Cornwall Free Library

Minutes of the August 23 Meeting

Present: Janet Gold, John Green, Roxana Laughlin, Ann Schillinger, Lisa Simont, Dominique Lasseur, Julie Schieffelin, Norma Lake, Will Calhoun and Jean Vitalis. Amy Worthington-Cady, Library Director.

The minutes of the July 26 meeting were approved as presented.

Treasurer’s Report: John Green noted that the Library’s “burn rate” or expense pattern is currently about $6,000 a month without exceptional items such as Bibliomation. There is a possibility that there will have to a borrowing against the endowment to cover costs until the flow from the annual appeal begins to refresh the exchequer.

Julie Schieffelin moved and Ann Shillinger seconded a motion to accept the treasurer’s report:

The VOTE to approve was unanimous.

Librarian’s Report: Amy Cady said that the summer children’s program had been a great success but that the attendance was restricted mostly to summer kids. This is a trend which is troubling for the Library and in September the staff expects to have determined some reasons why local kids stayed away.

Amy said that all attention was focused on the Labor Day “Migration” from the current Bibliomation system to the new “Horizon Dynix System”, a Windows-based program. The intricacies of the turnover are complex and will require the closing of the Library September 1 to re-open on September 7. During this time the changeover will be effected and our volunteers will be trained in the new program.

Amy reported that the number of active patrons is up 250 over the past year. These statistics are kept by the Bibliomation system.

Amy reported that the front and back door locks were not latching securely leaving the building virtually open at night. Also electric usage has doubled for reasons not at all apparent. Will Calhoun that Mr. Perotti would take a look at the situation and suggest some alternatives.

Friends of the Library: The Friends annual meeting has been postponed because of a conflict with the speaker’s schedule. The Board discussed problems the Friends are having finding active board members.

The Book Sale: Plans are rumbling along in an efficient way. Publicity, treasury and sorting of the stock have all been assigned.

Amy noted several new thoughts for fundraisers – a wine-tasting by Russ Sawicki of his new cellar at the Moose and the Town Hall Players who seem disposed to donate their proceeds to the Library.

Norma Lake moved and Dominique seconded a motion to pursue the prospects of the wine tasting.

The VOTE to approve was unanimous.

Ann moved and Will Calhoun seconded a motion to look further into the Town Hall Players opportunity.

The VOTE to approve was unanimous.

Nominations to the Board and to the officer positions were discussed. Ann speaking for the Nominating Committee said that Paul DeAngelis and Pamela Jones had agreed to become new trustees filling positions to be vacated by Will Calhoun and Lisa Simont who are at the ends of their terms. In addition Julie Schieffelin agreed to become secretary of the board.

Ann also reminded the executive committee of the meeting September 22 with Sharon Brettschneider of the CT State Library to prepare the way for a team building exercise for the board.

The meeting adjourned at 6:09 pm.

Lisa Lansing Simont

Secretary