MINUTES

The Amherst Town Library Board of Trustees’ Meeting

JANUARY 8, 2007

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:02 PM by Chairman, Don Holden.  Also attending were Kathy Brundage, David Hallenbeck, Tom Head, Robin Julian, Dick Martini, Helen Rowe and Library Director, Amy Lapointe. 

The minutes of the meeting were approved as read.

 

LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT:

 

·        Monthly statistics were presented.  (See attached)  CD’s continue show an increase in usage.

 

·        Patron Behavior Policy/Right to Assembly:  The Amherst teachers picketing for a contract settlement were in front of the library on Saturday morning causing some patrons discomfit.  The patrons lodged a complaint with the library staff who asked the teachers to move.  Amy subsequently heard from the head of the teacher’s union expressing the opinion that the teachers had the right to assembly.  She is discussing the situation with Gary McGuire.  The trustees agreed that there is a fine line between the right of a particular group to assemble and the right of the patrons of the library to have access to the facility.  Some guidelines for such situations will be looked at.

 

·        Programming:  All programming has resumed after the holiday break.  Mr. Phil, the Magician, was the Saturday Stage program with approximately 120 attendees.  The Sunday concert had around 100 attendees.  Homework Help began today.  Senora Rowley will give Spanish classes. Concerns have been expressed by the Recreation Department and PMEC over duplication of some types of classes which the library offers free and the other organizations must charge for.  The library has been offering these types of classes free since the fifties.  It was also pointed out that since the taxpayers are actually paying for them they are not free.  Amy will try to increase communications with the two groups to avoid future hard feelings.

 

·        Wadleigh Library Concerns:  Amy brought us up to date on issues that the Wadleigh Library is experiencing with a small group of preteens.  Police are involved and an attempt is being made to involve parents in a solution.  This type of problem is found in other communities also.  Amy feels that our staff is readily equipped to handle the start of any such behaviors here.

 

·        Technology:  The Router settings have been worked on since the network was down three times. 

 

TREASURER’S REPORT. 

 

  • Dick and Amy reported on the proposed budget for 2007-8.  Due to changes in the health plan the high increase has been averted.  In addition for the previous year our health budget was higher than actual use due to staff changes.  The total increase to the Library budget is 3.54%.  It was moved, seconded and unanimously approved to accept the change in the health insurance line item.
  • The budget for the year is on target.  Fines were down for November but this was due to the amnesty program.
  • Gifts:    Gifts amounting to $1,430.00 were unanimously accepted by the Board. (see attached)

 

PROGRAMS: 

 

  • A brief discussion was held relative to the Boardman Concert.  Despite the fact that the Library is sponsoring similar successful musical programs it was felt by the Trustees that having a concert honoring the contributions and support of a long time patron was well worth continuing.

 

TECHNOLOGY:

 

  • Dave reported that the Library is looking into service alternatives which could provide backup in case the system goes down.

 

There was no old business.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS: 

 

  • The library’s role in a pandemic attack was discussed.
  • Dave and Robin will share attending the Master Plan meetings to be sure the Library is represented.

 

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Helen D. Rowe, Secretary

 

The next meeting will be held on Monday, February 26 at 6:00 PM  (Please note—this is the 4th Monday of the month instead of the third.)