LibraryTrusteesNovember2018MinutesCity of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Library Trustees
Subcommittee:
Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2018 6:00 P.M.
Place: Beverly Public Library
Board members present: Margaret Altman, Mary Behrle, Marshall Handly, Ivy Mahan, Kevin O'Reilly,
Joanne Panunzio
Board members absent: Anthony Kline, Myron Schirer -Suter
Others present: Anna Langstaff, Allison Babin, Bruce Doig
Recorder: Allison Babin
Kevin O'Reilly presided. He stated "This meeting is being recorded."
Joanne Panunzio made the motion, seconded by Mary Behrle, to accept the minutes of the regular
meeting of October 23, 2018 as read. Marshall Handly abstained. Motion passed.
Public Presentation
There was no public presentation to the board.
Committee Reports
Personnel: No report.
Administration: No report.
Finance: No report.
Long Range Planning: No report.
Report of the Library Director
1) Budget for Fiscal Year 2019: On track. Although the computer maintenance line appears to have been
100% spent, this is simply because these funds have been encumbered for North of Boston Library
Exchange (NOBLE) fees. All line items are within expected range.
2) Open Meeting Law: Stephanie Williams, City Solicitor, has clarified the level of detail needed in the
minutes, which is less than previously thought. Solicitor Williams also confirmed that draft minutes and
draft documents pending votes can be shared with Trustees for their review prior to board meetings.
3) Trustee Terms: Trustee terms for Margaret Altman, Mary Behrle, Anthony Kline, and Ivy Mahan will
expire in January 2019. Margaret, Mary, and Ivy confirmed interest in serving additional terms. Anna
Langstaff will contact the Mayor.
4) Parking: The City's new parking system is in place. It is unclear whether the new parking system has
had an impact on the Library's parking lot. Tactics under consideration to address improper use of the lot
include stationing a custodian in the lot to monitor parking, installing tow company signs, and tagging
more cars with letters.
5) Building Issues: Due to the age and condition of rugs at the Main Library, Anna Langstaff requested an
estimate for replacement. The total cost, including removing the current rugs, moving shelving, and
installing carpet tiles throughout the building would be $278,000. The second floor would be the most
expensive, at approximately $100,000. This improvement would have to be paid from the City's capital
budget, rather than the Library's budget. Anna Langstaff plans to discuss with the Mayor. Anna Langstaff
has a meeting with Mike Collins on Thursday, November 29 to discuss the list of building issues
(capstone; heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC); heat on the fourth floor, heat at the Farms
branch; broken step at the Farms branch; lights, etc.).
6) Hickey Trust Fund: The $50,000 bequest from Myrtle Sillen has been accepted by City Council and
the money has been deposited into the Hickey Trust Fund.
7) Grants: The Library is applying for a number of grants, including $450 from the Cultural Council for
Bubbleology, and approximately $2000 for summer reading and robotics /coding programs. Additionally,
the Library has submitted a Letter of Intent to apply for a "Mind in the Making" grant to enhance the
Children's Room in support of early literacy skills.
8) Bookmobile: Anna Langstaff and Katie Marsh participated in the Beverly Holiday Parade and handed
out coupons for free book sale books. Based on patron feedback, the Bookmobile will revert to a 3 week
schedule in January 2019. This will allow more patrons to utilize Bookmobile service. New Bookmobile
librarian Katie Marsh is working out great and has excellent customer service skills.
9) Personnel: Kate Ingalls, Head of the Farms Branch, will retire in the end of January. She has been very
involved with the Farms community and has been a wonderful branch librarian.
10) Library of Things: Planning continues for the Library of Things, including adding items like stud
finders, soil testers, musical instruments, etc. to the library's collection. Anna Langstaff and Allison
Babin will be meeting with librarians Laurie Formichella and Martha Morgan to discuss next steps.
Sharon Kishida, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Municipal
Assistance Coordinator, contacted Anna Langstaff about the Recycling Dividends Program. Communities
can earn one program point for having a qualifying Library of Things. Anna Langstaff emailed Bruce
Doig and Kevin Harutunian about the Library's potential contribution to this program.
11) Book Donation Guidelines: Anna Langstaff shared new book donation guidelines which ask that
patrons limit donations to two clean boxes or bags per household a time. The library has been
overwhelmed with book donations, many of which cannot be used.
12) Program Highlights: Allison Babin shared highlights of library programs. At the Farms branch on
Saturday, Dec. 2, the annual holiday open house "The Nutcracker Tea" will be held, featuring visits from
the sugar plum fairy, Mrs. Claus, a musical performance, crafts, festive treats, and more. The Young
Adult department will hold a Holiday Henna program on Dec. 7, as well as a Girls Who Code Club
information session on Monday, Dec. 17. The goal of Girls Who Code is to close the gender gap in
technology by teaching more girls how to code. For Adults, Passport Day in Beverly will be held on
Saturday, Dec. 15 for people to apply for passports and have their photos taken. The Holiday Book Crafts
program will also be held on Thursday, Dec. 6. The Children's Room has many regular programs in
session including LEGO club, LEGO family build, graphic novel book club, iToddler, and more.
Communications
10MM
Unfinished Business
10MM
New Business
None.
The next meeting of the board will be Monday, December 10, at 6PM at the Beverly Depot Restaurant.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7PM.