Horicon Free Public Library
6604 State Route 8
P.O. Box 185 518-494-3852
Library Board of Trustees Minutes February 20, 2024
Those in attendance:
Joan Johnson, President
Kawana Smith, Library Director
Debra Eves, Trustee
Sara Mullins, Secretary
Bob Olson, Town of Horicon Representative
Call to Order: Joan opened the meeting at 9:30 a.m.
Town News: Bob Olson said that the Town plans to install the sidewalk door sometime in October. Town Board minutes for October 23 state that the handicap door for the library will be address in spring of 2024 when repairs are done to the sidewalk in front of the Town Hall. But a question arose regarding whether the library needs handicap access due to its small size.
January Minutes: Approved with one correction: The Friends Summer Reading Program will run from July 11 – August 15.
Treasurer’s Report: Vouchers #9 – 14 were signed and approved. Joan presented the January 2024 Report because Greta could not attend. Supplies are defined as items that are used up. Because the Board doesn’t anticipate any need for equipment, Kawana will revise the report. As of 1/31/24, the bank balance was $2094.06.
Director’s Report: Kawana discussed the bird-watching package for the Summer Reading Program. One backpack is available to check out. Gabe Heilman has been volunteering at the library. Attendance at Dungeons and Dragons is steady, with 4 – 6 players. Debra suggested that the library send an article to the Sun newspaper about the upcoming D & D Tournament. Refreshments will be served. Kawana will submit an Annual Report to the NY State Department of Education and is available for public viewing. Joan suggested that the entire Board review the AUD report when completed. Kawana reported on the status of the Google file, which should be available to all of the Trustees. Ink continues to be the library’s biggest expense. The bench outside is unstable and will be replaced. The library will provide eclipse glasses and an information sheet about safe viewing to the public for this event on April 8 at 2:40 p.m. Several viewing locations were discussed, with Dynamite Hill considered as the best local choice.
Founders Day will be celebrated on March 29. Colleen Murtagh or Sylvia Smith will preside over the festivities.
Old Business: Joan asked for questions regarding the Library Trustees Handbook reading assignment, pp. 9 – 19. Joan confirmed Sara’s question asking if the Town of Horicon Public Library is a municipal library. The library’s hours of service is determined by the Town’s population. We desperately need more storage space in the closet.
New Business: Trustees were given evaluation forms for Kawana’s March annual review. Trustees must attend a minimum of two continuing education sessions per year. The Trustee Education Policy mandates that Trustees keep track of webinars that don’t offer certificates of completion. Forms are available to record your participation. Mileage compensation for 2024 is $.67 per mile. Deb has been researching grant opportunities. One prospect is the ADK Foundation. The Chestertown Rotary Club will donate $250 to support an upcoming Erik Schlimmer program. The Rotary invites the public to celebrate its 75 years of community service on April 3 at Green Mansions.
Please read the next chapter of the Handbook, pages 20 – 25. We will discuss Trustee Duties and Responsibilities at the March 18 meeting.
Next Meeting: Monday, March 18, 2024 Motion to Adjourn