Cornwall Library Association

Minutes of the August 11, 2006 Meeting

Present: John Green, President, Paul De Angelis, Louise Dunn, Pam Jones, Roxana Laughlin, Julie Schieffelin, Ann Schillinger and Jean Vitalis. Absent: Carla Bigelow, Alec Frost, Dominique Lasseur. Also present: Amy Cady, Library Director.

John Green called the meeting to order at 3:08 p.m.

Approval of Minutes: Upon motion by Ann Schillinger, seconded by Pam Jones, the minutes of the July 14, 2006 meeting were accepted as presented.

Treasurer’s Report: John Green reported that the annual grant from the Town of Cornwall is in the bank and that spending remains on track. Cash flow should remain OK until Annual Appeal contributions start coming in. He will provide more information about the new endowment policy at the September meeting. There were two questions: Louise Dunn asked whether any of the surplus from the last fiscal year could be used for remodeling the librarians’ office. The estimated expense, which is extra-budgetary, is $3,500. Roxana Laughlin suggested doing the work in two steps. Paul De Angelis asked what the disposition would be of the contribution from the Rose Algrant show, which is expected to be several thousand dollars.

Library Director’s Report: In addition to the written report she circulated, Amy Cady reported that the Alex Prud’homme reading had been an enormous success and attracted the Library’s biggest audience to date. A letter of thanks will be sent to him. She distributed year-end circulation figures and noted that although they are slightly lower than last year’s, last year’s figures are suspect because of problems connecting with Bibliomation’s computer. She is hoping to start book groups at the Library that are open to everyone. She will act as facilitator of one and will also have books selected and publicized in advance, a practice that she thinks encourages people to join. Finally, she asked approval of a $515 expense to clean the windows, which the trustees approved. Louise Dunn noted that the front door looks bad and needs washing or repainting. She has asked Alec Frost for assistance with this problem.

Report of Trusteeship Committee John Green and Roxana Laughlin are in the process of approaching candidates.

Report on Friends Activities

In Tom Levine’s absence, Amy Cady reported that a number of programs are being planned for the fall, including Laura Tyson Li, author of Madame Chiang Kai-shek: China's Eternal First Lady, Mira and Adam Van Doren, who produced the documentary “When the World Was Ours,” about the Jewish community of Vilna, Catherine Tatge, who has produced a recent documentary about Walter Cronkhite, Sally Cook, an author who will talk about creating book projects, and the artist Barbara Wolff. Tom will not be able to work on the Talent Show, so others will have to be recruited if it is to be produced. Lisa Simont has alerted the Library to the deadlines for Cornwall Chronicle inserts for the months of November (Talent Show), May (book sale) and June (summer program).

(Friends Activities continued)

There was discussion of two social events, a September 10 dinner at the Laughlins’ to thank the Friends for their help, and an October 21 reception at the Tatge-Lasseur house to recognize donors and former board members. Pam Jones described the menu for the dinner and asked trustees to sign up with the dishes they will bring.

Reports from Selected Committees/Task Forces

Public Relations Paul De Angelis distributed a draft survey about library use prepared by the task forces members, which was enthusiastically received. It will be mailed to Cornwall residents. The extra cards produced for CartoonFest will continue to be sold by the Library; Paul requested, and received, approval to consign some to Bianca Griggs for sales at the Wish House. Paul also circulated a schedule for Library art shows.

Development Jean Vitalis reported that the Development Committee has reviewed donor names to plan for this year’s Annual Appeal, which should be ready in early September. Louise Dunn has written a case statement. Paul is investigating a possible brochure design.

Other Business

Amy Cady will be on vacation for the week of August 21.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Julie Schieffelin

Secretary