09/19/1974 City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Library Trustees
Subcommittee:
Date: 09/19/1974
Place: Beverly Public Library
Board members present: Louisa V. Conrad, Lester C. Ayers, Richard J. Bronstein, Diane M.
Isenberg, Michael Larivee, Mieth Maeser, Carolyn F. StandIcy, Samuel E. Tappan, and Beatrice R.
Vitale
Board members absent:
Others present:
Recorder: Mark A. Nesse
Beverly Public Library
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
September 19, 1974
Present: Mrs. Conrad, presiding; Mr. Ayers; Mr. Bronstein; Mrs. Isenberg; Mr. Maeser; Mr. Larivee;
Miss StandIcy; Mr. Tappan; and Mrs. Vitale.
By unanimous consent, the reading of the minutes of the last meeting were
dispensed with.
Committee Reports were called for:
Finance: Financial statements were examined; nothing unusual for this time of year. Telephone and
electricity accounts will be overspent.
Circulation: A considerable rise in children's room circulation over the summer was noted.
Farms: Miss Standley noted the trip she and Mrs. Vitale took to the Farms and mentioned two
problems which were discussed: 1 ) trash on the grounds, and 2) deterioration of the mopboard in the
auditorium. Librarian was to speak to the custodian and PWD respectively.
Bookmobile: A matter regarding the bookmobile was further down the agenda.
Personnel:
Adminis.:
Librarian's Report:
Highlights of the departmental reports were noted. Full reports put on file.
Reference: Arrival of the new Britanica
Children's Room: a large summer circulation.
Farms: Circulation: Various displays were mentioned, as was assistance rendered
with the weeding project. Youth Room: The room has been repainted and rearranged
over the summer. Audio-Visual: Problem with popular records was noted. Librarian
to report at next meeting on possible solutions.
Old Business:
-Mr. Bronstein's suggestion was mended as follows, and was to be considered at the next
meeting:
PROPOSED POLICY GUIDELINES FOR LIBRARIAN
1. Identify Library needs of the community. Keep track of changes and developments in the
library needs of the community. Plan and implement Library services addressed to those
needs so that the Living community which changes and grows can be served by a Living
Library which also changes and grows.
2. Identify new means of public support at local, state and/or Federal Level to sponsor the
cost of desirable Library programs.
3. Continuously analyze the cost/benefit of existing Library programs and the use of existing
services against the cost/benefit of new services.
4. Manage the Library within established Low and policies, and under the general guidance
and direction of the Library trustees. Represent the Library and Library services to the
community.
-Librarian reported that dues to the Massachusetts Libran/Trustees Assn. have been paid out
of the Trust funds. The money contributed by members at the June meeting will go into the
Trustee's flower fund.
-Reciprocal borrowing contracts, such as those sent by the Essex and Nahant libraries are to
be returned to them unsigned, with an explanation of Beverly Public Library's policy
regarding reciprocal borrowing.
-The Librarian reported that Mr. Estey is still volunteering his time and talents to the library.
This summer he was joined by a Beverly school student, Robert Axelrod who worked in the
Children's Room.
-The parking problem was discussed. All agreed that there is no easy solution. Librarian was
to cheek on the "Off Street Parking" sign at Arvies' corner.
NEW BUSINESS:
-It was agreed to adjust the page pay scale due to the 1/1/75 minimum wage increase as
follows:
High school students... $2.00 per hour
College Students ....... 2.25
Part-time Assistants ..... 2.60
VOTED: To request a supplementary Appropriation of $5,000 for the Page account to cover
increases in the minimum wage, and Sunday openings.
-Librarian reported that the Trust Fund Report for 1973 is available.
-Librarian reported damage to the flagpole. Various alternative are to be checked into.
-Olive White, Farms Branch Librarian, has indicated that she will resign as of March 14, 1975.
VOTED: To advertise and fill the position at grade 16, with someone who has library training
(M.L.S. Degree)
VOTED: To purchase and loan two museum passes to the Museum of Science and the Museum of
Fine Arts.
-Agreed to defer consideration of public use of the piano in the Yellow Room until proposed
rearrangement is completed.
-Decision on whether or not to loan 16mm projectors to groups and individuals was deferred.
-Consideration of loan of pocket calculators was deferred.
