Library Trustees

BEDFORD FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Minutes

June 13, 2006

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

Present: Trustees present included R. Dyer, A. Hafer, L. O’Connor, M. Pulizzi and P. Russo.  Director R. Callaghan was also present. 

Trustees D. Crowell and M. Ross were absent.

 Secretary’s Report:

P. Russo made motion to accept the 05/09/06 minutes.  Seconded by A. Hafer.  Vote: 5-0

Director’s Report:

Director Callaghan reported on activities:

·        The building trim painting project has been sent out for bidding.

·        The new computers next to the reference area have been installed and fully loaded.

·        The budget is on target except were anticipated overages were projected in fuel and supplies.

P. Russo made motion to accept the Director’s Report.  Seconded by M. Pulizzi.  Vote: 5-0 to accept.

Unfinished Business:

Downloadable Audio:  Downloadable audio was successfully launched as planned on June 1^st.  Director Callaghan stated that the staff continues to be educated on process and how to instruct the public on use.  There were 31 users in the first month.  Trustees discussed the timing for promoting the service to patrons while assuring that staff education and support are first complete.

Sunday Hours:  Director Callaghan reported on his continued evaluation of the benefits, needs and cost of Sunday hours.  Key findings included the fact that nearly all libraries in the state are closed after July 1^st and that Bedford Free Public Library historical circulation records show a progressive decrease from May through June.  Director Callaghan noted that the cost to benefit evaluation suggest keeping the current library schedule.  An increase in hours can be evaluated annually based on usage trends.

Parking and High School Construction: Director Callaghan reported on his meeting with the School Superintendent and Principal.  Discussion included the fact that Saint Michaels has agreed to allow students to park there during construction and teachers will be reminded not to park in the library’s spaces.

Children’s Room Performers: Director Callaghan asked that musical guest Peter & Ellen Allard be allowed to sell cassettes to interested patrons after their performance on June 22^nd.  Trustees agreed as long as it is a passive sales effort and not pushed on patrons.

Reserve Fund Transfer:  Director Callaghan reported that there will be a reserve fund transfer made to the budget for the anticipated adjustment to the electricity and gas line items.

Other Business:

Merit Review:  Director Callaghan reported that merit reviews are on schedule.

Holiday Closing Schedule

Director Callaghan recommended that Veteran’s Day holiday schedule should match the state holiday schedule with the Library closed on the 10^th and open on the 11^th.  L. O’Connor motioned to accept this timing.  Seconded by M. Pulizzi.  Vote 5-0 to accept.

Bowie Knife Loan

Trustees discussed the consistent and ongoing request to see the library’s Bowie Knife by a broad base of non-patrons.  Trustees agreed that it is not prudent to spend money on publicizing or displaying this artifact, however, sees the value in making this item available to those interested.  Director Callaghan will investigate the idea of Bedford loaning the knife to a more appropriate venue such as a museum.

August Trustees Meeting

It was agreed that there will be no trustees meeting in August.

Motion to Adjourn: 9:15

R. Dyer motioned to adjourn and L. O’Connor seconded.  Vote: 5-0 to accept.