Cornwall Free Library

Minutes of the July 18, 2005 Meeting

as corrected: see material in italics under “New Business,” below

Present: Janet Gold, presiding; Paul De Angelis, Pam Jones, Norma Lake, Roxana Laughlin, Julie Schieffelin, Ann Schillinger, Jean Vitalis and Amy Worthington-Cady, Library Director. Absent: Alec Frost, John Green, and Dominique Lasseur.

Janet Gold called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Upon motion by Ann Schillinger, seconded by Pam Jones, the June minutes were accepted as presented.

Treasurer’s Report: In John Green’s absence, Janet reported that the funds borrowed from the endowment had been repaid. Amy Cady reported that the final total for the Annual Fund is $57,727. The Town of Cornwall grant has been received.

Executive Session: The Board met in executive session from 4:05 to 4:18.

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Library Director’s Report: Amy Cady reported that “Speak Truth to Power” ended with a $3,200 net. She also said that a community member has offered to run a photography class for teenagers as a Library activity. Since there are certain expenses involved with the course, the Board felt that the Library should not be in the position of paying them; an alternative possibility is charging the participants a materials fee.

Amy will be on vacation July 30-August 8.

Strategic Planning: Upon motion by Paul de Angelis, seconded by Ann Schillinger, the Board voted to approve the mission statement developed during the strategic planning exercise with one amendment: “The Cornwall Free Library enriches the [not “our”] community by offering access to knowledge and the free exchange of ideas.” In order to continue the work begun at the session at Kent, Janet appointed two groups to work further on publicity and fundraising planning. The groups will report at the August meeting. Members are: Publicity and PR: Paul de Angelis, convener; Pam Jones, Norma Lake, Roxana Laughlin and Ann Schillinger, members; Fundraising: Jean Vitalis, convener; Amy Cady, John Green and Julie Schieffelin, members. Ann Schillinger was thanked for all her hard work.

Old Business: The 2005-2006 budget was approved as amended: total expenses were increased by $489 to reflect an adjustment to administrative expenses plus a contribution to Kent School.

The Personnel Committee will develop a policy for calculating vacation time when an employee works a reduced number of hours.

Paul de Angelis reported on his progress in planning a 2006 exhibition at the Library of works by cartoonists for The New Yorker, with the following related activities: discussion panels, performance of a play, an art auction and sales of works of art.

New Business: The question of moving the board meeting to a day other than Monday was raised but not resolved.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Julie Schieffelin

Secretary

NEXT MEETING: MONDAY, AUGUST 15 at 4:00 pm.