Wadhams Free Library
Board of Trustees Meeting
March 9, 2023
Annie called the meeting to order at 7:05. Present were Annie, Jackie, Mary, Joan, Liz, Ray, Kris, Deirdre, Judy, Bridgette, and Marilyn via Zoom. Absent were Ted, Matt, Eve, and Jen.
A motion was made by Jackie to accept the minutes of the January 19, 2023 meeting. This was seconded by Deirdre and passed by all.
Liz reported the candy shortage at the Library was due to some mice with a sweet tooth. We will try to correct this with a new weatherstrip on the front door.
She said that new books have arrived and another order is in the works. Books in the recent order include several on bees in coordination with the Adirondack Action’s Pollination Project Program. Joan and Judy will be checking into the details of the program. In addition to flower seeds we might be able to get plants and perhaps a guest speaker.
Plans are being made for the return of a library crawl for participating CEF Libraries sponsored by the Champlain Library on Saturday, June 3rd from 9-4. A few participants showed up last year to get their passports stamped and it was suggested we could have some craft projects for the younger crowd, new book displays, and perhaps some refreshments.
A motion was made by Joan to accept the Trustee Emeritus Policy for the Library. Seconded by Mary and passed by all. Jackie motioned a resolution that we approve Edward “Ted” Cornell as a Trustee Emeritus. This was seconded by Annie and passed by all. Liz displayed a thoughtful, well written Trustee Emeritus Certificate of Appreciation to be given to Ted.
Ken Hughes will be installing an open DNS filter on our router to comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act. He will instruct Library personnel on the system and use.
The financial report was presented and discussed. Liz reported we received $3500 from the town of Westport and $250 from Stewarts “Holiday Match” to be used for children’s books. It was mentioned that we might apply for a Cloudsplitter Foundation Mission Support Grant for the maximum $5000 for operating expenses. If accepted, it could turn out to be a yearly grant. The application is due March 15th. Annie moved to receive the financial report. Seconded by Ray and passed by all. The Annual Report is done and will be submitted to CEF for approval and then be sent to the State for approval. Ray made a motion to approve the Annual Report, seconded by Bridgette and passed by all. Joan reported on the presenters for the “Wednesdays in Wadhams” lectures. A copy will be emailed to the Trustees. A list of patrons’ emails will be added to Vertical Response to consolidate that information.
Assistant librarian Merry McDonnell will be leaving on May 17th. After discussion it was agreed to hire someone to fill the position. Jackie and Deirdre volunteered to put together an application form. Judy, Marilyn, and Liz agreed to be on the interview committee. We will try to post the job description in the third week in April and do interviews in May.
Annie will contact Keri at Dogwood for the possibility of having a fundraiser Brunch in April or May. We will be working on a Spring Newsletter before the Brunch.
Judy motioned to adjourn at 8:55, seconded by Annie and we all … well, you know.