Board of Trustees

Amherst Town Library

March 21, 2005 Minutes

The March 21, 2005 meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:30 by Chairman, Donald Holden. Also attending were David Hallenbeck, by speaker phone, Tom Head, Robin Julian, Bob Lown, Richard Martini, Helen Rowe, and Library Director, Amy Lapointe.

ELECTIONS: The following officers were elected unanimously;

Chairman Donald Holden

Vice Chairman Robert Lown

Treasurer Robert Lown

Recording Secretary Helen Rowe

Corresponding Secretary Robin Julian

Programs Thomas Head

Technology David Hallenbeck

Buildings and Grounds Richard Martini

LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Amy pointed out that the only major changes in the statistics report are the rise in adult non-fiction videos and music collection. All other areas are stable. (See attached sheet)

The Celtic Harp concert had to be postponed due to bad weather. The rescheduled date is Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 7:00 PM. Since attendance is down somewhat in the computer classes possible changes in what is offered is being considered. An after school art education program is going well. The program is being run by Sarah Treadwell as part of her Senior Project and is in memory of Georgina Bartholomew.

Radon levels are now well within the accepted EPA levels. Work has been done on the light switch panel behind the circulation desk to improve its physical appearance.

Within GMILCS Art Byron, Milford Librarian, is retiring. The 24/7 Reference service will be discontinued in June due to a 500% increase in fees. Alternatives will be explored.

The Library will not receive funding for consumer health information from the Milford Hospital Association. These funds are being used on children’s dental health services.

Memberships for NHLTA will be coming in soon and Amy will renew them all. The annual conference will be on Thursday, May 26 at the Grappone Ctr in Concord. There is also a seminar on Trust Fund Administration on Tuesday, May 31 at the Holiday Inn in Concord.

Amy presented her preliminary goals for the coming year. (See attached sheet) She would like to take a hard look at circulation versus spending. She also hopes to streamline staffing tasks and begin working on Reader Advisory Services in order to enhance what she sees is the core service the Library offers. Suggestions from the Trustees included looking at the annual book sale, outreach, fine structure and technology.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Bob informed us that our monthly expenditures continue to be on target, although the income level is low right now. He did receive a check from the Trustees of the Trust Fund for $1500. He is still waiting to hear from the Junior Women as to whether the request he put in for the granite circulation desk will be granted.

TECHNOLOGY: Dave reported that C-Span 1 is repeating its program on the Digitalized Library on March 28 at 6:30. He would like some time at our next meeting to share with us criteria for setting up digital collections.

NEW BUSINESS: Don passed out the most recent by-laws. It was felt that they meet the needs of the Board. Bob will check them against the RSA’s to be sure that we meet all the legal requirements.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:43 PM.

The next meeting is scheduled for April 18, 2005, at 7:30 PM in either the Archives Room or the upstairs room.

Respectfully submitted,

Helen D. Rowe, Secretary