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1984-03-19 City of Beverly, Massachusetts Public Meeting Minutes Board: Library Trustees Subcommittee: Date: 03/19/1984 Place: Beverly Public Library Board members present: Nell B. Olson, Lester C. Ayers, Richard L. Buckley, Connie E. Dooling, Kathleen M. Henrichon, Kevin J. Murphy, Susan M. Salt, and Nancy A. White Board members absent: Katherine L. Fanning Others present: Vada Komich, Frances J. McCarthy, League of Women Voters; Howard Calish, Friends of the Beverly Public Library Recorder: Nancy Abeman Regular Meeting Board of Trustees-Beverly Public Library March 19, 1984 7:30 p.m. Present: Neil Olson, Susan Salt, Kathleen Henriehon, Connie Dooling, Nancy White, Kevin Murphy, Richard BuckIcy, Les Ayers Also present: Esther Calish, Nancy Aberman; Vada Komieh, Fran McCarthy, League of Women Voters; Howard Calish, Friends of the Library; Steve McGilvary, Beverly Times. Disposition of the minutes of the previous meeting: One change was noted to the minutes of the February 22 meeting concerning election of officers (paragraph #1). The fourth sentence should read "Mr. Ayers nominated Mrs. Fanning who was not seconded." Motion was made by Ms. White and seconded by Mrs. Salt to accept the minutes as mended. Motion passed. Regarding the minutes of the Special meeting of February 6, motion was made by Ms. White and seconded by Mr. Murphy to accept the minutes. Motion passed. Committee Reports: Mr. Olson noted the Committee assignments for the coming year: Finance: Susan Salt, Chairperson; Kathleen Henriehon, Lester Ayers, Connie Dooling Personnel: Nancy White, Chairperson; Kay Fanning Neil Olson Administration: Kevin Murphy, Chairperson; Nancy White, Richard Buekley; Kathleen Henrichon Administration: Mr. Murphy reported that bids have been advertised for the roof. Sub bids are due March 28.15 applications have been retumed by contractors. A question was raised regarding the problem with the chimney and discussing it with the roofer. Mr. Murphy will discuss with the Mayor all repairs that need to be taken care of and the best method to proceed with them. Mrs. Calish noted that Bob Scanzani is checking to determine the feasibility of paving the area in back of the library for additional parking for staff. Report of the Librarian: 1) Mrs. Calish noted that no financial statement is available at this date. She will present a request for supplemental funds to the part-time budget to the Trustees next month. The supplemental funding is needed due to the illness of the circulation department head. 2) The statistics were presented. 3) Mrs, Calish read excerpts from Departmental Reports, including problems with the microfilm reader/primer in the Reference Department. Mr. Olson directed Mrs. Calish to look into various options and bring in a price. The report of the Children's Room was also noted. 4) The first five points of the self-study were discussed to see where the library now stands with respect to the following: a) defining goals and objectives and the long-range planning process; b) networking; c) financial resources; d) personnel reorganization; e) facilities. The need for more space or reorganization of space was noted, as was the parking situation. 5) Mrs. Calish discussed the problem of small children left without supervision at the library. Mr. Buckley moved, and Mrs. Salt seconded, to refer the matter to the Administration Committee. Motion passed. 6) Two libraries (Melrose and Gloucester) have applied to fill the NOBLE vacancy which will be left by North Shore Community College's leaving the consortium next year. Members of NOBLE will be visiting each library to study their collections. 7) The Trustees of Reservations will be donating to the library for patron use free passes for their properties. Communications: Mr. Olson read a flyer about a workshop on Boardsmanship which 78 will take place April 13 and 14. It was placed on file. Unfinished Business: Mrs. Calish requested a complete copy of the Directors contract, which was transmitted to her. The Chairman asked Ms. White, as Chairperson of the Personnel Committee, to communicate with the Director regarding this matter. He also noted that the Assistant Director should contact Ms. White regarding the procedure for drawing up a contract for that position. New Business: Mr. Olson requested that the new committee chairpeople contact committee chairpeople for any details or unfinished business which needs attention. The next Board meeting will take place April 23 at 7:30 p.m. Ms. White moved to adjoum; Mr. Ayers seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Nancy S. Aberman Recorder BOARD OF TRUSTEES BEVERLY PUBLIC LIBRARY March 19, 1984 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS FINANCE COMMITTEE Susan Salt, Chairperson Kathleen Henrichon Lester Ayers Connie Dooling PERSONNEL COMMITTEE Nancy White, Chairperson Neil Olson Kay Fanning ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Kevin Murphy, Chairperson Nancy White Richard Buckley Kathleen Henrichon POLICY REGARDING CHILDREN LEFT AT THE LIBRARY It is a matter of great concern that small children are left unattended in the library. 3 and 4 year olds are dropped off in the children's room for at least 45 minutes while parents go to look for books; 6 year olds are instructed to go to the library after school and hang around for at least two hours. These children may wander around the building and come to harm. The staff is concerned about the safety of these children. They cannot serve "in locoparentis" for children they do not know, nor can they protect them from abduction or harm by strangers. The staff is occupied with many duties and can supervise children only when they are in attendance at a planned program. Children under the age of 6 may not be left alone or unattended in the library. If the parents cannot be located, the police will be called to deal with the problem.