Minutes of the Amherst Library Trustee Meeting

January 9, 2006

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:33 PM by Chairman, Don Holden.  Also attending were David Hallenbeck, Tom Head, Robin Julian, Bob Lown, Richard Martini, Helen Rowe and Library Director, Amy Lapointe.  The minutes of the November meeting were approved as read.

 

Library Director’s Report:  Amy presented the monthly statistics. (see attached).  November and December are generally the slowest time of the year and this was reflected in the December statistics being down from the previous year.  However, the YTD statistics are up.  Since the door counter has not been working accurately Amy did not include those figures in the monthly report.  Amy is looking into what other libraries do relative to the purging of unused cards.

 

Relative to E-books there is no interest indicated in the survey results.  The State Library system is investigating the down loading of audio books.  The State would set up and maintain this.  It is still not known what the costs to the local libraries would be.  A determination would have to be made relative to whether GMILCS is considered one or 10 libraries.

 

Four staff members are registered to attend the Public Library Association meeting being held in Boston March 21-23.  Amy, Ruslyn, Sarah, and Sally will attend.

 

Lee Mayhew furnished Amy with the materials relating to Public Officials liability insurance and it appears to cover the trustees.

 

Heavy rains caused a wall leak which was repaired by the DPW.  Mr. Berry and Fred are going to investigate programmable thermostats to see if this would be cost effective. 

 

Griffin & Owen PC has donated 7 used Dell Dimension 4100 PCs to the library.  Dick Lambert will install them.  A question was raised over the cost of the TI line but since DSL is still not available there are no other options.

 

Sally and Amy are to be judges for the PTA “Reflections” writing contest.

 

Because the cost of the winter newsletter was higher than expected non-profit status availability is being looked at.  Preschool outreach visits are beginning and Storytimes resume.  Due to the great interest in the Digital Camera program a 2nd session has been scheduled. 

 

Jackie Hockett, the new Head of Children’s Services starts on January 12th.  Brian Rowley did temporary fill in work at the circulation desk during the holidays.

 

 Treasurer’s Report:  45% of the budget has been spent at this time.  For the next year’s budget the COLA was reduced to 4.25% bringing the total budget  for 06-07 to 8.12%.

Gifts:  The Board unanimously accepted the following gifts;

            $150                In memory of Tenney Clough

            $1100              To the A. Thompson Warner Memorial Fund

            $100                Christmas donation

            $25                  Donation

                                    7 used Dell Dimension 4100 PCs

 

Programs:  Tom is checking out the Peterborough a cappella group for next year’s Boardman Concert.

 

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM

 

The next meeting is Wednesday, February 22, 2006.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Helen D. Rowe, Secretary