1976-01-22 City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Library Trustees
Subcommittee:
Date: 01/22/1976
Place: Beverly Public Library
Board members present: Sheila M. MeGart, Lester C. Ayers, Michael Larivee, Mieth Maeser, and
Beatrice R. Vitale
Board members absent: Louisa V. Conrad, Richard J. Bronstein, Diane M. Isenberg, and Frances
M. Moran
Others present:
Recorder: Mark A. Nesse
Beverly Public Library
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
January 22, 1976 7:30 P.M.
Present: Miss McGarr, presiding; Mr. Ayers, Mr. Larivee, Mr. Maeser and Mrs. Vitale.
Minutes of the November, 1975, meeting were approved.
Committee Reports:
*Finance Committee
VOTED: To request of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen a supplemental
appropriation to the salary account for the following purposes:
1 ). To cover increases in the minimum
wage law for pages $4,662.68
2). To comply with an ordinance passed on 12/2/75
(retroactive to 7/1/75) which compensates each
City of Beverly employee at -the top (step E)
ai~er six months 1,206.88
TOTAL $5,869.56
*Circulation Committee: no report
*Farms Committee: no report
*Personnel Committee: Mr. Ayers, Ch., reported that the personnel committee recommended
following the Librarian's recommendation for the replacement of Mrs. Dunklee as head of the
reference department -- Mr. Robert Dugan of Lowell. Mr. Dugan has an MLS degree from
Simmons, and is currently Assistant Librarian at the Lowell City Library.
VOTED: To appoint Robert Dugan on the six-month provisional basis as head of the
reference department at salary grade 16. Miss MeGart was to write a letter of appreciation
to Mrs. Dunklee, and librarian was to have an article written for the local newspapers.
*Librarian's Report:
Circulation - Noted the renovations done by the city carpenters which included a new desk
top, new periodical shelving, dropped ceilings in the lavatories and in the circulation office.
Reference - noted the variety of reference questions during the preceding month, and the fact
that this would be [Mrs. Dunklee's] last report.
Youth Room - noted the increase in recreational reading.
Children's Department - NOTED PLANS to develop a bicentennial reading dub.
Old Business:
*The by-laws were approved as revised by a unanimous vote.
*A farewell tea for Mrs. Dunklee, retiring head of the reference department, is to be held
1/25/76, from 2-4 P.M.
New Business:
*Librarian reported on the meeting with the Mayor and new Aldermen. Meeting was
generally very positive, informative, and constructive. A good opportunity to explain some
of the library's programs and services, and some of the problems. Library was represented by
Mrs. Conrad and Mr. Nesse.
*It was agreed that, if the budget heating with the Mayor is scheduled before the Board's
reorganization, that the librarian will contact several Board members who are familiar with
the budget details, and set up a meeting between board members and - library staffers to
re-familiarize the former with budget. (This is in accordance with Article II, Section 3, of the
revised by-laws).
*Noted children's book author/illustrator, Ed Emberly has agreed to do a mural on the
children's room wall during National Library Week. Friends of the Library will pay expenses.
*Librarian reported that the Dog Tax (which has heretofore been divided between the School
Department and the Library) is possibly to be allocated otherwise in accordance with the
recommendations of a commission established by Governor Sargent. It was the consensus of
the Board that this should be opposed, and the librarian was directed to write letters to area
legislators to this effect.
*Librarian reported briefly on the progress of the library staffs community/library self-study.
*Mrs. Marilyn Burke, assistant in the Circulation Department, has requested a leave of
absence from July 19, 1976, to September 12, 1976. Two weeks to be vacation, the balance
to be unpaid leave of absence. Action tabled.
Adjournment .8:30 P.M.
Mark A. Nesse
Clerk