Reading Library
Board of Trustees July Meeting
(August 4, 2015)
Note: Because of an error by the knucklehead librarian, the agenda for the August 4 meeting was posted five hours prior to the meeting, not the forty-eight hours required. We will be happy to reconsider any of the August 4 agenda items at the August 25 meeting. –Signed, the knucklehead librarian.
In attendance: Libbet Downs, Peter Seman, Vanessa Maxham, Tony Pikramenos, Milde Waterfall, Secretary
Called to Order at 6:10pm
Minutes approved for June meeting and July 13th meeting
No changes to Agenda
Election of Officers: Chair – Libbet Downs; Treasurer – Peter Seman; Secretary – Milde Waterfall; appointments: Children’s Programs Chair – Vanessa Maxham
Secretary’s Report: Four thank-you notes for Mary Singleton donors and three general thank you notes for services.
Treasurers’s Report: Tabled for next meeting.
Librarian’s Report: The Department of Libraries has suspended the Standards Review to allow a review of the Standards. Tony still completes his Library Report with general information. Forty-one new books and forty-three new movies were purchased. We now have 130 movies for patrons to check out.
The Septic was emptied. The elevator was inspected and given a 90-day conditional approval. We need to replace a hydraulic hose within the next 90 days. Tony contacted source, ordered hose, and work should soon commence.
The Library float in the Old Home Days parade was very successful and many community members have indicated they’d like to be involved next year.
The book, Suspended Worlds, about the theater curtains (one page for the curtains in the town hall) is out. The Historical Society is taking the lead in organizing the book party on November 7th. The Library will be involved.
Unfinished Business: Automation. Lengthy discussion followed the report from Tony and Milde regarding their visit to the Catamount Board meeting in Ludlow. Libbet motioned to join Catamount. Milde seconded. The vote to join was unanimous. Next steps will begin by Tony’s contacting Russ Moore that we want to join. Maintenance. We’ve received no invoice from the prison work yet. Discussed present bills from Lavalley’s. Willy Hayes complete a thorough washing of the windows inside and out, the screens, and the window casings and will need payment. Tony will contact Mike Barr regarding the work he will do. Tony is still exploring possibilities for the sidewalk work. The fireplace insert will be done in the fall. An extended discussion continued regarding the letters on the portico. Tony has prepared a detailed history of our contacts with ten nationally recognized conservators. We are continuing to build a history of the physical features in the building so that no future Board will face the paucity of information we have faced in this effort. Currently we are working with conservators at Shelburne Village to better understand how to move forward.
New Business: Discussion of the current year’s budget was tabled until our next meeting.
Summary of Decisions: Tony will confirm our decision to join Catamount with Russ Moore, contact Mike Barr on his work, continue the search on the sidewalk work, and prepare his Library Report. Vanessa, Libbet, and Milde will explore possibilities for our participation in the book party for Suspended Worlds. Peter will be working on the budget. In Bill’s absence, out of respect, we did not assign him any onerous tasks.
Items for next months Agenda: Catamount, next steps. Book Party in November. Proceed with letters work. Library Report. Program potential for the fall.
Respectfully Submitted by Milde Waterfall