Category: Meeting Minutes

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

 

 

Reading Public Library

Board Meeting Minutes

Date: May 29, 2018

 

Meeting commenced: 6:02 PM

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

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

Secretary’s report: No new report

Treasurer’s report: Bill and Tony will be meeting in early June to discuss the money remaining for the year. There should be enough money left for new books or supplies.

Librarian’s report:

• There are lots of community groups who are using the library for meeting space, so new dry erase calendars are being used to track and manage the schedule.
• No word from Cathy regarding summer reading and library visits for RES students.
• Patrons are continuing to utilize the seed catalogue.
• Reading Recreation Commission Game Nights are now outside, though the library will continue to be used if the weather is bad.
• The picnic tables are in Puddledock Park and Bill will contact the Reading Greenspaces Committee to have the $175 check made out to support them.
• Maryanne will no longer be volunteering at the library. The library will be giving her a bouquet of flowers as a thank you for all her years of service.
• Upcoming programs – Sing-a-long May 8, Stitching Circle May 9, “Libraries Rock” summer programs – Thursdays in July.
  

Unfinished business:

• Maintenance- Bill continues to look for someone to do the sidewalk repair. Mike Barr will need to be contacted to see if he can repair a hole that woodpeckers have created.
  

New business:

• Vanessa will contact Calista regarding Tony’s wage increase, effective July 1
• Herb garden – With the removal of the dead lavender plants, we discussed creating a community herb garden, including chives, oregano, rosemary, and other herbs better suited to our climate. The board will meet with Tony in June to do the plantings.

Summary of decisions: Bill to look into getting sidewalks and steps at library fixed. Bill to contact Greenspaces regarding check for tables. Bill will call Mike Barr about woodpecker hole. The Board will work with Tony on the herb garden 

Meeting Adjourned: 7:00

Date of next meeting: June 26, 2018

 

 

 

Reading Public Library

Board Meeting Minutes

Date: May 1, 2018

Meeting commenced: 6:05

 

Present: Tony Pikramenos, Vanessa Maxham, Libbet Downs, Heather Evans, Janet Malcolm, Steven D’Agostino

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

Secretary’s report: No new report

Treasurer’s report: A question was brought up regarding the maintenance and grounds line items for March both amounting to 234.62. Will ask Bill to investigate this to be sure this is correct.

Librarian’s report: No word from Cathy regarding summer reading and library visits for RES students. Patrons are continuing to utilize the seed catalogue. Twenty-one people attended game night at the library on April 27. While game nights are indoors at the library, the library and rec committee will co-sponsor these nights. The warmer months when game nights are outdoors will be sponsored by rec committee only. The next game night is May 18 6:30-8. Twenty people came to May Day which was a great morning. Thank you Libbet for the snacks and tea and Vanessa for the craft. Two people came to stitching circle on April 24 at 10:30 am. Tony and Libbet will pick a date to do the next stitching circle on a Saturday morning in hopes more people can attend. Twenty people attended the sing-a-long on March 30 and the next sing-a-long will be on May 19^th 6:30-8pm. Aging in place, Rec committee, and Green Space committee have all utilized the library to meet. The courier is up and running. To cut down on costs, patrons will be charged 25 cents for each black and white copy over three pages and 50 cents for each color copy over one page.

Unfinished business:

• Maintenance- Bill will look into getting the sidewalk and steps repaired this season. Heather will clean out lavender bushes and Tony will trim lavender.
• New officers voted in – Vanessa nominated Janet Malcolm for secretary, second by Libbet, unanimous yes vote. Libbet nominated Bill Bakker for treasurer, second by Vanessa, unanimous yes vote. Libbet nominated Vanessa Maxham for chair, second by Heather, unanimous yes vote.

New business: Steven D’Agostino is visiting tonight requesting the library board to consider opening from 5-7 pm on the first Friday of the month in June and August (June 1 and August 3). Steven suggested having cookies and lemonade at the library. Other events happening on these first Fridays include the Historical Society hosting an event at the museum, “Vermont history through song”, the Hall art foundation open for free self-guided tours and gourmet pizza truck. Steven is also asking Scott at the Greenhouse so stay open until 7 pm. Someone from the library board agreed to open the library from 5-7pm on June 1 and August 3.

