SIMSBURY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Minutes of October 15, 2001 meeting
These minutes are for informational purposes only. For official minutes, please contact the Town Clerk's office.
PRESENT: Bert Kaplan, Charmaine Glew, Anne Erickson, Carol Bingham and Gail Ryan. STAFF: Susan Bullock, Director; Eileen Sickinger, Recording Secretary. FRIENDS: Bev Payne, Martha Mitterling.
The meeting was called to order at 7:25 P.M. by Gail Ryan, Chairperson. Carol Bingham moved that the minutes of the September 19, 2001 meeting be approved with the following changes: Remove sentence: Gail Ryan and Susan Bullock brainstormed with Mrs. Mielert on how much money can be raised in the community. A rough figure in the amount of $250,000 was projected. Under Exhibits and Displays, page 3, 4th line, last word, change "many" to "some". One page 1, "capitol" should be "capital campaign". Bert Kaplan seconded the motion. So moved.
Carol Bingham moved that item, 6A, Cell Phone Use, be added to the Agenda. Second: C. Glew. So moved.
There was no public audience.
COMMUNICATIONS: It has been requested that a brief description of the duties and goals of the Library Director be prepared for the 2001-2002 Annual Report. Mrs. Bullock had an inquiry from the Finance Department regarding the deposit of funds from ConnectiCard Funds and the reimbursement from Baker & Taylor. It was explained that the reimbursement from Baker & Taylor was probably a one-time situation and Mrs. Bullock will speak with Kevin Kane before final disbursement.
Charmaine Glew and Bert Kaplan will attend the ACLB Conference and the Board will cover the cost.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Bev Payne reported that a mass mailing was done in September and so far 200 new members have joined. She also said that in the spring there would be a reception for Special Friends and Sustaining Givers. She received a letter from a patron of the Library regarding the September Art Exhibit in the Program Room. Discussion will take place later in the meeting.
Charmaine Glew reported that the Book Sale was very successful , before expenses about $23,000 was brought in. The ongoing book sale held at the Library brought in about $3,200.
There was no report from the Personnel Committee.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mrs. Bullock reported that things have quieted down after a very busy September. Energy saving measures are being researched for the heating/cooling system.
Mrs. Bullock will try to get the building project on the December Board of Selectmen agenda. She has not heard from The Hartford Foundation regarding a grant for a feasibility study. She is also looking into brochures and information on furniture that works in new library buildings.
Mrs. Bullock reminded the Board that she is collecting names from Friends, staff and the Board for the interviewees' list for a feasibility study.
Jan Madrak's letter to Dr. Cicchetti, Ass't. Superintendent of Schools, regarding the Children's Room summer reading programs was attached to the report.
CELL PHONE USE: Mrs. Bingham questioned the reason for the "No Cell Phone" signs at the entrances to the Library. It appears that patrons have complained about the noise and distractions caused by the use of cell phones in the Library. Mrs. Bullock stated that it is a difficult situation for the staff to handle. In the warmer weather patrons can be asked to go outside, but as winter approaches this would not be appropriate. She did state that most libraries do not allow cell phones. The Board suggested the use of the hallway on the lower level as a designated area for cell phone use. Mrs. Bullock will ask the staff if they feel there is any reason this area could not be used. The Board recommended changing the current signs to read that cell phones could be used in
designated areas.
With regard to the "No Pet Signs", it was suggested these signs be replaced with "Only Service Animals Allowed". At a recent staff meeting it was reported that patrons have brought in dogs, parrots, boas and other pets.
FUND RAISING: Discussion centered on exactly how to go about obtaining funds for a feasibility study since the Library Board can not raise funds. There is no money in the budget for fund raising. Since the final cost of the building project is not known, it is difficult to know how much money is needed. It was suggested that the Board develop an Ad Hoc committee and research what the Board can/cannot do about fund raising. The Board needs to know how much the final project will cost and what percentage the Town will pay. Bert Kaplan will speak with Joel Mandell, Board of Selectman Liaison, to see what the Board can do, by law, in raising funds. All this will be based on a cost estimation. The Board hopes to be on the agenda of the December Board of Selectmen meeting, and have a
meeting with the Finance Board, to discuss the building project.
A member of Friends is putting a list of sustainers and other contributors into a database.
BUILDING PROJECT: Mrs. Bullock shared the minutes of the Public Building Committee meeting.
LIBRARY EXHIBITS AND DISPLAYS: Bev Payne read the letter she received regarding the September exhibit in the Program Room. While praising other programs at the Library, the writer objected to the subject matter of this art exhibit. Mrs. Payne will answer the letter but she requested that a reply also be sent from the Board. The Board will reply and she will advised that the guidelines have been revisited and from now on all artwork to be displayed will be reviewed in advance.
The work to be displayed in November and December has not been reviewed but meetings have been scheduled for October 25th and November 7th with the exhibitors. The application and guidelines were reviewed and revised by the Board. A committee of Library Board members will meet with the exhibitors to review the artwork and the exhibitors must sign on the application that they agree to the guidelines. The meetings will take place prior to the regular Board meetings and if an exhibitor is unable to attend, they may leave pictures of the work to be exhibited. Carol Bingham and Gail Ryan will contact the exhibitors scheduled for November and December, inform them of the new guidelines and make final arrangements for the meetings already scheduled.
Bert Kaplan moved that the Art Exhibit Application and Art Exhibit Guidelines be accepted as revised. Second: C. Glew. So moved.
Mrs. Bullock had a letter from Joyce Latham of the Animal Advocacy of Connecticut organization requesting permission to display downstairs in April and June an exhibit to show how animals live and die in agribusiness. The discussion was tabled until another date
ANNUAL REPORT: Suggestions on revisions of the draft Mrs. Bullock had given to members were turned in.
EVALUATION OF DIRECTOR: Members will be mailed forms for the Director s Evaluation.They should be returned in November.
At 9:55 P.M. Bert Kaplan moved for adjournment. Second: Anne Erickson. So moved.
Anne Erickson, Secretary
| 
