2021-06-09 LB MinutesBoard of Trustees Michelle Brown, Library Director
Christine Gay, President
John Camp, Vice President
Cheryl Gowing, Secretary
Laura Farley
Nancy Frehling
Meeting of the Board of Trustees
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Brockway Memorial Library Reference Room
Minutes
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 8:32 a.m. Present were Michelle Brown, Library
Director, Christine Gay, President, John Camp, Vice President, Nancy Frehling, and Cheryl Gowing,
Secretary. Ms. Farley attended by telephone.
Public Comment: None
Presentation: None
Guests: Kathy Redmond
1. Approval of the Minutes of the May 12, 2021 Meeting: Motion to approve the minutes as
written by Cheryl Gowing; seconded by Nancy Frehling. Motion passed.
2. Community Alliance Report: There was no Community Alliance meeting in June.
3. Financial Report:
a. Ms. Brown reported the Library Budget was spent at ca. 75% in most areas – a typical
level of spending with four months left in the FY. Honorarium spending, currently at
53%, will go up this month with several events occurring in June.
b. The Library received 3 quotes for AC System contract; approval pending from Village
Finance. The monthly maintenance will increase to $300-$375/month from $275.
c. The Library received a Community Alliance grant of $2000 for the summer children’s
programming
d. The Wi-Fi system was upgraded, adding several more hubs for a cost of $2710.
e. It was noted there may be surpluses in some areas due to COVID. Budget surpluses do
not roll-over into the next FY; however grant funds and donations do roll-over.
f. Motion to accept the Financial Report by Christine Gay; seconded by Cheryl Gowing.
Motion passed.
4. Circulation Report: For the month of May, the Library circulated 3,239 items, and 122 holds
were placed.
a. There were 30 digital magazine and 172 e-book/e-audio check-outs on Overdrive and 3
searches on Ancestry. There were 43.25 hours spent on digital archive activities.
b. The Library added 59 adult items, 36 children/youth items, 27 media items and 88
donations. 12 outdated books were weeded from the collection. Staff repaired 72
items.
c. The Library provided curbside service to 24 patrons (same as April) and in-person service
to 674 patrons.
d. The Library added 5 patrons in May – 3 adult residents and 2 child non-residents. The
total patron count is currently 6,542.
e. It was noted that the summer programs will remain virtual. Many of our program
providers are not yet doing in-person programs. BML will be doing the “Page-Turner”
virtual program in collaboration with the SEFLIN Municipal Libraries. Children/Youth
Librarian, Brenda Holsing, will go to the Recreation Center to do weekly in-person
readings. She has seen a steady increase of in-person activity in the Children’s Room.
5. Old Business:
a. Annual Report: The BML Annual Report was distributed to the Board. Village
Communications Specialist, Jessica Fleitas, helped design the cover. This year’s report
showcases the Library’s activity during COVID, with highlights of the virtual
programming, curb-side service, increased Social Media presence, and coordination
with the Recreation/Community Center. Also of note was the large collection
review/withdrawal project undertaken during the COVID physical closure.
All Library Board members are asked to attend the presentation of the Annual Report by
outgoing Board President Kathy Redmond at the Village Council meeting on June 15,
2021. The meeting will be held at the Catholic Charities building, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Motion to accept the Annual Report by Cheryl Gowing; seconded by Christine Gay.
Motion passed.
b. Donor Tree: There have been additional unforeseen expenses in the Children’s Wing
construction. Ms. Brown does not yet have the total number, but renewed fundraising
would be prudent.
The original donor recognition plan was to have a plaque for adult donors in acrylic
designating the different donation levels at $500 and up. The quote for the Donor Tree
design for parent/child donation has risen. Another vendor has been found with a
ready-made solution at lower cost that comes already engraved and ready to hang.
There are two design choices, each with 100 leaves for $2696. Additional ‘leaves’ can be
purchased in groups of 10. The entire tree design is 48” x 60”, 4-5 Ft tall. The base
stands out from the printed back wall. Each leaf is ca. 3”; leaves are acrylic.
The Board would like to see a sample of a finished leaf and find out the maximum
capacity for adding leaves. We will extend the deadline for purchasing leaves through
the summer.
c. Construction: Ms. Brown met with Chris Stobs for a construction update. There are
major issues with material suppliers. They expect to finish construction by end of
September. Ms. Brown is working on the FFE orders for tables, chairs, and staff desks.
6. Other Items:
a. Library Staff Openings: There are currently two staff openings. For the morning front
desk shift and the evening library assistant/media center desk – both at $10.21/hr.
Applications are available on the Village’s website. There are six applicants to date.
b. Future Board issues: Consider a review of courtesy notices and overdue fines; ILS
system upgrades.
7. Announcements:
a. June 3rd: Haitian Art Event 6:30pm
b. June 10th: Pride Documentary Program at MTC 6:30pm
c. June 22nd: Seth Bramson Author Event 11am
d. June 24th: David Treece LGBTQ Financial Seminar and Reception 5:30pm
8. Public Comment: None
9. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn by Cheryl Gowing; seconded by John Camp. Meeting
adjourned at 9:39 a.m.
Respectfully submitted by Cheryl Gowing