Steven also asked for events happening at the library that can be included in the add marketing Reading in the VT Standard. May 8^th is the deadline to submit this info to the standard and the paper is to be published on May 24^th. Tony will get the dates and event info to Steven.

Summary of decisions: Bill to look into getting sidewalks and steps at library fixed. Lavender to be cleaned out and trimmed by Heather and Tony. Tony will get dates to Steven for publication in the VT Standard

 

Meeting Adjourned: 7:08

Date of next meeting: May 29, 2018

 

 

 

Reading Public Library

Board Meeting Minutes

Date: March 27, 2018

Meeting commenced: 6:05

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

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

Secretary’s report: No new report

Treasurer’s report: Currently on track with budget

Librarian’s report: Tony is happy with the building being used for several groups in town (WRAP, Rec, Village Center Committee, Green Space Committee). Libbet and Tony met with Principal Cathy Knight regarding summer reading plan for RES students as well as a visit to the library before school is out. They are waiting to hear back from Cathy. Game night was a success and the next one will be April 27^th 6:30-8pm. The library is hosting a sing-a-long March 30^th 6:30 pm-8pm. Tony is working on putting together mindfulness programs. “May Day” scheduled for April 28^th at 10:30am. The seed catalogue is up and running and several packets have been checked out. There will be a write up about the seed catalogue in the editorial section of the Vermont Standard. Tony will be on vacation 4/14, 4/17, 4/19, 4/21, 4/24, 4/26 and is looking for volunteers to open the library.

Unfinished business: Peter Seman gave his letter of resignation to Vanessa. Minnie Fay display is up! Regarding the courier, Tony spoke with Hartland librarian about joining their service and he is waiting on approval from Hartland’s board members at their next meeting. The amount the library will pay is within the budget.

New business: Purchasing good quality picnic tables was discussed at the latest Green Space meeting. Tony got quotes from a commercial supplier, from the Carriage Shed in WRJ, and from Home Depot. Ann Rubright got a quote from a local retired builder she knows. The hope is that some of the town organizations, including the library, can contribute towards this purchase. Libbet motioned for the library to donate $175 towards this purchase. Second by Vanessa. Motion passed.

Summary of decisions: May Day date April 28^th. Library to donate $175 towards picnic table for green space. Waiting for Hartland to approve Reading library to be on their courier service.

Meeting Adjourned: 7:05

Date of next meeting: May 1, 2018

Gilbert Davis Library

Board of Trustees Meeting

February 26, 2018

Reminder:  Town Meeting March 3

 

In attendance: Tony Pikramenos, Vanessa Maxham, Milde Waterfall, Libbet Downs, Janet Malcolm, visitor

Called to Order: 6:10pm

Changes to Agenda:  Libbet requested that we discuss possible new Board members in Executive Session

Minutes Approved – Motion by Bill, Second by Janet and Vanessa

Secretary’s Report – No new donations.

Treasurer’s Report – Year to date reports reviewed.  Some anomalies but none of concern.   Milde suggested books be audited between old and new Treasurers.

Librarian’s Report – Tony reported that the Appeal had been a success.  Library Cards were issued to 5^th and 6^th graders.  Libbet and Tony created a Community Sing A Long for Friday, March 30 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm in the Library.  March 16^th Tony is partnering with the Rec Committee to co-sponsor Game Night at the Library.  Libbet and Tony are talking with Cathy Knight about how to involve the Library in the RES.  The card catalog is being prepared for a Seed Exchange.  Tony has secured donations from Herman’s Garden Seed and high Mowing Seeds.

Unfinished Business – Tony and Bill have framed photos of Minnie Fay (placement TBA) Tony has written a narrative regarding Minnie Fay’s time as Librarian and included personal testimonies about Minnie Fay.  Milde suggested that no primary documents be placed in the Memory Book Tony shared with Board last week.  No decision on placement of exhibit in library.

Courier Service – Options for Courier were discussed.  Tony will discuss possibilities for partnership with Hartland Library.

Maintenance – No action or discussion.

New Business – Bill will explore possibilities for our CD and general preparation for Town Meeting discussion regarding our monetary requests.

