Library Board of Trustees Meeting
Meeting Date: October 17, 2023
Those in attendance:
Joan Johnson, President
Joyce Greenidge, Vice President
Kawana Smith, Library Director
Greta Heilman, Treasurer
Sara Mullins, Trustee and Secretary
Bob Olson, Representative from the Town
Joan opened the meeting at 9:30 a.m. The minutes were read. Joan moved to accept the minutes as written and Sara seconded the motion. Approved.
Discussion:
No meeting was held in September because we didn’t have a quorum.
The temporary new library sign is now up, across from the library door.
Reports from August and September were approved.
Food Truck Fridays was a success despite rainy weather and attracted more patrons to the library. This was the second year that the library was open during these events. We plan to hold some events at next year’s FTFs.
Kawana reported that August went well and that the cost of copying ink has skyrocketed. We discussed the purchase of Halloween candy and set a $75 limit on the petty cash account. Trunk ‘r’ Treat was a success, and Dan Smith’s history presentations were all very well attended. They were recorded by the Town Historian and are available for viewing upon request. We decided to award Dan Smith a $100 honorarium.
Joyce suggested that our library develop a similar program to the Friends of the Town of Chester’s Library Spring fundraiser, perhaps in June. We would need volunteers. Sara will contact Bob Walp and Noelle McCrum of Chestertown for advice.
As expected, patron numbers were down in September.
We again discussed the need to offer handicap access and agreed that the curbside entry door would be the best choice. An ADA grant for $5,000 is available but Joan says that the Town hasn’t responded to her inquiry requesting support; grant application withdrawn. Bob said he would bring these matters to the Town’s attention. We discussed the need to help Town officials understand that the Library is a separate entity, contractual service offering books, materials, DVDs and programs to the public.
We also discussed the purchase of a phone and a fireproof locking safe with 4 drawers. Sara will follow up with suggestions. We may need a new computer next year.
The library is currently not ADA compliant. We would like to work with the Town to resolve this issue.
The Town is still exploring Wi-Fi hotspot grants from Spectrum. Kawana suggested that the library may be able to get funding from SALS for T-Mobile hotspot grants. Spectrum is now installing a new cordless phone system.
We need connections for laptops — we have 2 ports now.
Dungeons & Dragons numbers are up.
We discussed offering a popular program called the Dancing Turtles.
The library continues to have trouble receiving book orders from Baker and Taylor but Kawana has found other sources.
We need another Trustee.
The old laptop needs to go.
We learned that the State mandates training for Trustees, and the State can conduct audits to verify.
Finances:
The Library’s CD is now earning 5.28% interest, thanks to a tip from Megan at GFNB in Chestertown.
We conducted a review of the Library’s 2023 budget with the expectation that the Library would likely receive less financial support from outside sources in 2024, with an estimated total income at $7,000, down from $8,175, and expenditures at $10,240, a shortfall of $2,065.
Next Meeting Date: Monday, November 20 at 9:30 a.m.
A motion to adjourn was made by Joyce and seconded by Sara at 10:55 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sara Mullins