Minutes

Meeting date: 
Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Webster Free Public Library

Trustees Meeting

May 16, 2018

 

             The meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m.  Present were Cathryn Clark-Dawe, Director, Nancy Picthall-French, Chairperson, Marty Bender, Treasurer, Leslie Collins, Secretary and Chris Schadler, Chairperson of the Conservation Commission.

The Secretary’s report for April was reviewed and accepted.

The Treasurer’s report through May 16 was reviewed and accepted.  Marty gave Nancy a $50 check for reimbursement for a gift card purchased for the bobcat presenter, Richard Wright.  Marty will create a category in the budget named Programming for reimbursement checks (currently listed in Miscellaneous) and the Summer Reading Program (currently listed in Supplies).  

 

Chris Schadler, Chairperson of the Conservation Commission, came to brainstorm ideas for programming for the upcoming year.  The following ideas were generated:

A power point presentation in the Meeting Hall by Bob Quinn about native birds and amphibians in Webster.  Chris will email him and ask if he is interested and then will email Nancy with his answer.

Nancy will contact Andy Timmons from NH Fish and Game to see when he is available to speak about bears.  Chris recommended a date before September or after November, (bear season is September 1 through November 7).  Chris is willing to make flyers and distribute them to public bulletin boards such as the one at Market Basket.  Nancy will send Chris an email with the details about Timmons’ availability.  Chris recommended advertising and a press release.  

Chris knows of a falconer (last name possibly Smith??) who might be willing to come and present.

There is a woman from the Squam Science Center who will present with a coyote.  The students from WES could be invited.  Chris, and perhaps George Cummings, would be willing to donate toward a presentation.  Nancy will email Chris with her findings from Squam Science Center.

Kelly Clark Is the ARRP coordinator for the Northeast and may be a great resource for seniors.

Chris will be offering another tree hike in the fall.

Chris is willing to help in any way she can.   

 

Old Business

            The Trustees went to the NHLTA Spring Conference in Manchester on May 14 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The handouts were not posted on the website, so the workshops will be discussed at the June meeting.

The malfunctioning computers and receipt printer were discussed.  Cathryn has fixed three separate issues for the receipt printer.  It is now working properly.  Great job, Cathryn!  Marty will follow up ASAP with Andy about the computer he has been diagnosing for the last 2 weeks.  Cathryn requested that Norton not be removed from the computers.  She shuts it off when it presents her with a problem.  Cathryn backs up all her work with a thumb drive.  The decision to replace any of the computers was postponed until Andy reports on the computer he is repairing.

            The seed exchanged was discussed.  Nancy donated envelopes for the seeds.  Cathryn requested $25 to purchase a starter kit for a seed exchange from Herman’s Garden Seed Donation Program, which was unanimously approved.  The Trustees encouraged Cathryn to order ASAP.  Nancy wrote up a draft description for publicizing and it was unanimously approved.  Nancy will submit the final copy to us by email.  Cathryn will post it on our Facebook page and on the Library website. Marty will post it in the Grapevine.  It was a unanimous decision that a library card be required to utilize the seed exchange.

            Marty reported that the auditor inquired if there were any changes to the Bylaws written in 2007.  Leslie gave everyone a copy and it will be reviewed at the June meeting.

            Leslie requested an email of a blank copy of Nancy’s format she uses when planning an event.  Leslie will incorporate Nancy’s form into the one she is developing for the movies.

            Leslie is still collating data for the Walking Club.  Leslie does not have more than two consecutive weeks available to implement a Walking Club in the near future, but is looking at it more as a long-term goal.

            The Trustees unanimously decided to donate the old projector to the Select Board.  Cathryn will contact Leslie Palmer and return the Select Board’s small pedestal American flag at the same time.

            The landscaping was addressed after a quick visit to the front gardens.  Brenda Silver is in charge of mowing the grass.  Nancy will contact Brenda to see if we can revitalize the gardens.  All agreed to wait until after the black fly season.  Cathryn identified all the plants that currently bloom.  Marty offered to freshen the bench with some teak oil.  Leslie and Nancy have offered donations of plants from their gardens.  Cathryn will determine the best area for the Book Drop, as well as a possible new placement for the bench so it might be utilized more often.  A map of the garden area will be created at the next meeting.

Nancy contacted Peg Foss, asked if the Birthday Bags would be welcomed and how many are needed.  Peg Foss enthusiastically suggested that the bags be called Celebration Bags.  Nancy reviewed a draft copy of the description for publicizing.  Everyone offered their input then unanimously accepted it.  Nancy will submit the final copy to us by email. Cathryn will post it on our Facebook page and on the Library website. Nancy will post it in the Grapevine.  Leslie will create a display for the library informing patrons what goes into the Celebration bags, as well as a place for both items and monetary donations.  

Nancy contacted Stephanie Wheeler to see if there is an interest in the bookmarks she has made with an attached reminder of what the library has to offer over the summer.  Stephanie was thrilled at Nancy’s idea!  Nancy has bagged the bookmarks by class and will deliver them to WES.  Great job, Nancy! 

Bookmarks of the Month, were discussed for the library.  Nancy is willing to crochet 25 bookmarks for each month, on a first come, first served basis.  The bookmarks will be available starting in January.  Thank you, Nancy!

The movie, The Darkest Hour, was held in the Library’s Meeting Hall on Friday, May 18 at 7:00 p.m.  Seven people attended.

 

New Business

            Sarah Mason will be bringing the WES students to the library for an introductory visit on 5-18-18.  Thank you, Sarah and Cathryn, for making this happen!

            Marty will be attending the Historical Society Meeting on Thursday, 5-18-18 to see if there is an interest in documenting oral histories.  He will find out if they are interested in purchasing equipment in conjunction with the library.  After the meeting, Marty will get in touch with Cathryn about what equipment to order.  The Trustee unanimously approved the purchase of the equipment.  Marty inquired if there is a specific Cloud storage vehicle available for libraries at no charge.

            Leslie handed out an Annual Evaluation Check-In Form that will serve as a record keeping tool for the Trustees on the progress Cathryn is making on her goals.  It will also serve as an outline for Cathryn when she submits her written summary.   

            Nancy ordered another set of letters for the Message Board (backordered).  Cathryn is excited to use the Message Board during the summer.

The movie, The Crooked House, will be held in the Library’s Meeting Hall on Friday, June 22 at 7:00 p.m.

The meeting ended at 5:35 p.m.  The next meeting of the Webster Free Public Library will be on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at 4 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Leslie Collins, Secretary