1982-04-26 City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Library Trustees
Subcommittee:
Date: 04/26/1982
Place: Beverly Public Library
Board members present: Richard L. Buckley, Lester C. Ayers, Mary K. Cormors, Conrile E.
Dooling, Katherine L. Fanning, Dr. Edna M. MeGlynn, Roger E. Morency, Neil B. Olson
Board members absent: Nancy A. White
Others present: Vada Komich, League of Women Voters, Thomas Hindman, Library staff
Recorder: Nancy Aberman
Regular Meeting
Board of Trustees-Beverly Public Library
April 26, 1982
Roll Call of Members: Richard BuckIcy, Connie Dooling, Roger Morency, Mary Connors, Les Ayers,
Nell Olson, Dr. Edna MeGlynn, Kay Fanning. Also present were Esther Calish; Nancy Aberman;
Vada Komieh, League of Women Voters: Tom Hindman, staff member.
The minutes of the March meeting were accepted as presented. Motion was made by Ms. Cormors
and seconded by Mr. Ayers. Motion earfled. Mr. BuckIcy asked for a motion to enter into Executive
Session. Mrs. Calish noted co that notice of Executive Session must be posted 24 hours in advance.
Mr. BuckIcy then asked for a motion to meet in Committee of the Whole. Mr. Morency so moved.
Dr. MeGlynn seconded. The motion carded. Observers were asked to leave. The Board convened
in Committee of the Whole.
Committee Reports: Administration- Regarding the roof situation, Mr. Morency re ported that the
Mayor stated that he had sent the appropriation request of $30,000 to the Aldermen. If approved,
a commission will be appointed. The Board will forward the library consultant's report to them. Mr.
Moreney said that it was his belief that no bid procedure need be followed since this will be a service
contract, The consultant who is hired will draw up specifications for bidding. He stated that the roof
situation should be cleared up by Fall. He also mentioned that the fire inspector noted a possible
problem with access and egress in the library lobby. Mrs. Calish will discuss with him the possibility
of entrance and exit bars. Dr. MeGlynn asked if the current situation with the Beverly Room ceiling
would increase the cost of repairs. Mr. Morency stated that there would be difficulty in restoring the
ceiling with its original moldings, if the moldings are destroyed.
Personnel-Mrs. Dooling presented the motion of the Personnel Committee to request that the Mayor
and the Finance and Property Committee allow the library to fill the position of Reference and Young
Adult librarian. The motion carried with no negative votes. Mrs. Calish noted that her usual
procedure was to contact the Finance and Property Committee in ease of any questions on their pan.
She was advised to proceed as usual, but to notify Mrs. Dooling so that they could go to the
meeting together.
Finance- The March financial statement was presented. Mrs. Calish reported on the breakdown of
how the $60,000 in state aid and trust money has been spent on materials. Regarding next year's state
aid, Mr. Morency questioned whe{her the library would be able to order materials to spend state aid
before it is transferred into the library's account. Mrs. Calish knew of no such procedure. Mr.
Morency said that it should be investigated. Mrs. Fanning asked if any funds were earmarked for the
Farms Library. Mrs. Calish said that since the library has not been given municipal funding for
materials, the state aid and trust has been used for materials for the Main Library. Mr. Buckley
requested that the Finance Committee with the Director look into the possibility of giving any further
funding which may be received to the Farms and the Bookmobile for materials. There was unanimous
consent on this point. Mrs. Calish noted a correction on the mount of the dog tax which the library
will be receiving to $1,874.96. Mr.' Morency mentioned that perhaps this mount could be given to
the Farms for materials.
Mrs. Calish said that with the consent of the Finance Committee a transfer had been requested from
salaries to the fuel account to cover the expenditure beyond the budget figure.
Report of the L~rarian: Mrs. Calish spoke about the status of the collection. She stated that no funds
have been spent on replacements in the last five years. If the library receives extra funds, this is an
area which needs attention. It was requested that the director make a detailed report regarding the
replacement situation for the next meeting. The possibility of funding for this project may be available,
and Mr. Morency will explore this with the Mayor.
Mrs. Calish read a report from the Children's Room librarian regarding the status of the children's
collection. Because of budget restraints, she has purchased materials of a more permanent nature,
neglecting the areas of duplicates, juvenile paperbacks and cassettes. The lower circulation figures
in these areas reflect the materials situation.
In honor of National Library Week and Volunteer Recognition Week, Mrs. Calish read the names of
those who volunteer their time regularly at the Main Library: Mr. Arthur Esty, Libby Nelson,
Florence Esposito, Lorrie Manning, Arlene Robertson, Phyllis Clark, and Yolanda Conti; and at the
Farms Branch: Louise and Fletcher Booraem, Nancy Coffey, Kate Cohen, Bette Comet, Helen
Crowley, Julie Fontaine, Alberta Fowler, Beth Glass, Cbxistie Gould, Dr. Edna MeGlynn, Eleanor
and Bill Presson, Fran Trowt, Dot Whigham, Jan Whitmore and Kay Fanning.
Mrs. Calish pointed out highlights of the month. On Sunday, April 25, the library hosted 90 Boy
Scouts. The Monday Morning Cultural Society is planning a trip to the Boston Pops on Wednesday,
June 30. Merrill Lynch is currently giving a twoday investment seminar at the library. The Friends
Rental Collection is doing very well.
New Business: Mrs. Calish reported that at the Farms Branch, the plexiglass window over the front
door was again shattered. She was directed to have the plexiglass replaced and covered with wire
mesh.
Dr. McGtynn made note that the union contract is in the process of being negotiated. Mr. Buckley
will contact the City Solicitor about having Mr. Kaplan discuss negotiations with the Board.
Mr. Morency made a motion to adjourn; Mrs. Fanning seconded. The motion carried. The meeting
was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Nancy S. Aberman
Recorder
Secretary: Roger Morency