Stowe Free Library

STOWE FREE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING January 9, 2009 -9:30 – 11:00 AM Present: Jo Courtney, Phyllis Thibault, Frits Momsen, Dick Johannesen, Meg Kauffman, Trisha Fong, Stephanie Chase (SC) Minutes – of the December meeting were voted on and unanimously accepted Friends – update – the Friends have expressed a preference to accept smaller financial gifts, and see that the larger bequests go directly to the library. This is a topic that will need further discussion. They reported that they are ordering new magnets with the library hours, and their tote bags will be promoted at the desk for $8. This is a discounted rate to try to sell more of them, since the library desk is no longer giving out plastic bags for large book orders. In addition, they are still searching for a VP. Director’s Report – we discussed the $50000 gift from the estate of John Wood, Jr, which Dick has put into our Development Fund for the time being. SC performed a year-end return on investment analysis, and computed that for every $1 of tax funding, we give $4 back to the community. SC reported her up-coming in –house hours for the foreseeable future ; MWF 8-4; Tu 9:30 – 7; Th 9:30-4:30. She sometimes leaves early on Friday so as not to exceed her salaried 40 hour work week. In addition she receives 5 weeks vacation time. Dick J. suggested hosting a forum on the stress in living in this economy. No decisions were made. We reviewed our Dec. Guest Worker reception which had lower attendance than prior years. We debated whether to repeat it again, but Jo felt the problem this year was the shuttle schedule. Getting an actual bus run just for that event would help next year. Also it helped when a representative from each resort came with the workers. Policy Reviews – The Selection Policy was approved as edited at the Dec. meeting. SC feels we need Weather and Safety policies, to determine when we might need to close early, and if programs should be cancelled due to weather related school closings. Now the library closes when the town offices close, based on the state. SC will draw up ideas for our next meeting. LRP Planning – Dick outlined the next steps we need to follow at future LRP meetings. Trisha also suggested we all do preliminary work in-between LRP meeting dates. The areas we will focus on are : Space needs, Technology, Collection Development, and Community Outreach ( incl volunteers, programming, schools). The next LRP meeting will be at the SAA meeting room on Feb 12, 3-5 PM Next Board meeting is Feb 6th, 2009, 8:30 AM. Respectfully submitted by Phyllis Thibault, Board member