Library Trustees

BEDFORD FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Minutes

February 14, 2006

 

Meeting called to order at 8:05 p.m.

 

Present: Trustees present included R. Dorer, R. Dyer, L. O’Connor, M. Pulizzi, M. Ross, and P. Russo. Director R. Callaghan and Assistant Director V. Abraham were also present. Trustee D. Crowell was absent.

 

Secretary’s Report:

R. Dorer made motion to accept the 01/17/06 minutes. Seconded by M. Ross.  Vote: 6-0

 

Director’s Report:

The Director reported on the following activities:

 

·        Capacity crowds marked successful programs that included: World War I, the Chinese Youth Ensemble concert, Chinese New Year programs and the start of the Winter 2006 Storytime schedule.

·        Ray Barry installed a new color laser printer in Study Room 2.

·        The Director attended a seminar on harassment training held at Town Hall.

 P. Russo made motion to accept the Director’s Report. Seconded by L O’Connor.  Vote: 6-0 to accept.

 

Unfinished Business:

 

Finance Committee

The Director and Trustee Chair Rosemary Dyer met with the Finance Committee and the meeting went smoothly. The Director explained the State Aid requirements that the Library is obliged to meet and how they affected the budget.

 

Energy Adjustments

The Director spoke with Facilities Director Richard Jones to discuss the new energy estimate for FY07 budgets. The Director was pleased with the lower estimates but emphasized that any adjustment would not affect the bottom line of the library budget.

 

One Book, One Bedford

 1776 by David McCullough has been chosen for the One Book, One Bedford program in April. A number of programs and book discussions were being planned. The Library has tried through several avenues to get the author to speak but as his schedule is very full and though honored by our request, Mr. McCullough has so far declined our offer. 

 

New Business:

 

Law Enforcement Inquiries

Procedures on law enforcement inquiries have been reviewed with the staff and copies placed in the library procedural manual.

 

Parking

Patrons have asked about parking limitations in front of the building. Director Callaghan commented that the spaces in the front of the building are set by the town and are used for the schools.  When the school renovation is completed, it is planned that library parking will increase slightly. It was suggested that parking complaints would be better directed to the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee.

 

Three Apples Storytelling Festival

The Library is interested in hosting some of programs for the September 30th - October 1st event.  Final details will be forthcoming. The Friends of the Library are in interested in participating in also. Trustees discussed the event and agreed that the Library should support the festival when the event is within the library mission.

 

Other Business:

 

Concerned Black Citizens of Bedford Donation

The Concerned Black Citizens of Bedford will host their annual meeting on Sunday, February 26 at the old town hall. At the meeting, the CBCB will donate materials on African-American culture to the Library as they have done for many years.

 

Town Election

The Director reminded the Trustees that the Town elections are coming up on Saturday, March 11th.

 

Photo Policy

Trustees discussed the library policy on photographing patrons during events. The goal is to provide maximum privacy for patrons while attempting to make an effective use of publicity.

Director Callaghan will review and propose an updated policy to the Trustees at a later date.

 

Step Raises

P. Russo motioned to accept step raises. Seconded by M. Ross.  Vote 6-0 to accept.

 

Thanks to Robert Dorer

Trustee Chair Dyer thanked Robert Dorer for his nine years of service as a Library Trustee. The Board strongly acknowledged that the Trustees and the town at large have benefited from Bob’s service. Bob has been an integral leader during the library renovation and additions, the search and selection of the Library Director, improvement of technology and many other important challenges the library has successfully managed.

 

Motion to Adjourn: 9:30

P. Russo motioned to adjourn and L. O’Connor seconded. Vote: 6-0 to accept.