Minutes
Webster Free Public Library
Trustees Meeting
Video Recorded
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
The meeting began at 4:06 p.m. Present were Cathryn Clark-Dawe, Director, Nancy Picthall-French, Chairperson, Marty Bender, Treasurer and Leslie Collins, Secretary. The meeting took place in the Meeting Hall next to the library. The meeting was video recorded and is available to watch on YouTube.
The Secretary’s report for 1/26/2022 was reviewed and accepted.
The Treasurer’s report as of 2/23/2022 was reviewed and accepted. Marty explained the reason for an upcoming increase in the phone bill for next month. In the past he has requested a balanced monthly payment plan and starting next month he will be paying the actual amount of the billing.
The Director’s Report from 1/23/22 to 2/19/22 was reviewed and accepted.
Old Business
Marty and Nancy met with Donna Frost and Denise Lawless about starting up a Garden Group. An organizational meeting was set for March 9, 2022, at 2 p.m. in the Meeting Hall next to the library.
Nancy shared an email from Mike Jette requesting the use of the library during Town Meeting. All agreed to the request. Nancy will contact Mike and let him know.
Nancy addressed the Ten-Year Goals of the library. The goals and objectives were written and approved in 2019 by the four of us as part of the town’s Master Plan. There are seven more years to accomplish the goals. Nancy suggested keeping a list of accomplishments under each goal as a way of prioritizing our focus. The pandemic is impeding the attainment of some of the specific objectives at this time. Leslie felt that most of the objectives were being addressed, except perhaps for #3 and #6 under the third goal, To communicate and publicize library resources. After reading more about exactly what a marketing plan entails, Leslie is satisfied that objective #3 is being addressed. Objective #6 states that the Director’s monthly report will be posted on the library website, Facebook and in the Grapevine. The final consensus was that the entire Director’s monthly report would be posted on the library website. Cathryn prioritized two objectives; (1) Present at least two community events each year and (2) Host a variety of events for all ages that expand on the interest of the community. Cathryn agreed to oversee running the Summer Reading Program and another presentation during the year.
The movie for February was In the Heat of the Night. Seven people attended. The movie for March is What’s Up, Doc? The movie chosen for April is A Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood. Nancy asked how to increase attendance. The data for movie attendance going back to 2018 was reviewed. Attendance has stayed consistent. Cathryn shared recollections from a prior survey and library search revealing that both old classics and new movies were equally preferred and interest across different genres was equal, with the exception of an expressed dislike for westerns. Cathryn has investigated other licensing agencies for different movie choices other than Swank and said that Swank best met our needs.
Nancy requested a breakdown for each budget line so the individual items within each line can be identified. Marty agreed to bring the itemization to March’s meeting.
All were in favor of reinstating the library pass for The Fells and dropping the State Parks Pass. The pass for Strawbery Banke has been renewed.
Leslie read the response she sent to Peg Foss regarding the toiletry shelf at the Food Pantry. Peg expressed her appreciation for the response.
Both the library brochure and the new resident letter will be reviewed at next month’s meeting.
New Business
Marty reported there were two signs downstairs belonging to the library. Both signs were described and then the placement was decided for each one. The Sign “Library and Meeting Hall” will be placed outside the door with the ramp of the Town Hall. The sign “Library” will be placed inside the Town Hall on the northern wall above the handicapped sign heading into the library. Marty will convey this information to Dana.
The meeting ended at 5:03 p.m. The next meeting will be held, one week earlier than usual, in the Meeting Hall next to the Library on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at 4:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Leslie Collins, Secretary
Summary of duties during March 2022:
*Marty will contact Wendy and inquire about Cathryn’s paycheck and then will contact Cathryn.
*Marty will convey the placement of each of the library signs to Dana.
*Marty will provide a breakdown of each category in the budget for March so the individual items for each line can be identified.
*Marty will send Nancy a check for reimbursement for Christmas gifts ($80).
*Cathryn will continue to investigate replacing the air conditioner. She will decide if she should consider exploring Heritage or Dick Schock.
*Cathryn and Nancy will invite the public to the next Trustees Meeting on the town website and the Library’s Facebook page.
*Leslie will monitor the need for Celebration Bags at the Food pantry. Last contact was February 23.
*Leslie will do the sign for the Garden Club and put it out in front of the library on February 28.
*Leslie will do the sign for What’s Up, Doc? and put it out in front of the library on March 8. Leslie will supply individual snacks and mini bottles of water for Movie Night on March 18.
*Nancy will contact Mike Jette.
*Nancy will invite the public to the Movie Night on the town website, Pillsbury Lake website, the Facebook page and in the Concord Monitor.
*Nancy will welcome new residents to Webster and the Library with the welcome letter.