Summary of Decisions: Bill will explore possibilities with CD, and Minnie Exhibit location. Tony will explore courier potentials with Hartland Library.

*** Tony and Janet leave and Board goes into Executive Session.  Board agrees Request for Tony’s raise will follow approval at Town Meeting and take effect the beginning of the fiscal year. Board agrees on procedure to encourage new board members.

 

Adjourned: 7:20pm Minutes respectfully submitted by Milde Waterfall, Secretary.

Gilbert Davis Library

Board of Trustees Meeting

January 30, 2018

Next meeting February 27

Reminder: Town Hall Meeting March 3

In attendance: Tony Pikrameos, Vanessa Maxham, Milde Waterfall, Libbet Downs, Janet Malcolm, visitor

Called to Order at 6:10pm

No Changes to the Agenda

Minutes approved from November meeting.

Secretary’s Report –  Thank you notes will be completed on Thursday, February 2, 2018

Treasurer’s Report:  Bill Bakker, the new Treasurer, sent the report through Tony.  The budget changes reflect book and audio book purchases as increases.

Librarian’s Report – Tony has researched the possibility of using the old card catalog as a seed catalog for patrons to donate and receive seeds this spring.  Tony discussed the matter with Scott Harkin who thought it was a good idea. Discussion continued about a potential focus on local gardeners rather than using seeds donated by companies.  Contacting other two other local libraries that have tried seed exchanges Tony found that success was inconsistent. Further research needed.

The fifth and sixth graders are participating in the Dorothy Canfield Fisher books.  They now have library cards and trying to connect with Listen Up Vermont.  Also working on Sharing Red Clover Books with K-4.  On going discussions with RES Principal regarding visits to the Library.  The Library now has a new set of Caroling pamphlets for next year.  Recently, the following groups have used the library for meetings: Recreation Group, WRAP, Village Center Committee, Aging in Place,  and used for Depositions as well.  The order of new books has been processed for check out.  Bob Allen requested info on the library lift as a potential for the Historical Society.  Ron Wanamaker has sent detailed explanation of the attaching of the letters for the library’s records.

Unfinished Business –  Bill and Tony have produced a  diary album with photos and narrative of Minnie Fay as a beginning of the exhibit they have been planning.  It is available for viewing upon request.

Maintenance – Dave Behan has repaired the plumbing issues.  Lights have been repaired and bulbs replaced by Millbrook Electric.

New Business –  WRAP still discussing potential film series.  The reports went to the Town Clerk for publication at Town Meeting.  New Patron info is being processed into our database.

Summary of Decisions:  Bill will contact the Courier Group with Catamount regarding their route.  Vanessa will follow up with Peter Seman regarding his letter of Resignation.  Tony will talk with Principal Knight regarding school visits.  Libbet will continue to explore film possibilities with WRAP. Milde will contact Westminster Crackers regarding Library supply.

Adjourned 7:35pm Minutes respectfully submitted by Milde Waterfall, Secretary

Note Bene:  December  2017 Meeting not held due to weather and other conflicts

Gilbert Davis Library

Board of Trustees Meeting

November 28, 2017

Next meeting December 26, 2017

In attendance:  Tony Pikramenos, Vanessa Maxham, Milde Waterfall, Libbet Downs, Bill Bakker, Peter Seman

Called to order at 6:05pm

Agenda Changes: no changes

Secretary’s Report: Thank you notes to 28 responses to Appeal Letter.  Two checks need to be written – one to QMH (Quality Mailing House) and one to Tony for stamps.

Treasurer’s Report – Peter presented the current Operating Budget and a document from FY 1997 to the present listing requests for Town Appropriations for the Library.

Librarian’s Report:

• The Department of Libraries has scrapped the old Library Loan Program and a new one, Clover, is operative. Tony talked with the Windsor Librarian regarding the program.
• One of the Library laptops died (RIP) but we still have one desktop and two laptops that are operative.
• The Fire Department and the Rescue Squad borrowed our projector for a program.
• The Handicapped Lift has had its first successful use for a patron from West Windsor.
• Listen Up Vermont shared the statistics of patrons use in Reading from September 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017, which revealed 482 users.
• Programs: Halloween – even without power and school cancelled students came and carved pumpkins.  A local farmer picked up the pumpkins the next day for pig food.  Good recycling effort!
• A Tree Lighting celebration will be held in the green space beside the library on December 1 at 6:30pm. The tree will be lit each night from 5pm to 10pm with the help of an extension cord to the library.  The annual caroling celebration will be held on December 22^nd at the Library.
• Peter was asked to write a letter to Vanessa, Chairperson, explaining his resignation. The Library makes a recommendation to the Selectmen who can approve the replacement before Town Meeting or a new member can be nominated at Town Meeting.