-Librarian reported recent conversations with Mayor Vitale regarding the purchase of a new
bookmobile.
VOTED: To request funds for the purchase of a new bookmobile out of Surplus Account.
Reasons for said need are to be outlined, and a copy is to be sent to aldermen.
-Librarian reported the receipt by Essex County Cooperating Libraries of a $2,000 federal
L.S.C.A. grant to compile and publish a combined list of members' periodicals... known
in trade jargon as a "Union List".
-Forthcoming programs/displays/events were noted:
1. Friends of the Beverly Library book sale details were noted. Librarian
recommended some action on the disposition of the Social Library, and other books
in the library which would fall into the "rare" category: i.e, either sell the books, or
arrange for their proper preservation and care. Librarian favors the former, most
trustees favor the latter. Action was deferred pending consideration of alternatives.
2. A Meat cutting/meat cuts demonstration tentatively scheduled for mid-November
will be handled by the Friends, if they are so inclined.
3. Italian Cultural Festival is proceeding well... it has been postponed until October,
1975.
4. Displays for the next 1½ months were noted.
-There was a discussion of possible expenditures out of the furniture account... including
Genealogy Room and Main Foyer. Librarian to get further costs.
-All present felt it was a good idea to create some honorary title for distinguished historians
of Beverly.. . such as Mr. Preston and Mr. Hanners. All agreed to try to think of an
appropriate title.
-Librarian reported that both reference librarians are in the process of becoming Notaries
Public. They will notarize both library related documents and documents for the general
public at no charge.
-Librarian expressed his interest in giving trustees "guided tours" of the building to point out
changes, problems, etc.
-Librarian was to choose a possible date for a stafFtrustee" social" .. to enable both to meet
each other... Thursday if possible.
-Changes in summer hours for 1975 were discussed. Decision deferred:
Monday - Thursday... 9-9
Friday .............. 9-5
Sunday ............. 1-5
-Proposed changes in the basement were discussed. Decision was deferred until librarian could supply cost figures in a phase by phase context.
1. Bookmobile office to storage room... where it will also serve as a mini-library for
handicapped.
2. Staff room moved to "old" bookmobile office... add a small apartment style stove
and refrigerator in the room and a water cooler in the hall which would serve both
staff and public.
3. Convert old staff room into an AN storage area, mimeo room, exhibit preparation
area, etc.
VOTED: To grant permanent status to John Nove, A/V Librarian and Barbara Nelson, Cataloger.
Both have proven to be very effective over the six-month probationary period.
-Holiday closings for the upcoming year were agreed to:
Columbus Day Oct. 14 (Monday)
Veterans Day Oct. 28 (Monday)
*Thanksgiving Day Nov. 28 (Thursday)
*Christmas Day Dec. 25 (Wednesday)
*New Year's Day Jan. 1 (Wednesday)
Washingtoffs BirtMay Feb. 17 (Monday)
Good Friday Mar. 28 (Friday)
Easter Sunday Mar. 30 (Sunday)
Patriot's Day Apr. 21 (Monday)
Memorial Day May 26 (Monday)
*close also at 5:00 p.m. on the day before the holiday
-Librarian suggested that we approach the offices of the Eastern Region and the Bureau of
Library Extension regarding a survey and analysis of library service in Beverly. Past surveys
have focused on building/space needs. Decision deferred.
-Supply of brown Beverly Library bags is running low. Should we reorder, or approach one
of the banks on underwriting the costs?
-Early consideration of F/Y 1975-76 budget items was noted.
1. Microfilm reader/printer. Prices range from $1,000 to $5,000. A cheaper (perhaps
even used) model would seem prudent at this time, as technology will likely result in
a better product and/or lower costs. A reader/printer produces a full-size paper copy
from microfilm. $1,600.
2. Video-tape equipment: "Sony" model now costs about $1,600.
There are a wide range of applications.. . uses will grow over the years. Very
important tool for the preservation of historic sites, people's memories of the past and
present, as well as prepared subjects such as "An introduction to Beverly for
Newcomers", "Opportunities for industrial Relocation in Beverly", "The Democratic
Process in Beverly", etc
Adjoumment 5: 50 P.m.
Mark A. Nesse, Clerk