ENFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Enfield Public Library Board of Trustees met on April 27, 2009 at the Enfield Public Library. Present were members of the Library Board: Chairman Deborah Fiore; Secretary Jeanne Smith; Ann Duren; Director of Libraries Henry Dutcher, Assistant Director of Libraries Mary Palomba; and Deputy Director of Finance/Treasurer Kim Doherty Marcotte.

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 8:30 A.M.

Ann made a motion that we accept the minutes of the January 26, 2009 minutes. Debbie seconded the motion. The motion passed.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Kim reported that the financial report followed the general trend of the country in that the recession is still a day to day issue. We did receive a very small dividend but stocks were not doing well.

Debbie made a motion to accept the financial report. Ann seconded the motion. The motion passed.

OLD BUSINESS

Henry reported that the Library’s budget has been cut. Some part time positions, among them Reference on Friday evenings are gone. Mary is doing double duty by filling in at the Reference Desk on Wednesday mornings since during the school term the Library has an elementary third grade class visiting. Each of the nine elementary schools has several third grade classes, thus every Wednesday is extra busy from October through May.

Summer programs have been cut. The only program for children will be the Libraries’ Summer Reading Program. This is very popular with children at both the Central and the Pearl St. Branch Libraries. Mary stated that last year the Library hit a high of 999 readers. It is fully expected to handle even more children this summer.

There will be no adult programs unless we can obtain the services for programs on a no cost basis Also hours have been cut for janitorial services and for pages who replace books on the shelves.

E-TV has been a great success. The televising of Council Meetings and those of the various Boards and Commissions as well as the chats with directors of different Town departments has proven to be a window on how the Town is being operated. The Library Board members offered praise to Henry for his diligence in setting up E-TV and also handling his primary position as Director of Libraries.

Mary and Henry both discussed the World of Words (WOW) annual program which features a different country each year with guests, displays and books. This year Germany was the focus. A highly successful program was undertaken by Chef  Chris Prosperi who prepared and shared with the audience some of his favorite German recipes. Book Chats, displays and German music also brought in large numbers of patrons .

NEW BUSINESS

The Board was very happy to hear that Cheryl Collins, who has been on leave for the last few months, has presented the Library with a new patron named Sarah Jane, and offered their congratulations.

Exciting news for children is in the offing for this fall on E-TV, sponsored by Target and KITE. It is called First Steps, a six-part series created by the Enfield Public Library. It will include a segment on early reading and fun activities before children enter school. Also professionals in the field will discuss quality day care, preschool programs and language development.

The Board next went over Library requests for:

Data Projector for the community room, Summer reading prizes, Third grade supplies and recycle bags.

Ann made a motion that we authorize Henry to obtain these items and Jeanne seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Ann made a motion to adjourn. Debbie seconded it. The motion passed.

The meeting adjourned at 9: 50 A.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeanne Smith

Secretary

NOTE: The next meeting will be held on July 27, 2009 at the Pearl Street Branch at 8:30 A.M.