Tunbridge Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting
Sunday, December 4, 2011

Present: Sue Barnaby, Catherine Freese, Barbara Kohn, Chuck Ashton, Jean, David and Ben Wolfe, Sharon Mee

The Secretary’s Report
This report was read and approved with the following edit: the Library asked the Town for $47,560.

The Treasurer’s Report
Chuck, Catherine, Sue attended the Select board’s meeting on 11/15 and the Library’s budget for 2012-13 was approved. Chuck also introduced himself to the new Treasurer, Lynn. He distributed the profit/loss statements for our review, adding the spreadsheets will have these different categories in the future. The Treasurer’s Report was accepted.

The Librarian’s Report
Jean reported that everyone has been working on automating the Library’s records which has been very time-consuming. She also added the stairs to the upper level have been cleared.

It was discussed whether the Minutes of the Library’s Board of Trustees should be placed on the Town or Library’s website. Everyone agreed that the Library’s website seemed the most appropriate and both drafts and approved minutes can go on the website. The agendas for meetings will be posted as well.

Joel Najman is unable to attend the Winter Evening; Sydney Lea will be speaking on that date instead.

Trustees of Public Funds
Barbara Kohn distributed the written response from the Trustees of Public Funds to the Board. It was agreed we will thank them for their letter, and ask them to prepare the document so we can study it prior to our next Board meeting. We will also ask that one Trustee of Public Funds attend our next meeting, in addition to the Friends’ President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Miscellaneous
Everyone agreed it was important to send out our fundraising letter by Christmas. David has written a draft of the letter, and Barbara offered to help with addressing and stuffing envelopes.

Jean has prepared the timeline for planning the town meeting supper (which should start in January). Sue indicated she would also check with Elaine about necessary preparations. Helen O’Donnell, Lynn Hadley and Ben were 3 individuals who graciously offered their time and energy to assist us. Mary Fisk may also agree to help out.

Dr. Michael Sporn is considering a generous gift to the Library, and this was discussed at some length. It was agreed that Catherine and Sue will meet with him to obtain more information: for instance, to identify any constraints on the donated monies; the approximate amount; and a statement of Dr. Sporn’s intent (his preference on the use of the funds). After this meeting, Catherine and Sue will meet with the Selectboard in reference to this issue. (It was agreed that this donation would not have to be sent to the Trustees of Public Funds).

The next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon Mee
Secretary