Unfinished Business:

• Bill gave an up-date on the Minnie Fay exhibit he and Tony have been designing. Tony is making an album with narrative and pictures to be placed in the book cart and two or three framed photos will be placed on the wall.
• Tony gave everyone his or her new Library Card. He is creating a newsflash to help with information for the public on new procedures with automation.  Stay tuned in the next Informer or check readinglibrary.org for more information.  We went live with the new automation last Tuesday, November 21, 2017.
• Tony took our volunteers to lunch at South Woodstock General Store and a good time was had by all.
• A few glitches are being worked out with Catamount. Tony is inputting patrons for their new library cards.
• The globe light outside was replaced for the first time in 16 years. Mike Barr also replaced two interior lights.
• The picnic table in front of the Library has been removed, as it was no longer safe for patrons to sit on.
• Mike Barr will resume the plowing this winter.

New Business:

• Libbet’s group is brainstorming possible films to screen at the Library
• Request to Town for budget is currently $29,280 and has remained the same since 2013. The Board moved to Executive session.  Discussion followed regarding a raise for Tony and a general request.

Summary of Decisions.  Tony will check on the possibility of ordering from Staples through Calista.  Bill and Peter will meet regarding the position of Treasurer.  Vanessa will alert Bill to the requirements of the position of Treasurer.  Libbet will meet with WRAP regarding film choices.  Milde will continue to respond with thank you notes to contributors.

Adjourned 8:20pm.

Respectfully submitted by Milde Waterfall, Secretary

 

Gilbert Davis Library

Board of Trustees Meeting

October 24, 2017

Next meeting Tuesday, November 28.

In attendance: Tony Pikramenos, Vanessa Maxham, Milde Waterfall, Libbet Downs, Bill Bakker

Called to order at 6:00pm

Agenda changes:  no changes

Secretary’s Report:  Appeal Letter ready for signatures, then mailing.

Treasurer’s Report: Tabled

Librarian’s Report – Jean Goldsborough worked with Tony’s email glitches and solved them.  Pumpkin carving will be Monday at the Library for K thru 6 and at the school for Pre-K and painting pumpkins.  The pumpkins will be displayed at the Library on Halloween and Tony will be handing out treats.

Unfinished Business–

• Appeal Letter – Check written and to be sent to Red House Press. Signed letters and envelopes will be delivered to Claremont tomorrow for mailing.
• Automation – Tony trained on Monday and Tuesday last week. Tony goes to the Annual Meeting for Catamount on Thursday in Ludlow.  MaryAnn will provide Library coverage.  He will check on info for patrons on the program.  The Board approved Tony’s request to take the volunteers to lunch as a thank you for their hard work.
• Maintenance – Bill suggested we hold off on the sidewalk work until spring. The Board agreed.
• Minnie Fay Exhibit – Tony and Bill continue planning the operational matters and logistics.

New Business-

• Budget – Tabled in Peter’s absence
• Libbet reported on a project WRAP (Women of Reading) would like to pursue. One member attended the John Brown Symposium and though the group would like to offer films that are issues oriented on evenings in the Library.  Tony shared the issues involved with licensure.  Libbet will go to the group to find possible films and Tony can check the requirements.
• Vanessa appointed Bill as Acting Treasurer to work with Peter during November in order to be prepared for Peter’s departure.

Summary of Decisions-

• Milde will write thank you notes and deliver the Appeal Letters to Claremont for mailing.
• Tony will continue work on automation and take the volunteers out for lunch.
• Bill will email Peter and plan a meeting before the November meeting.
• Libbet will meet with WRAP regarding films.

