NESMITH LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MINUTES

January 12, 1999

PRESENT: Patricia Skinner, Chairman; Lucie Lachance, Vice-Chairman; Wendy Denneen, Treasurer; Debi Desrosiers, Assistant Treasurer; Kathryn Ivey, Secretary; J Gross, Member; Douglas McDonald, Member; Diane Mayr, Assistant Library Director; Kathleen Hutchins, Library Director.

Pat Skinner called the meeting to order at 7:17 PM.

MINUTES: Upon motion by Debi Desrosiers, second by Lucie Lachance, the minutes of the December 15, 1998 meeting were approved.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Wendy Denneen reported that 89.5% of the budget had been expended as the year ended. Wendy noted that the resignation of Library Director Marc Lankin had created a surplus of $31,203 which was returned to the town. Several December bills were unable to be processed prior to the year closing. The Treasurer's report was placed on file.

DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Kathleen Hutchins reported a 17% increase in circulation numbers over 1997 with a 1998 circulation of 102,985 items.

Kathleen reported on behalf of volunteer coordinator Mary Lee Underhill that volunteers logged 985 hours at various tasks during 1998.

Kathleen reported that On Time Electric has completed the installation of the circulation desk lights. She noted that the library staff is very pleased with this improvement.

Kathleen and the staff will be visiting several library sites during January to experience various online circulation systems in order to make a tentative proposal at the next Board meeting.

FLOW will continue to take brick orders for walkway expansion through February.

Upon motion by Lucie Lachance, second by Kathy Ivey, the Board vote to approve the development and institution of a library outreach service to shut-ins. Kathleen and Kim Monterio will work on this project.

Upon motion by Lucie Lachance, second by Kathy Ivey, the Board voted to adopt the Policy on Unattended Children as amended.

Kathleen reported that she is expecting proposals from several companies for a sign at the Library Road entry.

Kathleen presented copies of the Annual Library Report to each Board member. The Board expressed their gratitude to Kathleen for her efforts on this report.

Ideas for the Joseph Fedorchuk Memorial continue to be investigated by Lucie Lachance and Debi Desrosiers.

Pat Skinner expressed complaints from several patrons concerning access to Internet use. Access is currently available from one-half after the library opens to one-half hour before the library closes. Patrons are reminded to sign up in advance for use of the equipment in order to avoid any disappointment.

The Board will present the proposed 1999 Library Budget to the Selectmen on January 14, 1999 at 8PM during budget hearings.

J Gross will follow-up on final construction payments now that work has been successfully completed by specific contractors.

Doug McDonald and Lucie Lachance are working to resolve the final punch list issues.

Wendy Denneen will contact the Selectmen to request the $9,500 in interest which accrued on the original CIP be turned over to the library.

Upon motion by J Gross, second by Wendy Denneen, the Board voted to approve a library closing schedule for 1999 holidays as follows:

Civil Rights Day, January 18;

Presidents' Day, February 15;

Memorial Day, May 31;

Independence Day, July 5;

Labor Day, September 6;

Columbus Day, October 11;

Veterans' Day, November 11; and

Thanksgiving, November 25 and 26.

A decision on closings for Christmas 1999 and New Year's 1999/2000 will be made at the next meeting.

Pat Skinner read a request from the Windham Newcomer's Club for use of the multipurpose room. Kathy Ivey will convey approval.

Kathy Ivey read a note from Carolyn Shea expressing her gratitude to the Board for their support as she recently completed a Cataloging and Classification course.

J Gross reported that progress is being made on plans for an Eagle Scout candidate to construct a storage shed for the library.

The Board extends an invitation to the public to attend a welcoming reception for Library Director Kathleen Hutchins to be held at the library on Monday evening February 1, 1999 from 7 to 8:30 PM.

Wendy Denneen was dismissed at 10:35 PM.

The next Trustees meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 10, 1999 at 7 PM.

Upon motion by Kathy Ivey, second by Doug McDonald, the Board went into nonpublic session to discuss personnel issues in accordance with RSA 91-A:3. Pat Skinner polled each member: J Gross, yes; Debi Desrosiers, yes; Kathy Ivey, yes; Douglas McDonald, yes; Lucie Lachance, yes; Pat Skinner, yes. Wendy Denneen was excused. Director Kathleen Hutchins and Assistant Director Diane Mayr remained in attendance.

No action was taken.

The meeting adjourned at 10:55 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Jena Day

Recording Secretary