The Cornwall Free Library

Minutes of the Meeting of July 26, 2004

Present: Janet Gold, John Green, Roxana Laughlin, Norma Lake, Lisa Simont, Jean Vitalis and Amy Worthington-Cady, Library Director.

The minutes of the June 28 meeting were approved with minor corrections.

John Green presented the preliminary final budget report for FY 2004. Revenue stands at $109,950 and expenditures of $109,191. the July expenditure report shows repayment of $3,000 borrowed from the endowment principal as approved by the Board in May.

Norma Lake moved and Jean Vitalis seconded a motion

To approve the treasurer’s report.

The VOTE to approve was unanimous.

Library Director’s Report: Amy Cady said that circulation over the past 12 months has been 16,660, about 2,000 (or about 15%) more than the previous year. The winter months showed strong improvement. The number of active patrons is up to 839. Amy said that the librarians and the Materials Selection Committee have made a huge effort this year to keep the new books rolling into the building and onto the shelves. The children’s program on Wednesday evening has been well attended but almost entirely by summer and weekend people; Cornwall residents have dropped out. An evaluation form will be circulated to everyone who originally signed up.

Amy said that the state is offering grants for long-term planning and that we will apply for at least $5,000. Another grant request will go to the Berkshire Taconic Foundation for $2,500 in tuition support. For the Library Director.

Amy thanked the Board on her own behalf and that of Amy Buck for the salary increases voted in the FY 2005 budget.

Personnel: The Personnel Committee’s revision of the personnel policy was presented for a final reading by Roxana Laughlin. It has been reviewed by Don Bardot, pro bono, and his comments have been incorporated in the document.

Lisa Simont moved and Jean seconded a motion

TO adopt the Personnel Policy as presented by the Committee.

The VOTE to approve was unanimous.

Operations: The Board briefly reviewed issues related to the heating system. John Green will contact Region I to tie down the details of the fuel consortium offer Sam Herrick has made to the Library. The door locks are causing headaches as they will not keep the doors securely locked when the building is closed. Patrons have been wandering in and out.

Friends: Works has begun on the Talent Show. The September annual meeting of the Friends will feature a talk by Marty Rubin about gardens. Jill Bryant will be asked to help with the Book Sale on Columbus Day Weekend.

Book lift: Having neglected to do so before now, the Board agreed to thank Roxana Laughlin for her gift of the dumb (book) waiter.

Norma moved and John seconded a motion

That the Board of Trustees of the Cornwall Free Library gratefully accepts the gift of a book lift.

The VOTE to approve was unanimous.

The meeting adjourned at 5:40.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Lansing Simont

Secretary