Minutes

Webster Free Public Library

Trustees Meeting by Teleconference

Thursday, December 17, 2020

           The Zoom meeting began at 3:02 p.m.  Present were Cathryn Clark-Dawe, Director, Nancy Picthall-French, Chairperson, Marty Bender, Treasurer, and Leslie Collins, Secretary.  The Zoom meeting took place on the library’s Zoom link.

The Secretary’s report for 10/29/2020 was reviewed and accepted.

The Treasurer’s report was reviewed and accepted.  Marty had been mailed a payment from the town and after 16 days had not received it.  He contacted Dana, who cancelled the check and issued another one that will arrive by December 29.  Marty requested that the check be made payable to “The Town of Webster, Webster Free Public Library”. Marty will deposit it in January along with two donation checks.

Old Business

          All were in agreement that the library will not close until 1% of the population of Webster (18 active cases) are current for more than one consecutive day.  All precautions are in place and are being followed.  This decision can be reviewed and changed at any time if deemed necessary.

          The Trustees agreed to try the Director’s Report on a trial basis for a few months to see the advantages and disadvantages.  No changes were made to the form.  The form will be attached to the meeting notes each month.  The form is intended to be a historical account of the library.

            The budget balance for December is consistent with previous years.

            A donation from Marylou and Phil Demarais was received.  Leslie will send a thank you.

            Marty praised Cathryn for the recommendations she made for tablets.  Two tablets with keyboards and two Chrome Books are in the process of being purchased for patron use.  Cathryn is purchasing an Apple iPad Air for her personal use.

            Marty will contact Emmett Bean and ask him about the blue/white Library signage before ordering.  He will inquire about size, placement and mounting materials.

            All were in favor of the revisions made to the New Residents Form.  Changes to the library brochure were put on hold.

New Business

            Marty scheduled the carpet cleaning with Michael for Saturday, December 26.  

The Zoom Meeting ended at 3:34 p.m.  The next Zoom Meeting will be January 28 at 3:00 p.m. 

Respectfully submitted,

Leslie Collins, Secretary

Summary of duties during January 2021:

*Marty will arrange the carpet rental for Saturday, December 26.

*Marty will contact Emmett Bean regarding Library signage, location, size, mounting.  

*Cathryn will set up the next Zoom Meeting on January 28 @ 3 p.m.  (828 9145 0822 Security, Passcode 217996, Invite Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82891450822?pwd=NStQTWJHRzJneUI4MG1HbXBJYUR2Zz09, #if phoning in:  1 646 558 8656 (toll call))

*Cathryn and Nancy will invite the public to the Trustee Zoom Meeting on January 28, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. on the town website and the Library’s Facebook page.  They will keep the public informed of ongoing communication in the Grapevine, Concord Monitor, Merrimack Valley Voice, with signage and the message board.

*Cathryn will have a great vacation on December 23 and 27.

*Leslie will monitor the need for Celebration Bags at the Food pantry.

*Nancy will be on call for cleaning services.

*Nancy will welcome new residents to Webster and the Library with the revised letter.

All decisions made take into consideration the health and safety of the staff/patrons and are subject to change.  The Trustees and Director are meeting monthly and are making informed, cautious decisions.