Minutes of the Library Trustees

Bedford Free Public Library

Bedford, Massachusetts

May 11, 2004

Chair Rosemary Dyer called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M.

Record of Attendance: Trustees:  Doris Crowell; Rosemary Dyer; Donna Hoffman; Lynn O’Connor; Michele Ross.  Staff: Meredith McCulloch; Vanessa Abraham.  Trustees Robert Dorer and Peter Russo were excused. 

VOTED (Unanimously) to approve the Minutes of the April 13, 2004 meeting.

The Director, Meredith McCulloch, added to her written report that she had attended a meeting involving High School administrators and other officials where parking problems were discussed and the attendees were supportive of the Library’s parking issues.  She also noted that the lighting behind the library will be completed this construction season.  She further reported that the new Town Treasurer, Vincent Garofola, has indicated that Morgan Stanley will have some oversight over Town investments, including Library Corporation funds and that the monitoring will occur via electronic systems.

Plainsong, One Book, One Bedford, efforts are going very well with many people attending various book discussions.  Two more sessions are planned for May 13 and 16 with at least one more anticipated in June.  The Library has received permission to purchase copies of the sequel, Eventide, with remaining grant funds.

On May 27, the High School choral group will present an evening of Plainsong music starting at 7:30 PM.  Doris suggested that we consider CSPAN coverage for certain library events.

VOTED (Unanimously) to accept the Director’s Report.

Rosemary reported that the Director’s performance review had not been finalized due to Trustee business travel requirements.

VOTED (Unanimously) to postpone discussion of the Director’s review until a special meeting on May 20. (Intent: the meeting will take place on May 20, provided that those involved in the review process can be available on that date.)

There was discussion of the long range planning data and process.  It was decided to review the service responses on May 20 and identify gaps and opportunities.  The June 8 regular meeting will be used to clarify objectives, determine priorities and develop an outline for a first draft.  The plan must be finalized by the Trustees in September.

It was agreed that an article for “The Bedford Minuteman” should wait until the goals were established so that they could be included in the article.

There was discussion about the possibility of closing each Mother’s Day which ensued from the inability to staff the Library on this past Mother’s Day.  It was agreed that this year was an anomaly and that we ought not to close in the future as a rule.

VOTED (Unanimously): to approve the holiday closing calendar as presented.

There was discussion about Carolynn Roger’s continued participation in the LRP process.  The Trustees have no objection if she wishes to continue her involvement.

There was discussion about a suggestion received from former Trustee Steve Spector to post the Library meeting minutes on the Town website.  The Trustees appreciated the suggestion; however, it was agreed that we should use the Library’s website.

VOTED (Unanimously): to post the Minutes of Library Trustee meetings on the Library website.

VOTED (Unanimously): to confirm the hiring of Jo Ann Magee as part-time Children’s Librarian.

There was discussion about circulation volume.  Meredith reported that there should be some drop-off now that the Lexington Library has reopened; however, the Concord Library is now closed, and Concord patrons are beginning to frequent the Bedford Library.

There was discussion about ways of easing the burden at check-out (perhaps revisiting the bar-coding process and reassigning telephone answering duties).

Donna suggested that any plans regarding the continuation of Jessie Rabin’s adult programming services should be handled well before December.  Meredith will bring a recommendation at the July meeting which will coincide with the planning process.

Doris and Donna plan to attend the Selectman’s Citizens Volunteer meeting on May 18 at 7 PM and will report back to the group.

There was a question about insurance coverage for elected officials arising from a film the Trustees viewed at an earlier meeting.  Meredith indicated that Town has appropriate insurance coverage.

VOTED (Unanimously) to adjourn at 9:20 P.M.

Respectfully submitted

Donna Hoffman

Secretary Pro Tem