Cornwall Free Library

Minutes of the Meeting of May 24, 2004

Present: Janet Gold, president, Ann Schillinger, Roxana Laughlin, Dominique Lasseur, Lisa Simont, Will Calhoun, Julie Schieffelin, John Green and Alec Frost. Amy Worthington-Cady, Library Director.

The minutes for the meeting of April 26 were approved with the following changes: In paragraph two, change “draw” to “borrowing” and “earnings” to “principal.” And in the motion which follows “earnings” should be “principal.”

Personnel Committee: Roxana reported that the personnel policy has been given to Don Bardot for review. The committee is working on goals for the director; goals for the children’s librarian are also in the works.

Treasurer’s Report: John Green said the operating status quo is fragile but more or less on schedule. The draw on the endowment principal has not yet been made in hopes that the revenue for the Manhattan String Quartet concert will be about $8,000.

Dominique Lasseur commented on the anxiety the library faces every spring as the fiscal year comes to an end. He suggested that another event been found to improve the late-year revenue stream.

John led the board through the budget for the current year. Of a planned $118,295, $95,617 has been raised. Revenue for the MSQ event is still to come; Planned grants for tuition were not sought because of changes in the director’s education plans. The Friends’ revenue also is $1,578 under budget. On the expenditure side, $93,374 has gone out as of May 21.

John presented a draft of the budget for FY 2005. The bottom line is a slight decrease from the current year -- $117,750 in revenues and $117,000 for expenditures. Staff costs of $53,075 take account of a 5% raise for the director and a 3% raise for the children’s librarian. The total for staff costs includes $2,000 in tuition for the director. The total is down from FY 2004 because the staff costs in the current year included $7,500 tuition for the director which was not used.

Julie Schieffelin reviewed fundraising for the past year and presented figures for the Annual Fund which showed an increase over the past year in the number of donors (210 in 2003 and 226 in 2004). The amount raised to date is $47,621, near the goal of $48,000. Board participation is 100%. The median gift for the appeal was $60 compared to $100 last year. Julie said there is a need to increase the number of givers at $1,000 or more. Eighteen now give at this level; 40 would be “ideal.” Julie suggested that a plan be devised on next steps with five key lapsed donors. There is no money for a second Library Times.

Amy Worthington-Cady presented the Library Director’s report. After a utilization study over the past few months, she has recommended that a new schedule be adopted in which the library will be open 32 hours a week, and closed Sunday and Monday. On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, the hours will be 10 am to 5 pm. On Wednesday in the winter, 10 to 5; in the summer there will be evening hours. Saturday shifts slightly to 10 am to 2 pm. Staff coverage can be adjusted without salary implications.

Lisa Simont moved and Will Calhoun seconded a motion:

To adopt the recommended hours as of July 1, 2004.

The VOTE to approve was unanimous.

Ann Schillinger updated the board on the strategic planning consultancy she is investigating. The two most likely candidates will cost between $3,000 and $5,000 for a series of meetings and trainings. It was suggested that this is a good donor opportunity. The Board agreed that the funds should be found outside the already strained budget.

Janet Gold commented briefly on the Friends of the Library. The most recent meetings have been poorly attended and she is concerned about the board’s future.

A small book sale at the Memorial Day celebration will be organized. Amy and Scott Cady and Julie Schieffelin will lead the effort.

The meeting adjourned at 6:05 pm.

Lisa Lansing Simont

Secretary