Gay-Kimball Library

Board of Trustees Meeting

December 3, 2009

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

Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

Treasurer's Report: Checking-$1385.00; Fines-$121.00; Petty Cash-$215.00; Memorial Fund-$85.00; Building Fund-$141.00. Grand Total: $1947.00

Librarian's Report: Door Count-1124(1175); Circulatiion-1838(1925); Computer Usage-160(166); New Patrons-12.

Old Business: The Trustees and librarian will meet with the Budget Committee on Dec. 17, 2009 at 7:45 pm in the library's function room.  Catherine, Beth and Kathy met with the Selectmen on Nov. 23 to review finances. Catherine presented a budget with cost of living increases for library staff. She noted that the increase amounts to 1.08% or $1407.00. The Selectmen would like to revise her appropriation request down from $3500. to $2000 for 2010. Beth noted that the library did not receive its second $3000. appropriation for 2009 because of budget cuts, and having the amount reduced again in 2010 would create a real hardship for the library. Trustees decided to present the $3500 figure and cost of living increase to the Budget Committee and see how it goes.

Catherine met with Jean Isgro, the NCLA coordinator for Troy, and her assistant Allie to talk about a garden at the library next summer. They were very enthusiastic. The Library will help by getting donated a  wood frame and soil, but they would have to provide all the volunteer labor to keep it going.

New Business: The uninterrupted power supply box stopped working during the last power outage and needs to be replaced. Catherine spoke with Neil Richardson about getting the existing one repaired but he advised against it. She intends to use the Building Fund money to purchase a new one. The purchase should drain the account down to the point where she will close the account. The Trustees support this action.

Catherine will attend the ALA conference in Boston and has figured out a way to go that won't cost the library more than the $25. pass to the event. On Monday, the last day, she'll look for special deals as vendors prepare to close their booths.

The Title I Ready to Read for kindergarten program, headed by Rae Smith, is starting up and will be using the Library for most of its meetings. In appreciation for use of the facility, the Program will buy some books for the library.

Amy Wiley has volunteered the services of her therapy dog to encourage children to read aloud. Kids will spend 15 minute time slots individually with the dog. Kathy requested a flyer to be distributed in the school. Catherine will pursue this.

The next meeting is scheduled for January 7, 2010 at 7pm

Meeting was adjourned at 7:50pm.