Cornwall Library Association

Minutes of the March 10, 2006 Meeting

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

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

Approval of Minutes Upon motion by Ann Schillinger, seconded by Carla Bigelow, the minutes of the January 13, 2006 meeting were accepted with the following correction:

The wi-fi system will be activated once the computer network is un-linked from Bibliomation.

Treasurer’s Report:  John Green circulated a written report and added the following remarks. He has withdrawn $6,000, this year’s estimated income from the Library endowment, and deposited it in the bank. The Library’s cash flow should be all right through March, and then sponsorship checks and contributions for the Manhattan String Quartet concert should come in. An insurance premium is coming up, but the latest Bibliomation fee has been paid. Expenses are more or less on target, though a budget shortfall is likely given that the scheduled special events are coming late in the fiscal year. Upon motion by Paul De Angelis, seconded by Ann Schillinger, the Treasurer’s Report was accepted.

Library Director’s Report Amy Cady circulated a written report and briefly reviewed it.

Manhattan String Quartet concert Amy Cady reported that invitations were mailed March 13. Alexa Venturini will coordinate the reception. Pam Jones will take care of tickets at the door and recruit ushers. Amy is trying to get all food and drink contributed.

Report on May Book Sale. Louise Dunn circulated a written report. In addition, she reported that a Theodore Parker letter is now being sold on Ebay for the Library’s benefit. The book sale will take place in the Community Room of the Library and the auction at Town Hall. She will take flyers to the antiquarian book fair being held in Litchfield this coming weekend. She also asked the Board’s permission to work with Book Recyclers, a company which buys libraries’ unwanted books. Upon motion by Carla Bigelow, seconded by Ann Schillinger, the Trustees approved Louise’s request to continue exploring the possibility of generating income for the Library through sales to Book Recyclers. Louise reported that video rentals have brought in $200.

Report on CartoonFest. Paul De Angelis circulated a written report. In addition, he asked for volunteers to help produce the program and sell ad space. A press release is being drafted now for use by publications with a long lead time. Volunteers are welcome! Ann Schillinger is creating a mailing list and asked permission to exchange with other mailing lists on a one-time basis in order to generate new names.

Report on Friends Activities: Tom Levine circulated the agenda for the Friends’ next meeting, to be held on March 11. He noted that the Garden Party will take place May 6 (not May 2). The oral history project will get underway this summer. The Friends are considering publishing a Cornwall Daybook, which would be akin to a birthday book or a perpetual calendar.

Reports from Selected Committees/Task Forces:

Public Relations: Paul De Angelis circulated a written report and briefly reviewed it.

Use of Space: Carla Bigelow circulated a written report. The board discussed the major potential project, a renovation of the current office to create two separate librarian offices at an estimated cost of $4-5,000. Carla commented that this project needs much further discussion, especially in the context of all the Library’s current and future needs. John said that work of this kind would be done in stages in any case.

Proposed Policy on Art Work Sales: Louise Dunn has talked to other libraries and reported some of their commission arrangements with artists. After discussion, the board arrived at a suggested commission but will defer formal action until Louise has had a chance to discuss the matter with Ellen Moon.

New Business: Louise Dunn questioned whether the mission statement should be re-thought; she has included the text in two recent proposals she has written and does not feel that it clearly expresses what the Library actually does.

Other Business John Green reported on approaches to potential sponsors of the Manhattan String Quartet benefit and also said that he has not yet had an opportunity to talk to a Cornwall resident who has been suggested as a potential nominee to fill the vacancy created by Norma Lake’s resignation.

Amy Cady described a possible technology purchase that would permit the downloading of mp3 files. Cost: perhaps $2,500 and asked that it be considered as a 2006-7 budget item.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Julie Schieffelin

Secretary