Cornwall Free Library

Minutes of the September 27, 2004 Meeting

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

Janet Gold called the meeting to order at 4:40 pm following the adjournment of the Annual Meeting.

The minutes of the August 23 meeting were approved as presented.

Janet proposed a slate of officers of the board for 2004-5, but the vote was deferred until the October meeting, when an updated list of members and classes can be circulated and reviewed.

Treasurer’s Report: John Green reported that there is currently $8,300 in the bank and that expenditures—roughly $6,000 each month—are currently on budget. The Library is now part of the Region I fuel oil consortium, which is seeking to lock in a rate of either $1.25 or $1.30. While the consortium negotiates, the Library has changed its status with SCASCO to a “will call” basis and has terminated the service contract/ automatic delivery contract. John has also talked with Sam Harris of SCASCO to straighten out a misunderstanding about the Library’s bill. Will Calhoun has been trying to get Mr. Perotti or CL&P to look into the unexplained doubling of the electricity bill that was reported at the August meeting. Upon motion made by Ann Schillinger and seconded by Alec Frost, the treasurer’s report was unanimously accepted.

Librarian’s Report: In addition to distributing a written report, Amy Cady commented that the Dynix system will be faster and more reliable than the old one after the T1 line is in place. She is attending an October 5 meeting in which users will discuss problems so far, such as the difficulty of placing a “hold.” In response to a question, she said that she will speak to Brenda Underwood, our webmaster, to get up to date information posted on the library’s website. She has had a few requests for reinstating Wednesday night hours but is reserving judgment because evening attendance is very low during the winter.

She has spoken further to Russ Sawicki about a wine tasting benefit for the Library. One issue is to set a price that will ensure some financial return from the evening. Norma Lake will get information from a similar occasion held to benefit Indian Mountain School, and the topic will be revisited at the October meeting. A committee needs to be formed as well.

Amy is convening a group to discuss possibilities for a new Library program targeted to older residents. Services might include informational talks at the Library, home readers, and pick-up and delivery of books to and from the Library.

Amy is taking “Foundations of Librarianship” at the University of Southern Connecticut but finds the course material dated and unhelpful. (Tuition is $1,285.) She has investigated shorter courses on different topics (e.g., “Boys, Books and the Library: Bringing Them Together”) offered by Simmons College at Mt. Holyoke and asked the board for permission to attend an October 16 session on “Cataloguing Local History.” The cost is $160. Upon motion made by Norma Lake and seconded by Jean Vitalis, the board unanimously approved the request.

Community Building Workshop Saturday, October 2: Ann Schillinger reminded the board about the workshop with Sharon Brettschneider. The Friends board and the librarians will also attend. Ann, Lisa, Janet and Amy Cady recently met with Sharon to discuss the forthcoming session. Julie Schieffelin will remind participants via e-mail.

On a related topic, long-range planning, Amy Cady reported that she has applied for a state grant of $3,000 which would require a $750 match. $500 of this sum is available from the Cornwall Foundation, but the Library will need to find the balance of $250.

Operations Report: Amy reported that the back door, which has not been closing securely, needs planing, but the work will not be done until the weather is cooler. She also needs a residential size vacuum cleaner that can reach into small spaces—John Green offered to contribute one—and intends to rent a rug shampooer after the Book Sale. She wonders whether the air conditioning can or should be turned off; John Green will speak to Doc Simont.

Friends of the Library: Janet reported that the current art show of the paintings and sculptures of the Gross sisters has resulted in the sale of 5 paintings so far, with all proceeds going to the Library. Deirdre Fischer will chair the Friends next year; Juliet Hubbard, Alexa Venturini and Bee Simont all rotate off the board soon. Janet asked for a trustee volunteer to attend the Friends’ board meetings, usually the 3^rd Thursday of the month at 4 pm but occasionally Saturday mornings. Jean Vitalis and Paul De Angelis volunteered. The Friends’ Annual Meeting will be held either November 6 or 13 [NOTE: the date has since been set for Sunday, November 7, at 1 pm], when Nita Colgate’s friend Nora Johnson will speak about her new memoir Coast to Coast: A Family Romance. Also, Mary Engels, representing The Friends of Connecticut Libraries, will come to address the Friends on how other “Friends” groups work.

Janet asked Roxana Laughlin to speak about the Book Sale: Roxana said that Jill Bryant has organized about 40 volunteers who are busily sorting. Publicity includes posters, a banner in front of the Library, and new sandwich boards at strategic intersections. Lisa Simont will assist with publicity. All trustees are asked to help clear the main room on Sunday so that the Klaw reception can be set up.

Development Committee: Jean Vitalis and Roxana Hammond gave an update on their discussions with Sam Waterston. He may be able to do a program (to be put together by the Library) in February 2005. He prefers a Sunday afternoon. One possibility is holding the event in the new gym at CCS and making it a joint benefit with the School’s new “Fund for Excellence.” Ed Hermann lives near Cornwall and might also participate. Potential organizers include John Zinsser, Catherine Tatge and Dominique Lasseur. Upon motion by Norma Lake and seconded by Janet Gold, the board voted unanimously to authorize Jean and Roxana to continue negotiating with Sam Waterston.

Old Business: Janet Gold reported. Corporate credit card: the auditor has some doubts about instituting one; the matter will be deferred. Coffee Hour for parents: this will be moved in accordance with the new Friday schedule for story hour. New bookmark and bookplate (for donated books): Amy Buck will design. New user brochure: Lisa volunteered to help produce one.

New Business: Janet Gold and Norma Lake will review the organization chart developed in 2002 and assign new responsibilities. Board members should think about where they could make a contribution.

There was general discussion of the need for a strong, passionate Development Committee to cultivate and sustain donors. A dinner party to thank the Friends of the Library will be held after January 2005, when they have nominated new board members to replace those who are rotating off. A party to thank donors might be scheduled in 2005. Lisa volunteered to work with a planning committee when it is formed. Norma suggested that a cocktail party could be held at someone’s house in the near future, and John Green volunteered to be the host of such an event in early December. Lisa will assist him.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:03 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Julie Schieffelin, Secretary