Minutes

Meeting date: 
Friday, December 20, 2019

Webster Free Public Library

Emergency Trustees Meeting

December 20, 2019

 

           The meeting was called to order at 8:55 p.m.  Present were Nancy Picthall-French, Chairperson, Marty Bender, Treasurer, and Leslie Collins, Secretary.

The Trustee meeting was held to discuss an opportunity presented to Leslie Collins while she was volunteering Wednesday night, December 18, 2019.

Stephenie Horne, the Guidance Counselor from Webster Elementary School approached Leslie with the idea of a collaboration between the Library and Webster Elementary School.  The collaboration would entail a Story Board Trail, perhaps with a fitness component, to encourage children to get outside, enjoy the outdoors and exercise.  There is a grant available for $1500 and the deadline is 1-31-20.  The following information was provided by Stephenie:

 

A story walk is a self directed learning opportunity that places a children’s story along a walking route, park, or open space. StoryWalk is a win-win for everyone. Families play outside together, having fun and creating memories. Children build school-readiness skills, families connect to and feel ownership of their community, and everyone experiences fresh air and physical movement! StoryWalk books not only build vocabulary, but can also open the door to conversations about important issues like respect, kindness, forgiveness, and love. These stories encourage communication, pique curiosity, introduce new concepts and ideas, and create memorable moments for children and their families.

 

Storywalks promote:

  • Early and continued literacy skills
  • Engaging Family Outdoors
  • Physical Activity
  • Collaborative relationships within the community

 

Basics:

  • Development
    • 3 copies of each book ( 2 for mounting, 1 for damage repair or replacement)
    • Stakes/posts and plexiglass
  • Maintenance
    • Monthly book selection
    • Repair and replace as needed
  • Costs
    • Applying for NH Schoolyard Action Grant to offset costs and get it up and running. January 2020 Deadline.
    • If Grant is not received plan to look for community donations (i.e. local hardware and lumber yards, bookstores, other grants)

 

Library partnership thoughts (open to additional ideas)

  • Promote storywalk to kids not enrolled in school (preschool, homeschool, etc).
  • Assist with sustainability of keeping books rotating and relevant.
  • Utilize Webster Library summer theme during summer months.

  

The Trustees agreed to support the collaboration.  Leslie will invite Stephenie to the next Trustee Meeting so clear expectations can be determined of the responsibility/role of the Library.

 

            The meeting ended at 9:10 p.m.  The next Trustee Meeting will be on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Leslie Collins, Secretary