Stowe Free Library

Minutes – Stowe Free Library Board of TrusteesMarch 7, 2008 – 8:30 AM  

Present: Trustees Dick, Frits, Jo, Phyllis, Trisha by Skype; librarian Stephanie; Louise Thompson of the Friends

Minutes: Feb. minutes were approved after amending the LRP assignments.

Director’s Report: Stephanie commented that due to an overall 28% increase in circulation, we are running out of new books at times. This led to a discussion of the Book Leasing program that S. began last summer.  The Trustees largely are opposed to this new plan due to our overall loss of resale value of  any discarded books for the Book Sale.  The lease plan, vs. buying books outright costs about the same, so the trustees did not see any advantage to it, when considering the loss of resale value.  S. stated that she just hates to discard a book, and feels that the books we lease make up only a small number of books that would eventually end up in the book sale. Dick commented that culling the leased books periodically might make for better collection management, but culling is necessary from time to time, anyway, whether from purchased or leased books.   Dick asked how we would go about getting price estimates for a new furnace after all the heat problems this winter. Overall Justin should be the one to put out RFP’s for such projects.  We will need professionals to look at the basement for HVAC recommendations for the next budget.

S. will have Megan keep track of new patrons, Stowe vs. non-Stowe, as a non-official forecast for when we start to charge out-of-town patrons.

Trisha asked when we would be opening earlier, on T-Th.  It will be June 1.  Phyllis asked about tracking the use of the mp3 players in circulation, and S. said that can be done.

Friends Report:  Friends will maintain their page off our web site ( Cathy Turner).  They are working on their ’08-09 budget.  The Annual Meeting will be May 1.  They   approved the establishment of an Endowment Fund to receive large donations in 2 categories, restricted and non-restricted.  Louise is still worried about the Friends needing an insurance rider.  We suggested if it is a concern, she should take out a policy.  Trisha  suggested a web site for her to review.  They are still looking into a fundraiser with West Branch Gallery.  Christine Frame and Martha Economou may be willing to head up this project, possibly to be held in September.

Policy Reviews: we approved the updated Computer, Internet use, Acceptable use, and Wireless internet policies.  These are all available off our web site.  S. will write up and we will review an ILL policy next month.

Space Needs: The committee had recommended moving some of the circulating VT designated books out of the VT room to create computer space in there, and thus free up space elsewhere in the library where some of the internet computers are now.  This led to a lengthy discussion about relocating those circulating VT books.  S. wants to integrate them within the collection in the appropriate areas.  Some of the trustees felt that they should be kept together in one location for more ease and visibility, but S convinced the majority that integration is the best method for circulation.  It was further determined that future sub-committee decisions should be reported to the full board before any action is taken on a recommendation.  The work in the VT room may require some expenses for wiring and furniture.

LRP:  We reviewed what areas still need completing based on lists S. distributed.

Frits’ Model: We viewed the enhanced 3-school model which Justin viewed in Feb. We decided to have an open house/evaluation of the site model, to present and discuss it with the Stowe Reporter, Selectboard, DRB, SHS, and any other interested parties.  Hopefully this event will be in March.

Meeting adjourned at 11:45

Next meeting Apr.4. at 8:30 AM  BOARD – please RSVP as to availability.  There seem to be lots of travel plans coming up.

Respectfully submitted,

Phyllis Thibault, for the board