Adjourned at 6:55pm

Gilbert Davis Library

Board of Trustees Meeting

September 26, 2017

 

In attendance: Tony Pikramenos, Vanessa Maxham, Milde Waterfall, Libbet Downs, Peter Seman.

Called to order at 6:00pm

Agenda change:  no changes

Secretary’s Report:  All systems in place for Appeal Letter after the Board approves Tony’s draft tonight

Treasurer’s Report:  First Light: We are working down the credit from last year.  At our next meeting Tony will report the details of the changes and discounts relating to First Light.  No other items of consequence in expenditures.

Librarian’s Report – The brick pavers are gone from the backyard.  Tony and Bill are exploring the Minnie Fay exhibit possibilities.  Tony will focus on the narrative of Minnie Fay’s career here.  Bill will work on the display design.

Budget Request for next year and Annual Librarian and Treasurer reports are due to Town by December 1^st.  Tony will email details on gifts of commemorative China pieces from Thomas and Lynn Singleton to the Library later.

Maintenance: No news on the sidewalk repair.  The Board would like Bill to continue to contact the contractor to complete the work.

The Letters are up and it was a success. Milde offered special kudos to Peter who insisted that we contract the work to be done in order not to damage the letters and to protect them from water damage.  We briefly discussed important material to be archived regarding the letters and we send a letter to the Gilbert Davis Trust with the newspaper article attached for their records.

Automation- The annual Catamount meeting on October 26^th will be in Ludlow and Tony will attend. The system will go live on November 14^th.  Training will be scheduled for two days the week of October 16^th.

New Business: The Board approved the Appeal Letter and Tony will send it to the printer.  Peter indicated that he would stay on the Board through November but then, after many years of service; he would like to devote his time to other community work.  Milde’s term is also up this year and she will not be returning.  That will leave two open positions on the Board.  Anyone interested should contact Tony or Vanessa prior to Town Meeting.

Summary of Decisions:  Bill will continue to problem solve the sidewalk repair.  Tony will mail the Appeal Letter to the printer.  Milde will pick up the material for the Board to sign at our October meeting and then take it to be mailed.

We adjourned at 6:45pm

Minutes respectfully submitted by Milde Waterfall, Secretary

Gilbert Davis Library

Board of Trustees Meeting

June 27, 2017

 

In attendance:  Tony Pikramenos, Vanessa Maxham, Milde Waterfall, Libbet Downs

 

Called to Order at 6:05pm

No changes to Agenda

 

Secretary’s Report: Note sent to Hall  Art Foundation thanking them for Art Book collection.  Contacted gentlemen at Shelburne Village and we are tentatively set  for September to put the gold leaf letters on the front of the building.  Lavender is doing well and baskets for the cheek walls created by Sharon Harkin are fantastic.

 

Treasurer’s Report:  Tony reported in Peter’s absence that we ended the year on the penny.

 

Librarian’s Report:  Jane Cleveland gifted the library with personal notes by her aunt, Marjorie Cleveland Swain.  Libbet also brought notes from Jane.  Marjorie’s  notes share memories of Minnie Fay, with whom she worked.  Tony will respond.

Speaking of Reading will be held in the Library on Old Home Days from 12 noon to 3pm allowing residents to share stories of life in Reading. The library is note hosting the event but offering use of the library space.

Tony offered the Reading Volunteer Fire Department sign, which has been in the Library attic for ten or so years to the Historical Society.

Wayne Shontz has given us a quote for the work needed on the front sidewalk.  The quote is very reasonable.  The Board motioned and  second a motion to accept his offer.  He will start in July.

Tony shared information he had about the potential sale of part of the lot next to the library.   Waiting for confirmation on this sale.

 

Unfinished Business:  Automation.  On schedule.  Closing in as we are half way through the Early Readers, heading to the Picture Books, and then Juvenile Fiction.  Finished then.

Brief discussion on what to do with the cards in the card catalog.  They are treasured historical documents.

 

New Business – Next meeting July 25.  Discussed plans for the green space beside the library:  parking, movies, farmer’s market, contra dance, funding for a gazebo.  So many wonderful possibilities.

 

Summary of Decisions:  Sidewalk repair will start after Old Home Days.

 

Adjourned at 6:47pm

Minutes respectfully submitted by Milde Waterfall, Secretary