MINUTES

The Amherst Town Library Board of Trustees’ Meeting

December 3, 2006

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:35 PM by Chairman, Don Holden.  Also attending were David Hallenbeck, Tom Head, Robin Julian, Bob Lown, Dick Martini, Helen Rowe and Library Director, Amy Lapointe.  Visitors present were Pixie Lown and Kathy Brundage

 

The meeting was preceded by a light supper in recognition of Bob Lown’s service to the Trustees.

 

The minutes of the previous two meetings were approved as read.

 

LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT:

 

·        Monthly statistics were presented.  (See attached)  There has been a spike in usage of the music CDs which could be due to the new shelving.  There has been some theft of CDs but the staff is aware of this and watching.  The Food for Fines program netted 316 items this year.  Apparently the retro copy of Rolling Stones Magazine traumatized a 9 year old.  Steps are being taken to prevent this occurring in the future.

 

·        Programming:  Adult programming will resume after New Years.  Due to the large number of signups for the Parent-child book group the group may be split into two which would allow for narrowing the age groups.  An afternoon storytime is being planned for the next session.  Plans are being made for February school vacation programs with one idea being a  videogame tournament.  In order to make the Children’s room more inviting to the upper elementary students game boards are being introduced to their area.

 

·        Youth Services:  In addition to boardgames, homework help will be available on Mondays from 3-5 beginning on January 8, 2007.

 

·        Building:  Vandalizing of the granite benches has occurred.  After discussing the issue with Gary McGuire, Town Administrator, Amy has decided to have the benches cleaned and hope that it does not occur again.  If it does a more pro-active approach will be considered.  Issues relating to the outdoor lighting have been corrected and the emergency lighting has been replaced. 

 

·        Technology:  The staff managed well during the router and CSU-DSU replacement.  Our new contract is with ETRREON.

 

·        FOL:  The library tote bags will be sold as a fundraiser.  Judy Claiborn hopes to initiate a Big Read Program in the entire town.

 

·        ACTV:  There may be filming of some of the events during the Tree Lighting festivities.

 

·        Staff:    Kathe Richardson will cover most of the hours while Sarah is on maternity leave.  At this time Sarah intends to return to work full time after her leave is up.

 

The meeting recessed for about 15 minutes so that the Selectmen could recognize the many contributions made by the Lowns to the Town.  The meeting reconvened at 7:15 PM.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT. 

 

·        Bob reported that Dick will bring the books up to date for the next meeting.  The funds in the Trustees Fund has risen from $114,000 to $117,000.  The CD’s were rolled over at 4.78%.  Bob went to the BOS meeting where the budget was presented and reported all went well.  Due to a possible increase in health insurance the figures may be higher than expected.

 

  • Gifts:    Gifts amounting to $500.00 were unanimously accepted by the Board.

 

PROGRAMS: 

 

  • Tom reported that there were about 100 attendees at the Boardman Concert.  He then presented the following motion to the Trustees.
  •             A motion to appropriate $500 from the Amherst Town Library gift fund, to provide a donation of $250 to the Amherst Town Library and $250 to the Peterborough Town Library for specific purposes as designated by the Director of each library.  This appropriation is made on behalf of the Peterborough Chamber Choir for its performance at the Boardman Concert on November 12th, 2006.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

OLD BUSINESS:     

 

  • The Trustees unanimously accepted with regret the resignation of Bob Lown as a Trustee.  The Lowns are moving to Maine later in the month.

 

NEW BUSINESS: 

 

  • The Trustees unanimously recommended the Selelctmen appoint Kathy Brundage as the replacement to complete Bob’s term of office.  A letter expressing this will be sent to the BOS.  (See attached)

 

  • The Trustees unanimously elected Dick Martini to be treasurer.

 

 

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 7:57 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Helen D. Rowe, Secretary

 

The next meeting will be held on Monday, January 8 at 6:00 PM