Richard Sugden Library Trustee Minutes
Minutes of the Richard Sugden Library Trustees Meeting
November 18, 2019
In attendance: Cheryl A. Donahue, Director, K. Smith, Children’s Librarian
R. Salamack, M.Slack, trustees, L. Dobson, chair
The meeting was called to order at 4:35 PM. Minutes of the October meeting were read. Motion to accept by R. Salamack, seconded by L. Dobson. Vote was unanimous.
Director’s Report:
C. Donahue and K. Smith attended Educator’s Night at the Eric Carle Museum on 10/22.
C. Donahue attended the Director’s Roundtable in Sturbridge on 10/23.
On Tuesday 10/29 Spencer’s American Legion collaborated with the library to sponsor two bus tours around town featuring Carolyn Bain and Mary Baker-Wood as guest storytellers of local folklore. Over 100 attendees enjoyed the hour long bus trips.
C. Donahue accompanied Wendy O’Leary to WVS on 11/5. Wendy’s book Breathing Makes It Better was shared with four kindergarten classes and books were given out to the children. 130 participants learned tools for self-care and responded positively to the literacy initiative. K. Smith will return to present the next program in January and C. Donahue in March.
Wendy O’Leary met with the book group on 11/12 to discuss The Happiness Trap.
A performance of music from the 60’s & 70’s will be held on 11/8, sponsored by the local cultural council.
The library will sell foam glo sticks before the Parade of Lights on 12/7.
New AV equipment including laptop and projector are now housed in a locked cart. Photos and serial numbers of the equipment have been taken.
The local and regional Exchange Clubs have granted $2500 for the kindergarten literacy initiative.
C. Donahue has filled out a Needs Assessment for the town. It includes two part-time employees and a library page (in order to be open on Saturdays), AC system, security system with cameras, improving lighting inside and out, painting and repairing interior walls and ceilings.
Building Issues:
Boiler #2 failed on 11/11. MCP was called and responded two days later. It was 58 degrees in the library for two days. The technician said that the boiler was not installed properly.
The new front doors are not opening properly. This will be addressed by the maintenance worker.
The automatic door closer for the handicapped entrance will be installed this week.
Children’s Librarian’s Report:
K. Smith presented at the Concord Public Library on organizing children’s books according to genre on 11/18.
CFCE is now Community Connections and presents two weekly programs as well as Deb Hudgins’ music program once a month.
Paws and Pages is held the last Thursday of the month.
Story Times continue. On 12/3 the Spencer postmaster will come to the library to read a book and take the children’s holiday letters.
Teen Mania runs on Mondays 3:30-4:30. 11 teens attend Dungeons and Dragons regularly.
Imagination Station and Crafternoon are both well attended.
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra will be running a Musical Petting Zoo on 11/21 from 5:30-6:30.
K. Smith and P. Mayotte have completed the four required classes for Basic Library Techniques certification.
A Teen Art Show will be held in April. From January to March teens will learn sewing, watercolor, clay, flower arranging and creative writing.
Other business:
L. Dobson made a motion, seconded by M. Slack to accept the $45,093.55 from the sale of the Sugden Block and deposit it in an account at Cornerstone Bank. The vote was unanimous.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 PM. The next meeting is Monday, 12/16 at 4:30 PM.