GILFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY TRUSTEES
MINUTES OF July 10, 2007
PRESENT: Katherine Dormody, Polly Sanfacon, Bill Seed, Robert Kammeraad, and Daryl Thompson.
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Robert Kammeraad called the meeting to order at 8:40 AM.
MINUTES: The minutes of June 2007 were accepted as written.
REPORTS: The monthly reports were reviewed. The library pass issue was discussed. A new system has been instituted, resulting in those borrowers not being captured. There is no longer a permanent pass, rather a slip is written, and it is not necessary to return it. We talked about publicizing the passes more, and Katherine noted that there has been an article in the Steamer recently, promoting the passes.
There were 76 new borrowers last month, way up from the 28 last month. Katherine said a break-down is possible, but would require looking at the individual entries. Circulation was up to 9158, hardly a shabby number, although down from a year ago, most likely due to the staff transition in the children’s room. Volunteer hours are exactly the same as last year, at 243. Our junior volunteers have started- helping with the summer program. This volunteer number is down from last month, also most likely due to staff transition. The itemized category report was reviewed and everything looked good.
PROGRAMS:
The biggest event this month will be the Hogwarts Party, on Saturday night, the 21st. of July, celebrating the release of the seventh and last Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Tasha has taken this project on with great enthusiasm. The library will be transformed- kids will have to go through ‘the mirror’. They will also be making wands. Several people are dressing up. Katherine predicts this will be very well-attended.
Adults can look forward to The Outing Club Revisited with Carol and Sarah Anderson. Gary Allen and Penny Pitou will also be participating. There is also an adult book discussion book next week on the Tummy Trilogy. Grades 1 and 2 also have a book group meeting on the same night.
LIBRARY PROJECT: Bill says everything is on track. Groundbreaking will be at the end of this month. The building permit application has been submitted; it now has to be reviewed. The engineering plans won’t be in until this Friday. Bill wasn’t here to help with the application process – so we can blame some of the delay on his absence.
We discussed a recent letter from Jack Stephenson that appeared in the local papers and was sent to the Selectmen, stating concerns about the new library’s energy inefficiency- the facts of which are unfounded. Bill assured us that the building committee and everyone else concerned were trying to be energy efficient. A lot of consideration has been given to all aspects of the project. Money is an issue on many options. Bill reiterated that Jack Lacombe is a very valuable asset, as he clearly sees the engineering and construction side of things. The committee is trying to keep everyone as informed as possible; they are in close contact with the town. Maintenance issues are being discussed before the fact.
A letter from Steve Lear was also reviewed, questioning the need of a new library. We talked about how best to address his concerns. Robert offered to talk to him personally. Bill thinks we should respond with a letter, with a copy to the Selectman. Robert will write the letter and offer to bring Mr. Lear to the library to show him how much is going on there. Bill thinks our response will help in continuing to educate the town in how our library works. Katherine suggested a date be set for his visit, and she will be happy to give him a tour.
The Bacon house is due to be moved today – to its new foundation across the street. Katherine spoke of some of the issues that came up involving the contents of the house and their disposal. It seems, once again, she went beyond her job description in dealing with this transfer of property.
FUNDRAISING: Kate and Katherine are working on creating a smaller High- Priority Ask List. An event is still being discussed – which will involve a personal invitation – at an exclusive location, such at the Bald Peak Club, in hopes of creating an atmosphere of generosity for those in attendance.
Allan Beatle has offered Patrick’s for a fund-raising event, scheduled for October 14th. A coupon will be issued, and all patrons submitting this coupon will see 50% of their bill going directly to the Library.
Kate is also going to meet with Connie Grant of Kitchen Encounters to discuss their in-kind donation of our new kitchen. Connie will be invited to come to a building committee meeting.
Robert looked into Info USA, as promised. This is similar to Experian, a credit reporting agency. What he found is that there are 1510 households in Gilford earning over $100,000 annually; there are 242 households earning over $250,000. We could buy the list of information/details for $128.00. We all agreed that this would be a worthwhile investment.
BUDGET: Katherine needs to provide the town with budget numbers for next year. She asked how best to estimate costs for the new library. We felt CCI would be able to help us with this, as well as the electric company. Oil costs need to be estimated also. Again, Bill assured us that the engineers take all this into consideration with regard to energy efficiency; we’re not experimenting with anything brand new that hasn’t been time- tested.
Katherine reminded us that the numbers are due soon, so we need to be thinking about it. We don’t have all the engineering reports as yet, but they will be available on Friday. Bill will bring this to the building meeting tomorrow. Robert suggested Bill ask who should be asked--to get their help.
EVALUATION: Katherine is up for her annual evaluation this month. We decided to meet again tomorrow morning, Wednesday, July 11th at 11:30, to complete the evaluation process.
NEXT MEETING: Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 14th at 8:30.
ADJOURNED: We adjourned the meeting at 10:10 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Daryl Thompson, Secretary
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