1981-01-22 City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Library Trustees
Subcommittee:
Date: 01/22/1981
Place: Beverly Public Library
Board members present: Neil B. Olson, Lester C. Ayers, Richard L. Buckley, Mary K.
Connors, Dr. Edna M. MeGlynn, Roger E. Morency, and Nancy A. White
Board members absent: John R. Coogan, and Katherine L. Fanning
Others present: Catherine Von Sonnenberg, League of Women Voters; Conrad Mayo, Friends of
the Beverly Public Library
Recorder: Barbara Smith
Regular Meeting
Board of Trustees - Beverly Public Library
January 22, 1981
A public hearing was hdd before the regular meeting, at 7:30 p.m. Statements were made by the
following people asking the Board to reconsider the Sunday dosing which had been part of the
motion approving the preliminary budget at the January 8th meeting. Those who made statements
were: Lawrence Nelson, Catherine Von Sonnenberg representing the League of Women Voters, Eric
Elbot, Joan Horgan and Conrad Mayo representing the Friends of the Library. Mr. Olson replied that
the Board would take their concerns under serious consideration, that the final schedule of library
hours could be left open until closer to the fiscal year beginning in July and that Mrs. Calish would
discuss the matter with the staff in order to hear their suggestions. He thanked those who attended
and spoke on behalf of library service.
Roll Call of Members:
Present were: Neil Olson, Roger Morency, Nancy White, Richard Buckley, Lester Ayers, Mary
Connors, Edna McGlynn. Also present were Catherine van Sonnenberg from the League of Women
Voters, Esther Calish, Barbara Smith, Nelson Benton from the Salem News, staff, members from the
Friends of the Library and citizens of Beverly.
The following documents were distributed; Proposed program budget for FY 1981/82; financial
statement and statistics for December; alternative schedules to a Sunday dosing; comparison of
budget figures if we were not restricted to a 20% cut.
Minutes were accepted as presented with the motion being made by Mr. Buckley and seconded by
Mr. Ayers. Motion carried.
Committee Reports:
125th Anniversary Committee: Mr. Olson and committee members Nancy White and Roger Morency
will meet with Mrs. Calish early in February to plan the April reception honoring Friends, staff and
volunteers. The use of 1251h anniversary events as fund-raisers was postponed.
Administration: Mr. Olson reminded the Trustees that February is the reorganization meeting when
officers are elected and committee appointments are made.
It was moved by Mr. Olson that the Board go on record thanking Emily Morency for her interest,
participation and support during her tenure. Motion seconded by Mr. Buckley and carded
unanimously. Mrs. Morency stated that she had very much enjoyed working with the Board and was
thankful for the opportunity to have served.
Finance: Mr. BuckIcy moved that the following statement be attached to the budget when it is
submitted to the mayor: That the Board feels that $423,226 (allowing a 4% cap over the 80/81
budget) is the minimum needed to maintain essential library services but in view of the request for a
20% cut, we submit the enclosed budget. Dr. McGlynn seconded the motion. Carded unanimously.
It was moved by Nancy White and seconded by Dr. McGlyrm to accept the budget as prepared.
Carded unanimously.
Report of the Librarian: Mrs. Calish called the Trustees attention to the high ratio of circulation for
records and art pits. She also alerted them to the mount left in the fuel allocation, with the bills for
the coldest months not yet received. In six days during the beginning of January, 500 gallons of oil
were used. The major loss of energy in the building is through the front and back outer doors which
are badly in need of replacement. She has sent a request to the National Historic Register to register
both buildings which, if accepted, could provide matching funds for their replacement.
Dr. McGlynn and Mr. Buckley raised the question of possible campaigns for donated books. Mr.
Olson stated that this would be a subject of discussion in the months ahead.
It was moved by Mr. Buckley and seconded by Dr. McGlynn that the meeting adjourn. The meeting
adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
The next meeting will be Thursday, February 19, 1981 at 7:45 p.m.
Barbara Smith
Recorder