People Counter – The Board continued its discussion about the value of purchasing a people counter to monitor the flow of patrons in and out of the library.  Initial research suggests that the cost of such a device would be about $1,500.00.  The Director and the library staff will assess whether or not this purchase is necessary to help us serve our patrons better. This topic will be put on the agenda again at a later date.

Wireless Computer Access – Wireless computer access is now available in the meeting room.

Door Repair – The doors at the main entrance to the library were repaired at a fair cost.

Vacancies Filled – Lisa Baylis accepted the position of co-head of circulation.  Donna Andreason will handle Lisa’s old duties at circulation and in technical services. 

Current Openings – The Library currently has openings for pages and a part-time circulation assistant.

Thursday Night Movie Series – The series was well attended during the summer months.  Due to some scheduling conflicts, there will be no movies during September.  However, the series will continue again in October. 

Three Apples Storytelling Festival – Thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Library, the Library will be hosting a free performance by master storyteller Leeny del Seamonds on September 28.

Book Discussion Series – Intuition by Allegra Goodman will be the focus when the series starts on Monday, September 24.

The Reader’s Circle – This program will resume on Friday, September 21 at 10:00 a.m.   The foreign film Viva Cuba will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on the same day.

Poetry – Poet Evelyn Giteck will lead a workshop entitled Poets Live Again on September 27.  This workshop will be held monthly to encourage patrons to share their own poetry and to explore the works of other poets.

Merit Review – The Library was the first department in town to hand in its report.  As a result, its employees were the first ones to be paid.

Young Adult Section – On August 22, consultant Kim Bolan came for an all day visit to our library.  She met with library staff, took pictures and measurements, and showed a PowerPoint presentation that shared some of her ideas and past work.  Her written report is due at the end of September.

Flooring Update – The Children’s Department will be closed on September 26^th and 27^th so that the tile just outside of this area can be replaced.  Contingency plans have been made to meet the needs of patrons hoping to use this area while it is closed.  Three bids were received for the job of replacing the carpeting in the downstairs browsing area.  The carpet is expected to be replaced sometime in October. 

Ecommerce/Minimum Fines – Starting November 1, patrons will be able to pay their library fines online. Patron’s who have $5.00 or more worth of fines on their account will not be able to take out materials.

Parking Problems – Due to the ongoing construction at Bedford High School, there have been some parking difficulties for library patrons.  The Library has been in communication with one of the assistant principal Kevin Tracy at the high school regarding this issue.

Annual Report – Vanessa Abraham prepared the Library’s portion of the town’s Annual Report.

Webpage Design – The Library is hoping to develop a new webpage that is less crowded and more user-friendly.  Joanne Page, a Library staff member, will meet with Extra Mile Design, a company that develops webpages, to discuss some ideas. 

MyLibraryTV – The library will be offering this service, which allows patrons to download various documentaries and educational videos onto their computer for a period of one week.  Patrons will only need their Bedford Library card to access these materials. 

Book Sale – The Friends of the Bedford Library will hold a book sale to coincide with the town’s yearly celebration of Bedford Day.  The sale will run from Friday, September 14 through Sunday, September 16. 

Annual Meeting – The Friends of the Bedford Library will hold its annual meeting on Saturday, December 8, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. 

Antiques - An antiques appraiser from Skinner’s Appraisal of Boston will be at the library on October 24, 2007 from 7:00-9:00 p.m.  Patrons may bring in one item to be appraised free of charge.  

Indian Cultural Day – On November 10, 2007, the Friends of the Library will be sponsoring an Indian cultural day at the library.  Patrons will be able to participate in a variety of activities and have the chance to learn more about Indian clothing, music, and food.

World War II Series – Once again, Professor Dan Breen from Framingham State University will be presenting a series of talks at the Library.  World War II will be the focus of this year’s series.

High School Construction – Aside from the previously mentioned parking issues, there seem to be no other problems concerning the construction going on at the high school.

ALA Conference – Richard Callaghan provided the board with a written report from the recent ALA conference.

Step Raises – R. Dyer motioned to accept the recent step raises and appointments.  A. Hafer seconded this motion.  Vote 7-0 to accept.