The East Longmeadow Board of Library Trustees held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 27, 2005, at the East Longmeadow Public Library, 60 Center Square, East Longmeadow, MA, with all Trustees in attendance, as well as Susan Peterson, Library Director.
The meeting was called to order at 6:01P.M. by Chairman Maxine Connor.
Upon motion duly made by Diane, and seconded by Virginia, it was voted unanimously to accept the minutes for the meeting of August 9, 2005, as corrected.
It was noted that there were no guests present.
Discussion was held relative to the Director’s September monthly report to the Board. Upon motion duly made by Cheryl, and seconded by Diane, the Director’s report was unanimously accepted. Highlights of the report were: Susan reported that August was the second busiest month since the new Library building opened. More than 15,000 items were circulated, even though the number of operating hours has been reduced. She further reported that we are short of staff. Susan was congratulated on the recent news items that appeared in The Reminder. She said that she continues to work towards completing necessary corrections to the building, and that there has been good communication within the new building maintenance scenario. She will check regarding the “No Skateboarding” sign that used to be posted in the rear parking lot. Lastly, she reported that the Library is promoting Library Card signups during September. She reported that in general she has received a lot of positive feedback concerning the Library
An update on the operating budget was distributed.
New Business
A lengthy discussion was held on Library fines. The discussion included the possibility of having an amnesty week for fines, the donation of fines collected during a specific period to a worthy charity, and a program that is being conducted in Ellington, CT that would benefit charities and the Library. Kathleen will bring information to next month’s meeting regarding the Ellington program. It was suggested that perhaps these are special projects that the Friends of the Library might consider. Susan will look into the possibility of a “Food for Fines” program that would allow patrons who owe fines to pay those fines with food items to be donated to a local food program. It was once again brought up that the Friends of the Library should have a liaison to the Board of Library Trustees. This would be a good way to keep both the “Friends” and the Trustees informed about what both groups are doing. Maxine will speak to Laura Palmer about this.
Upon motion duly made by Shirley, seconded by Diane, and following discussion, the Board voted unanimously to accept Susan’s recommendation that the charge for replacing Library cards be changed to $2.00. This will cover the cost to replace the cards. It was noted that effective November 1, 2005, Library patrons must present their Library card in order to avail themselves of Library services.
Discussion was held regarding Susan’s recommendation that the Library be closed all day on Saturday, December 24 and Saturday, December 31. This matter will be investigated by Susan, and will be placed on the October agenda.
The Board noted and discussed a written request from the Board of Selectmen for 4 keys to the Library. No change was made to the Board’s decision made on August 9, 2005.
Old Business
Susan reported that the new interior lights have been installed, and that they are much brighter and much quieter.
Concerning the HVAC system, Susan reported that there are many issues with the company that performs maintenance on the system—I.A.Q. The present maintenance contract expires in February.
Adams/Ahern will prepare the front-door signage relative to the change in Library hours.
Susan reported that the next shipment of commemorative bricks should be arriving soon, at which time she will revise the brochure.
Cheryl asked the status of outstanding pledges to the Library Building Fund. Susan will prepare a list of unpaid pledges for the Trustees.
Items to be included on the October agenda will be: (1) The results of a discussion with the Fire Chief regarding second floor emergency exits; and, (2) A proposed Safe Child Policy.
The next meeting of the East Longmeadow Board of Library Trustees will be held at the East Longmeadow Public Library, 60 Center Square, East Longmeadow, on Tuesday, October 25, 2005, beginning at 6 P.M.
There being no further business to come before this Board, upon motion duly made by Cheryl, and seconded by Kathleen, the meeting was adjourned at 8:04 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Shirley A. Herrick
Secretary for the Board
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