Cornwall Free Library

Minutes of the May 16, 2005 Meeting

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

Janet Gold called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. There was a brief presentation by Paul Baren and John Miller, as representatives of the Cornwall Foundation established by the Cornwall Association. They discussed the perception that too many organizations in Cornwall are competing for the same donors and explained that the Foundation is not a fundraising organization but instead serves as a non-governmental entity for receiving bequests intended to benefit the community at large.

Upon motion by Norma Lake, seconded by Pam Jones, the March minutes were accepted with the following corrections: in the Treasurer’s Report, the phrase “to take an additional $6,000” should read “to borrow $6,000;” the language of the subsequent resolution should read “to authorize the borrowing [not “withdrawing”] of up to $6,000.”

Treasurer’s Report: In addition to his printed report, John Green commented that there is essentially no cash in the Library’s checking account at present. The $6,000 he was authorized to borrow from the endowment will take the Library into early May. Accordingly, he asked for authorization to borrow an additional $3,000 from the endowment to cover the June payroll. By the end of the fiscal year, the proceeds from the “Speak Truth to Power” production and a special appeal for the children’s summer program should help the situation. Upon motion by Paul De Angelis, seconded by Ann Schillinger, the Board authorized John to borrow an additional $3,000 from the endowment. In response to a question, John noted that interest totaling $5,000 has been taken from the endowment fund but that the additional $9,000 has been borrowed. “Speak Truth to Power” has brought in about $1,250 to date, which has gone directly to the Cornwall Players to rent lighting equipment.

John is not ready to distribute a proposed budget for 2005-2006 yet. The Town of Cornwall intends to increase its contribution to $22,000, but other income categories, such as grants, have brought in little or no funds in recent years. There was a discussion of possible kinds of fundraising events, such as a performance or an art show. Amy Cady, Janet Gold, Jean Vitalis and Juliet Hubbard will meet with Jennifer Dowley, president of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, to discuss endowment campaigns.

Norma Lake urged the Trustees to pass a resolution declaring their intention to undertake an endowment campaign and to pursue fundraising opportunities with local performers, artists and collectors (as a Board fundraising project, not as a Friends of the Library program).

Upon motion by Norma Lake, seconded by Paul De Angelis, the Board of Trustees passed a resolution to begin an endowment campaign as soon as it can be properly constituted.

Amy Cady will begin working on a planned giving brochure and will research possible arrangements for a benefit art exhibition. She will report at the June meeting.

Library Director’s Report: Amy distributed both a written report and circulation statistics that show a substantial increase in total circulation over the same period last year. In addition, she asked for help with the reception following Jill Sheffield’s talk and requested that board members distribute posters in towns other than Cornwall and Kent.

She also described the qualifications of Marjorie Petterson, an experienced history teacher who is interested in gaining public library experience. She will be working part-time at the Library this summer. Amy Buck will reduce her hours to 13 hours per week this summer (from her regular 26), and Marjorie, who has already been volunteering on Saturdays, will work the remaining 13 hours.

Strategic Planning: Ann Schillinger reported that the participants for the July 9 strategic planning session are set. The group will consist of the Trustees, both Amys, and, as non-trustee participants, Wynne Kavanagh, Ken Keskinen, Alexa Venturini and Brenda Underwood. Ann, Paul De Angelis and Pam Jones will visit Kent School to check the available facilities and see what we need to bring. Lunch on the 9^th will consist of leftovers from the dinner at Pam’s house the night before (details to be arranged at the June meeting).

There will be two 90-minute focus group sessions on June 8 with a total of 17 attendees. Ann will divide them into two groups according to such attributes as age, gender, attitude toward the Library, etc. No board members will be present.

Friends of the Library: Amy Cady reported for the Friends that they are moving ahead on “Speak Truth to Power” and are also developing an Outreach Committee to consider program ideas like Amy’s plan to explore a particular theme (e.g., free speech) through a year-long series of events.

Operations Report: Janet reported that help is needed with weeding.

There being no further business, upon motion by John Green, seconded by Ann Schillinger, the meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

Julie Schieffelin

Secretary