Library Trustee Minutes 10.06.08

Minutes from October 6, 2008

Board Meeting for the Trustees of Brown Memorial Library

Attendance included: Joan Perry, Bea Howe, Brooks McCandlish, Rod Jones, Meg Fearnley, Bob Manchester & Erica Gross
1.    The minutes from the last meeting were read and accepted.
2.    Treasurer’s report was read and accepted. A motion was made to accept all gifts and donations made to Brown Memorial Library for the month of September, in the amount of $629.50 ($569.50 from book sale, $30 – donations $30 – fees).
3.    Librarian’s report was read and accepted.
4.    After receiving a letter from the Selectmen asking that the Library reduce hours of operations to help cut down oil use, Bea Howe drafted a letter in response explaining that the Library, even when not open, has to maintain a certain thermostat temperature with radiant heat. She also noted that the library is used by many for school & employment purposes (computers, faxes & copiers) and the library is the only place in town making these available for public use. It was also noted that the Library could hold a “Help heat the Library” book sale. The letter will show that all other costs (books, computer expense, dues, and furnishings) will stay at the 2008 appropriation rate and not be increased. The only true increase other then oil would be the salaries & payroll as previously agreed upon by the town in 2008. It was decided that if the town should grant the 47% increase in the oil budget and the extra $1000 was not used it would be returned.
5.    A book sale is scheduled for Columbus Day, October 11th. Volunteers have been lined up. Brooks McCandlish is able to fill in the afternoon if needed.
6.    The tree will be cut as soon as Steve Patten recovers from an injury. He is hoping for the following week.
7.    Bob Manchester has found some parts of benches from the old golf course. He feels that they can be pieced together at the library and a bench recreated. Once finished a memorial plaque can be placed on it for the tree in Robert G. Stauffer’s name.
8.    Brooks McCandlish will be filling in for Amy Blitzer as a trustee. We will still need another alternate come Jan. A few names were passed around as possibilities.
9.    Next meeting is November 3, 2008 at 7:00pm.
Meeting was adjourned @ 7:50 pm

Respectfully submitted,
Erica Gross, Secretary