Library Trustees

BEDFORD FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Minutes

November 8, 2005

 

Meeting Called to Order at 8:20 pm

 

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

 

Secretary's Report:

P. Russo made motion to accept the 10/11/05 minutes.  Seconded by M. Ross..  Vote: 5-0

 

Director's Report:

The Director reported on several activities:

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Several well received programs in October included: the film Le Grande Voyage", Introduction to Acupuncture, Chinese Culture and Food, and What is it Worth? Antiques Appraisal with Stuart Whitehurst from the Antiques Road Show.

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Friends of the Library are funding the Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association Chinese Music Ensemble Youth Group trip to the library in January.

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The Director, Assistant Director Vanessa Abraham and Meredith McCulloch have started planning for the upcoming World War I series in January.

M. Pulizzi made motion to accept the minutes.  M. Ross seconded. Vote: 5-0

 

Unfinished Business:

 

Restoration of Limited Audio-Visual Material Requests:

The Director reported that the Minuteman Library Network voted to restrict the lending of new DVD/Videos between libraries.  Patrons will only be able to request newly acquired featured films from their hometown libraries.  Documentaries and older films will be available to everyone.  The new restrictions are meant to ease the load of items in delivery.

 

Action Plan:

The Director reviewed the FY07 Action Plan compiled with the help of the Assistant Director and the library staff.  The plan is to be approved by the Trustees and submitted to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

D. Crowell made motion to accept the Plan.  M. Pulizzi seconded.  Vote: 5-0

 

The Meeting Room Acoustic Research:

The Director reported that the Friends of the Library met with sound system expert Caleb Warner who, along with Carl Hanson, offered options to enhance the meeting room's audio effectiveness.  The Director also spoke with Kim Barber from Bedford Community Access for advice on potential recording dynamics for the room.

 

Digital Downloads:

The Director reported that he found several options for downloadable audiobooks and will report in detail at a future meeting.

 

Painting of Trim on 1968 Building:

Facilities Director Richard Jones will be going out to bid on the painting of the trim on the 1968 building in early spring.  The funds will come from the capital budget voted at the 2005 Town Meeting.

 

New Business:

 

Maintenance:

The Director reported a productive meeting with Richard Jones relating to routine maintenance as well as long-term goals such as the need to replace roof on the 1968 section of the building and energy conservation.

 

FY07 Budget:

The Director reported on the impact of increased energy costs on the budget.

 

Library Closure on December (1st from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.):

Director Callaghan asked approval to close the library on December 1st for staff training.

M. Pulizzi motioned to accept recommendation to close library on December 1st from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for staff training.  M. Ross seconded. Vote: 5-0

 

Other Business:

 

The Board discussed the importance of library administration staying current on town planning activities including the potential effect of the high school building project on library parking.

 

Step Raises:

M. Pulizzi motioned to accept the step raises as requested.  D. Crowell seconded.  Vote: 5-0

 

Motion to Adjourn: 9:20

M. Ross motioned to adjourn and D. Crowell seconded.  Vote: 5-0