ENFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Enfield Public Library Board of Trustees met on October 27, 2008 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 to accept the minutes of our last meeting on July 28, 2008. Debbie seconded it and the motion passed.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Kim reported that the Target grant came through for $1500.00 which is allocated for the first edited production on emergent literacy. She also said that the Board had no expenditures since our previous meeting.

OLD BUSINESS

Henry took the Board on a tour of the redesigned Children’s Staff stations. All agreed that this change allowed for more efficient work conditions while actually creating more space for children.

Henry reported that the Summer Reading Program was a great success. Statistics revealed that 993 children took part. They also showed that during July the Library had its highest monthly circulation since its opening. The figure was 35,928 items checked out to the public.

Henry urged the Board to watch tonight’s E-TV debate which will be covered from Enfield High School. This production will be the first to utilize a two camera shoot, since previously only one camera was used. Henry also mentioned that in a few months the Planning and Zoning meetings will be televised. A new program has been developed which is called “Everything Enfield” and consists of interviews with various Heads of Town Departments.

Mary told the Board about the annual “One Book one Community” program where the entire Town reads the same book. The book was launched on Family Day at the Town Green. Approximately 40 books were checked out as well as giving dog biscuits and entries for a dog photo contest. The book comes in three editions, adult, young adult, and picture book. The title is “Marley and Me” by John Grogan.

Next, Henry reported that Ellen Phillips, Head Children/Teen Services Librarian, in conjunction with the Reading Department in the Town’s schools, has prepared a “Born to Read” baby bag for all new mothers in town. It includes a board book, information on when a child is ready to read, a bib, various brochures such as “First steps to foster emergent literacy.” The outside of the bag has the Library’s name and the initials KITE (Key Initiative to Early Education.)

NEW BUSINESS

Henry advised the Board that a new state law has been passed which requires towns to post on their websites minutes of all boards and commissions within seven days of the actual meeting.

The Library Board of Trustees has received a generous donation from the estate of Marilyn Rush, which the Board unanimously voted to hold for the purpose of the Library expansion. If the family of Ms. Rush agrees, the Library Board would like to publicize this donation and hold a reception in her honor.

Henry said that a new Library maintenance system was instituted on July 1, 2008. Using town employees rather than contractors, the Library has saved $8,000.

The calendar of meetings for the year 2009 was decided upon and agreed to by the Board.

Henry then presented his request to the Board for funds to cover

purchases for the Children’s Department.

Shelving for Young Adult

Reading Nook and Board Book Shelving

Discovery Pack Rack

(20 Packs plus rack)

Polar Bear Kinderbox Book Browser

Mitt Chairs (2)

Computer Desk

Debbie made a motion to accept the proposal and Ann seconded it. The motion passed.

The meeting adjourned at 9:50 A.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeanne C. Smith

Secretary

NOTE: The next meeting will be held on January 26, 2009 at 8:30 A.M. at the Enfield Public Library