1982-12-20 City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Library Trustees
Subcommittee: Finance Committee
Date: 12/20/1982
Place: Beverly Public Library
Board members present: Roger E. Morency, Ned B. Olson, Dr. Edna M. MeGlynn, Richard L.
Buckley, Connie E. Dooling, and Katherine L. Fanning
Board members absent:
Others present: Vada Komich, League of Women Voters
Recorder: Nancy Aberman
Finance Committee-Board of Trustees
Beverly Public Library
December 20, 1982
6:30 p.m.
Present: Roger Morency, Dr. Edna MeGlynn, Ned Olson, Connie Dooling, Kay Fanning, Richard
Buckley.
Also present: Esther Calish; Nancy Aberman; Vada Komich, League of Women Voters.
Documents distributed: Allocation of 1982/83 book monies
Mr. Morency noted three items to be taken up by the Finance Committee: 1) allocation of specific
funds to Beverly Farms Branch for books; 2) new fines and fees; 3) report regarding department
heads' meeting with the Mayor.
1) Regarding the first matter, Mrs. Dooling noted that in fairness to all the taxpayers of Beverly, some
monies should be spent for books at the Beverly Farms Branch. She stated that in two previous years,
funds expended for circulating books mounted to $39,000 and $35,000. Mrs. Calish then asked to
explain how librarians allocate funds. She discussed that usage and user needs should be indicating
factors. She further stated that with limited funds available at this time, it was her feeling that the
Main Library should continue to be the priority for new books, since the Main Library serves the
entire city. She said that surveys taken at the Farms branch indicate that use is currently limited to
recreational readers. The limitation of hours also currently curtails circulation, She noted that she will
prepare for the Board a written explanation of use and need in regards to allocation of funds.
Dr. MeGlynn pointed to the need for a collection which is adequately maintained at the Farms Branch
due to several factors: 1) growth of population in Centerville; 2) the need for transportation to come
to the Main Library from the Farms area; 3) there is more parking available at the branch library; 4)
the community college expansion may add m demand; 5) senior citizens are unable to maneuver the
stairs at the Main Library.
Mr. Morency asked how much funding would be required to open the branch for another 10 hours
per week. Mrs. Calish said that an additional $7,000 would be needed.
In reference to the handout on 1982/83 book money ailoeations, Mr. Olson spoke on the difficulty
in planning a yearly spending program with the uncertainty of funds. Mr. Buckley noted that since
state aid has not been received, and monies are not yet encumbered, funds for the Beverly Farms
branch can be taken from state aid monies, yet to be received.
Mrs. Dooling specified that she does not want funds for the Farms to be taken from funds earmarked
for the Reference and periodical collection. She also stated that it would be a severe detriment to the
collection to let several years elapse without adding books to a library collection.
A motion was made by Mr. Buckley, as proposed by Mrs. Dooling: That $2,500 out of the monies
available for circulating books be designated for books for the Beverly Farms Branch. These monies
are to be designated in addition to the funds expended for the McNaughton Plan and gifts of the
Friends of the Beverly Farms. The motion passed.
Mr. Ayers noted that materials can be borrowed back and forth between branch, bookmobile and
Main Library. Mr. Olson noted in the current financial climate, the problem that exists in setting up
a budget and controlling it.
2) Mrs. Fanning reported on the Administration Committee meeting regarding fines, as follows:
"A meeting of the Administration Committee was held Friday, December 17 with only Dick Buckley
and Kay Fanning present, plus Mrs. Calish and Mrs. Aberman. A discussion on new fines and fees
was talked over. The following was suggested by Mrs. Calish: 5¢. per day for adults; 2¢ per day for
children; $1.00 for a lost card; 25¢, if a card is lel~ at home. Maximum charge for overdue books to
remain the same: $2.00 for adult; $1.00 for children. Mr. Buckley and Mrs. Fanning were in
agreement with the new fines and fees proposed."
Mr. BuckIcy moved that the Finance Committee support the resolution as proposed by Mrs. Fanning.
The motion passed.
3) Mrs. Calish was asked to present her report on the department heads' budget meeting with the
Mayor at the regular Board meeting.
Mr. Buckley moved to adjourn. Mrs. Dooling seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at
7:30 p.m.
Nancy S. Aberman
Recorder
ALLOCATION OF 1982/83 BOOK MONIES:
CIRCULATING MATERIALS AMOUNT
Children's (includes YA Fiction) $4,400
Adult Fiction 12,500
Adult Non-Fiction 12, 500
Replacements 3,500
Farms Branch (McNaughton Plan) 1,236
Bookmobile 1,236
Total Circulating Materials $35,372
REFERENCE MATERIALS
(includes Standing Orders, Fixed Costs for Services, etc.) 23,000
Periodicals 5,100
TOTAL, ALL MATERIALS $63,472
AVAILABLE MONIES:
From STATE AID (expected 1982/83) $45,000
From TRUST FUNDS (held from 1981/82 and 1982/83) 18,472
TOTALS $63,472