Gay-Kimball Library

Board of Trustees Meeting  Minutes

June 4, 2009 7pm

 Members Present: Kathy Marrotte, Beth Richardson, Evan John; Catherine Callegari, Librarian

 Minutes from previous meeting were read and will be approved next month.

 Treasurer's Report:

Checking Account-$5716.00

Fines-$406.00

Memorial Fund-$210.00

Building Fund-$141.00

Librarian's Report:

Door Count: 1806 (1569)

Circulation: 2000 (2553)

Computer Usage: 253 (209)

New Patrons: 12

Old Business:

 Catherine reported that the book sale was well attended and profitable despite a diminished inventory of books for sale. Proceeds were @$800. @$200. has also been received into petty cash from sales of videos,etc. from the display near the door.

 Catherine has prepared the personnel manual for library employees, but would like to incorporate some changes based on information she received at a recent conference.  Specific topics that will be added are volunteer policy, donations, sexual harassment, probationary periods. The Board has tabled review and adoption of the manual until these topics are included. The Board discussed and signed 2 memos to the Selectmen concerning proposed budget cuts and personnel evaluations. Kathy will drop them off at the Selectmen's office. The Board has proposed that the librarian not receive her 3% cost of living increase (($1050), retroactive to the onset of the increase, and reductions to labor contracted services ($200) and reducing seasonal laborers ($100.) for a total of $1350. The Board is aware of the tremendous pressure that the town is under, but feels that any other reductions in spending for materials and services would compromise the library's ability to serve an ever increasing number of patrons who are seeking them out.

 The second memo addressed the Selectmen's request to review the library's personnel records. The trustees stated that these files are confidential and since library employees are not town employees they were not at liberty ot share them. The Board advised Catherine to prepare a booklet for the Selectmen containing all relevant RSAs concerning town/library relations as well as the draft Personnel Policy Manual.  Catherine has finished the employee reviews and will review them with her employees shortly. The Trustees will meet and prepare Catherine's review at their next meeting.

 Catherine has chosen a new animal program, Wildlife Encounters Zoo, for the Battle of the Libraries event to save money because the library did not receive grant funding. She shared designs for signs and handouts for both events and the Trustees approved them.

 New Business:

 There is a new bike rack, which will ease clutter and congestion at the steps leading to the entrance. It is secured to a tree with chain and padlock.  The next Trustee meeting will be held July 9 instead of July 2.

 Evan shared insights from the annual NHLTA conference in Waterville Valley in early May. He prepared a written summary of ideas and information which he shared, and gave relevant handouts to Catherine for her review. Especially useful was Terry Knowles' presentation on public vs. private money and how both should be handled. Catherine mentioned that Terry is available to facilitate an informational meeting between Trustees, Librarian and Selectmen if the need arises.  Catherine attended a meeting on Budgeting and other issues run by Terry Knowles in Concord which she was enthusiastic about.

 Evan and Kathy have paid their annual dues to the NHLTA.  They will share any relevant information with Beth.

 Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm