting to hear back from David Appleton regarding tree and Mike Barr regarding his nephews repairing soffit. Random Art show is coming along for August 3!

Meeting Adjourned: 6:30

Date of next meeting: August 28, 2018

Reading Public Library Board Meeting Minutes

Date: June 26, 2018

Meeting commenced: 6:05

Present: Vanessa Maxham, Libbet Downs, Heather Evans, Tony Pikramenos, Bill Baker, Janet Malcolm

Minutes from last meeting: Motion to approve by Vanessa, second by Janet.

Secretary’s report: No new report.

Treasurer’s report: At the close of the fiscal year we are zeroed out for the year; the town approved increase in budget. Esther will do an audit for the last three fiscal years since we had a change of treasurers from Peter Seman to Bill Baker.

Librarian’s report: Seed library going well with lots of good feedback from patrons. Herb garden growing well and looks great. Heather and Tony are watering.  Mason is doing a great job of mowing. The tree is not doing well in front of the library and Tony will call Dave Appleton to look at it. Tony brought flowers and a handmade card from Sophie Evans to Mary Ann to thank her for her years of service. She was very grateful. Thank you cards need to be sent out for Deb Macia for toy box and rocker; Nanci, the photographer, who gave Tony files of restoration work, and an early donation for $100 from Bob and Esther Allen. Janet will meet with Tony on Thursday to go over the thank you note template. Woodpeckers made several holes in library. Mike Barr is planning on repairing. Summer program on Thursdays in July are all set.  Tony is asking the library officers to volunteer to help with the craft and provide the snack. The volunteers are: Bill on July 5, Janet on July 12, and Heather on July 26. Vanessa and Libbet are checking if they can cover the other date.

Unfinished Business: Maintenance- Bill motions to accept the estimate from Jason Dow to repair sidewalk in July. Libbet seconds and unanimous vote yes.

New Business: July 6 Stephen D’Agostino will open library from 5-7 for first Friday on 6/29. Plan is for August first Friday to have art exhibit at the library and have library open. Vanessa and Heather are working on this.

Summary of decisions: Mike Barr is planning on repairing the woodpecker damage to library. Bill will follow up with Jason Dow regarding sidewalk repair. Steven will open library from 5-7 on 6/29.

Meeting Adjourned: 7:02

Date of next meeting: July 31, 2018