Skip Navigation
This table is used for column layout.
 
August 13, 2014 Trustees of the Gale Library Minutes
Trustees of the Gale Library
DATE: Wednesday, August 13, 2014
TIME: 10:00am
LOCATION: Gale Library, 16 S Main Street

MEETING MINUTES
  • Call to Order: 10:05 A.M.
  • In Attendance: Marilyn Landry, Chairperson; Kathy Meserve, Treasurer; Anne Banks, Secretary; Terry Caswell, Director; Lynne Camp, Alternate.
  • Minutes from previous meeting: Kathy motioned to accept the minutes from the June 11th meeting, and Marilyn seconded the motion. It passed unanimously.
  • Communications and Correspondence: Kathy saw on ListServe that there is a scam out there purporting to have proof of copyright infringement or downloading of inappropriate material via the wireless internet connection. The scammers email the library, demanding they pay a $250 fine or risk being sued for the violation. Some libraries have actually paid the fine, but there is actually no risk that the scammers would sue. Terry acknowledged she was aware of the situation.
  • Library Director’s report: Kathy wondered how popular the York’s Wild Animal Kingdom passes have been. Terry reported the demand started slowly but has been increasing all summer. Anne asked how the summer reading program was going. Terry responded that the response has been excellent, spurred on by the promise of a Lindt Chocolate gift basket to the winner (reader who read the most books). Kathy motioned to accept the report as written, Anne seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
  • Treasurer’s Report: Kathy explained a few entries. The income for July was actually collected on August 2 and will be reported in the August statement. We are on par with last year as to percentage of budget spent at this point in the year. Marilyn moved to accept the report as written. Anne seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
  • Unfinished Business:
  • Investment Policy Review and Signage: Terry sent our amended policy to Audrey Blodgett, a para legal in the NH Charitable Trusts Department. Audrey responded that she had received the amended policy and found it acceptable. Policy was signed by the Trustees.
  • Water Testing Results: Our well water passed all tests. We discussed whether all tests, including the VOC test for volatile organic components, need to be repeated every year. We agreed all tests will be done every year.
  • Building Maintenance Update: Terry is working with Chief Ingalls to review and approve the fire exits in the building. She is also still looking for plugs to cover the air-conditioner outlets. If none are found, they will shut off the breakers for those circuits. The new hire, Tony Romanoski, is working out very well. He has done some yard work for the library that has needed doing all summer, including removing dead shrubs and pruning back some barberry bushes. He also cleaned the picnic table. Terry has some winter projects planned for him, such as cleaning the porch and adding shelves for CDs and DVDs.
  • New Business:
  • Summary of Treasurer’s Duties: We all read the summary Kathy wrote and agreed it was clear and well written. Kathy was thanked for putting it all down for us. We will file this summary along with other policies and procedures.
  • Newton Municipal Complex Committee: The group will continue to meet, but since there is no money budgeted for any site plan or site survey, nothing will be done.
  • AED unit: The unit is in place. Terry wrote a note to Chief Ingalls thanking him for his help in obtaining and funding the AED.
  • Seacoast Area Libraries Security Training: This training, called Active Shooter Training, will concern how to handle a shooter in the library. It will take place on Thursday, September 18 in Stratham. Lauri and Terry will attend.
  • NH Downloadable Books BIN feature: BIN stands for Buy it Now. One publisher, Simon and Schuster, has not made their books available as downloadable books. They publish Stephan King, Mary Higgins Clark, and other very popular authors. They have offered to make those books available now, but want the site to add a BIN button on all books offered, so the patron can also purchase the book. Terry was looking for a recommendation as to which way we would like to vote if the NH group asks for a vote on this issue. After some discussion we decided we would want to vote NO, feeling that the library should offer books for free, not be in the business of selling books for a publisher.
  • Library card policy review: The policy was discussed and amended to consistently use one year as the expiration period. The only exception would be the cards for summer residents, which would expire in four months. In all cases, the expiration of a card results in the patron being asked to confirm or update their contact information the next time they come in to check out material. Terry will also change the written format of the policy to follow the format of the other Gale library policies. Marilyn moved to accept the policy as amended. Kathy seconded the motion. The policy was accepted unanimously as amended.
  • Acceptance of Donations: Patrons – June $6.90, Friends ($272.25 for Stanley Steemer), Patrons – July $4.50. Kathy moved to accept the donations as listed. Marilyn seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
  • Friends News: Terry asked if the library should do anything for Town Day, which is September 20. Rather than doing anything at the library itself, Terry suggested someone in the Friends might volunteer to man a table at the school for Town Day and sell raffle tickets for a gift basket. They could also have bookmarks and calendars available, and the tee shirts to sell.
  • Monthly Invoices were reviewed and signed.
  • Next Trustee meeting will be Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at 10:00 AM
  • Meeting adjourned 11:25 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,


Anne D. Banks