BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015
MASHPEE LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM
Present: Carlo D’Este, John Kowalski, Mark Wright, Kate Milde, Chip Bishop, and Hugh Ahearn.
Absent: Mary LeClair
Also Present: Kathy Mahoney – Library Director
Mike Richardson – Board of Selectmen
Audience: Ryan Bray – Mashpee Enterprise
Joan Lyons (arrived 4:45 p.m.)
Carlo D’Este, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
Mark Wright motioned to accept the Regular Meeting minutes of March 10, 2015 as written.
Motion was seconded by John Kowalski.
VOTE: Yes-5; 1-abstain.
Roll Call Vote: Mark Wright, yes Kate Milde, yes
Chip Bishop, yes Carlo D’Este, yes
John Kowalski, yes Hugh Ahearn, abstain
Friends of the Mashpee Public Library
Kate Milde said the Friends met last Thursday and Kathy Mahoney attended that meeting. Kathy reported that:
- iPads were delivered during the meeting and Friends presented check to iCape.
- Friends working on the June 18 gala. They’re collecting auction prizes, which is going well.
- Sandi Lahart’s husband is going to sponsor the cocktail party and contribute some of the prizes.
- Dining for Books event moving to the Fall schedule.
- Friends may be doing something with the ice cream event again.
- Friends working on membership list. They’re looking for people with technical skills.
- The Friends fundraising is going well, and they showed a profit during the most recent month.
Reports
Kathy Mahoney’s Library Director’s Report for month of April was reviewed and discussed.
- Library card drive at schools…there are 27 home rooms. There are 500 to 600 students in school; probably at least ½ have library cards.
- Library summer reading program would like to waive the fines for those children who have library cards with fines attached. The Trustees felt it would be a good thing to waive the children’s fines for this year. Kathy is to look into this.
- Jack Kowalski said he heard good reports to Kathy’s credit on her involvement in the High School Senior project night event. Jack said the students were impressed.
- Kathy said Mashpee Library was founded in 1891 so next year will be 125th year the Town has had a Library.
- April 21…2-4 p.m. birthday cake celebrating 5th anniversary.
- May 14 – Volunteer brunch.
Joan Lyons…Jack Kowalski briefly interrupted the meeting to introduce Joan Lyons to the Trustees. Joan Lyons is running for election to the Board of Library Trustees. Jack said she is one of the two candidates running for the 2 open seats on the Board.
Reports (continued)
Internet Use Policy
Kathy provided a draft of an updated version of the Internet Use Policy. She said this update is to capture ongoing progress. Kathy said she would like to talk with Town Counsel, Pat Costello, regarding the policy in general.
In reviewing the draft, the Trustees discussed at length the possibility of installing filters on public computers at the Library. Kathy Mahoney voiced strong objection to this approach saying she was not aware of any other CLAMS libraries who feel the need to filter; lose too much important valuable information which is blocked by filters; and offenders easily by-pass filter systems. Kathy pointed out it would be a logistic nightmare because Library staff would have to be constantly turning filtering on/off if patrons requested access to blocked sites. Carlo expressed his concern about putting such administrative burden on the Library staff.
Hugh Ahearn asked what percentage of libraries in Massachusetts use filters on their computers and indicated that would be useful information to consider.
MOTION: Mark Wright to approve the Internet Use Policy as presented.
Motion was seconded by John Kowalski.
VOTE: Yes-6.
Roll Call Vote: Mark Wright, yes Kate Milde, yes
Chip Bishop, yes Carlo D’Este, yes
John Kowalski, yes Hugh Ahearn, yes
Laptop Loan Policy … Tabled for next meeting.
Communications
Mike Richardson reported:
- Budget is in good shape.
- DPW delayed work on boat yard completion until Fall…right thing to do.
- Waste Management Committee meeting tonight. They had a lot of feedback. Adding different options, such as organics and textiles. Town to continue to educate on recycling.
- Mashpee Cares…to have meeting next Monday morning at Barnstable.
- Wastewater—continuing to dredge.
- Mashpee TV—focusing on “Something about Mashpee”. Carol Sherman and Mike read the Warrant Article for those who can’t read.
- Dog park getting finalized.
Mark Wright mentioned about Mike getting students involved as liaison with Town boards/committees. Mike said a High School Senior is a liaison on the School Committee now. Mark said he was wondering whether it would be good to have a student liaison on the Board of Library Trustees. Kathy Mahoney said at one time the Friends had a student involved with their group. The Trustees agreed that Mark should join Mike Richardson and meet with Sean to get feedback on this idea.
Communications (continued)
Corresponding Secretary Report…Jack Kowalski said Marsha Bowers’ father passed away. Jack sent a sympathy card on behalf of the Trustees.
Board of Library Trustees
Carlo D’Este said 2 members of the Board of Library Trustees will be leaving the Board. Carlo commented it is very sad to say goodbye to Chip and Hugh and that on behalf of the Board he says thanks for your efforts—we are going to miss you.
Advocacy Subcommittee
Chip Bishop said he hopes Mark will continue advocating for the Committee and continues to get the word out that we have a lot to say about this Library. Chip said he hopes the new Board will continue to see that as a priority.
Next Meeting …4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 in Library Conference Room.
Adjournment
Chip Bishop motioned the meeting be adjourned; Kate Milde seconded the motion; and it was unanimously passed. The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Giliberti
Recording Secretary
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