SIMSBURY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Minutes of April 15, 2002 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, Babs Gardner, and Gail Ryan. STAFF: Susan Bullock, Director; Eileen Sickinger, Recording Secretary. Friends Representative: Bev Payne. BOS Liaison: Joel Mandell.
The meeting was called to order at 7:25 P.M. by Gail Ryan, Chair. Bert Kaplan moved that the minutes of the March 18, 2002 meeting be accepted as presented. Second: A. Erickson. So moved. Babs Gardner moved that in future minutes the word "Chairperson" be changed to "Chair." Second: A. Erickson. The motion passed with Mr. Kaplan abstaining. Mr. Kaplan moved that By Laws and Policy Review be added to the Agenda. Second: B. Gardner. So moved.
There was no public audience.
COMMUNICATIONS: Mrs. Bullock shared a letter from David Erickson and Mr. Kaplan had information from Water Works Wonders, as well as the newsletter from the State DEP, "Perch Tales."
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Bev Payne had a copy of the invitation to the Special Donors Reception to be held on May 20th. She also reminded everyone of A Night of a Thousand Stars to be held Thursday, April 25th. There were no other committee reports.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mrs. Bullock reviewed her written report and reported that all but emergency expenditures have been frozen by the First Selectman this fiscal year. Following the Board of Finance public hearing the $27,000 originally cut by the Selectmen has been restored.
National Library Week is a month long celebration highlighted by the Volunteer Luncheon on April 24th and A Night of a Thousand Stars on April 25th.
Mrs. Bullock and two other staff members met Mrs. Zakarian of the Arts Council. It was agreed that the Library and Arts Council would work on making the Calendar of Events on the Towns homepage more comprehensive and up-to-date for months in advance. This should help town organizations in planning their different events. The Library will be participating in the One Book Project with other capital region libraries. Once the book has been selected there will be discussion groups and author tours.
Rick Bazzano is in the process of upgrading the Library's technology and eight new p.c.'s have been ordered. Anne-Marie Kaminsky is working with a committee from CONNECT on a new version of the library catalog.
Mrs. Bullock attended the LibraryTects program at the East Granby Library and learned more about the challenges of building and expanding a library. A "concept" chair is in the building and is under consideration as a replacement for some of the carrels now being used.
Final plans are underway for the parking lot expansion. Presentations have to be given to the Conservation/Wetlands Agency and Zoning Commission.
Various staff members will be attending and participating in the Connecticut Library Association Annual Conference in April.
Mrs. Bullock has prepared a grant proposal for eight libraries in the Capital Region from the Connecticut Library Association. The monies will be used to set up an ATM-like library kiosk in a mall. This area s kiosk would be at Westfarms and the general manager of Westfarms is in the process of presenting the plans to his Board and legal counsel for final approval. If the grant is approved the libraries would ask for further funding from foundations.
The statistics for March were reviewed. An average of 923 people was serviced per day in March. One reason for this much activity could be the closing for construction of the Farmington Library.
The Director's Packet had a copy of an application for the Hometown Hero Program. Mrs. Bullock asked the Board to let her know if they had anyone to suggest. Mrs. Glew reported that Friends are considering nominating George Boissard.
The Building Project and Budget 2002-2003 were covered in the Director s Report. Mrs. Ryan informed the Board that she receives copies of minutes from different Boards and Commissions if they were interested in reading them.
RULES OF BEHAVIOR IN THE LIBRARY: Mrs. Bullock explained that recent behavior by some patrons has created the need to review the Rules of Behavior in the Library. She explained that if there is a problem and the staff deemed it appropriate, the Social Services Department can be called. Their representatives have come and helped diffuse some situations. This is not possible on weekends and the staff needs something more concrete to show to patrons acting inappropriately. Mrs. Bullock had a copy of the current rules of behavior and after reviewing them Mr. Kaplan moved that the Rules of Behavior in the Policies of the Library be amended by deleting:
There is no public area for eating or drinking in this building.
And add:
No pets are allowed in the Library except for service animals
No cell phone use in the Library.
Charmaine Glew seconded the motion. It passed unanimously.
BY-LAWS AND POLICY REVIEWS: While there have been no challenges to the Meeting Room Policies it was felt that these policies should be reviewed and up-dated if necessary. It was felt the policy of religious and political groups needed to be reviewed and Mrs. Bullock suggested that Simsbury's and Wallingford's policies be reviewed and put on the agenda for next month. Mrs. Glew, Mrs. Erickson and Mrs. Gardner will review these and come to the May meeting with their suggestions. Mrs. Ryan asked that all members bring their copies of the Library Board policies next month so the group can decide what needs updating. Mrs. Bullock and Mrs. Ryan will get together copies of the by-laws and bring them to the May meeting. It has been a long time since these have been completely reviewed and updated and
put together in a concise format.
At 8:40 Anne Erickson moved for adjournment. Second: B. Kaplan. So moved.
Anne Erickson, Secretary
| 
