Wadhams Free Library
Board of Trustees Meeting
May 18, 2023
Annie called the meeting to order at 7pm. Present were Marilyn, Matt, Jackie, Joan, Deirdre, Annie, Mary, Judy, Kris, Bridgette, Ray, and Liz. Absent were Eve, and Jen.
A motion was made by Mary to accept the minutes of the March 9. 2023 meeting. This was seconded by Marilyn and passed by all.
Liz mentioned that a new purchase of books should be arriving soon. She attended a meeting of CEFTA which dealt with providing help to member libraries with the Annual Report and other matters.
The Library Crawl is scheduled for June 3rd from 9-4. Those who stop at the library will get their passports stamped. When three libraries have stamped the passport, it can be entered into a drawing for a basket of books by North Country authors. A “Make a Book” activity is planned for the Library, as well as prizes such as colored pencils, watercolor sets, and notebooks. Dogwood cookies will be provided. Trustees are welcome to stop by during the day.
The Library got materials from ADKAction’s Pollinator Project Library Buzz Program which included a booklet, poster, games, seeds, and books. It was noted that ADKAction’s online site is having a plant sale and free seeds are available to North Country residents.
The Library has applied for materials from StarNet through its Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries (SEAL) program which include eclipse glasses and posters. The partial or annular eclipse is October 14, 2023 with the total eclipse on April 8, 2024.
Merry McDonnel’s last day as Assistant Librarian is May 23rd. A card was passed around to express our appreciation and wish her well in her move. The hiring committee consisting of Mary, Marilyn, and Liz interviewed applicants for the position and a motion was made by Joan to approve Liz’s recommendation to hire Judy French as Assistant Librarian. This was seconded by Ray and passed by all. It was suggested that the Board amend its By-Laws process for hiring.
Mary presented the Financial Report, and it was received with minor changes. The Spring Brunch was a great success which grossed the Library $2537.
Wednesday’s in Wadhams is showing increased attendance and more people are shown to be opening their emails about the presentations.
The Wadhams Library will be attending the Fall Harvest Festival on September 23rd and will be making their famous grilled tomato, pesto, and cheese sandwiches made from local ingredients.
Ray, Bridgette, and Annie volunteered to become the newly formed Building and Grounds Committee. You will be hearing from us.
The Library has been designated a cooling center by the Essex County Health Dept.
We are required to and will eventually be putting the Budget, Agenda and Minutes of our meetings on our website.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:08 with a motion by Ray, seconded by Marilyn.