ENFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Enfield Public Library Board of Trustees met on April 25. 2011 at the Enfield Public Library.

Present were members of the Library Board: Chairman Deborah Fiore; Secretary Jeanne Smith; Board Member Ann Duren; Director of Libraries Henry Dutcher; Assistant Director of Libraries Mary Palomba; and Deputy Director of Finance/Treasurer John Wilcox.

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

Ann made a motion to accept the minutes of our last meeting on January 24, 2011. Debbie seconded it and the motion passed.

FINANCIAL REPORT

John Wilcox presented a very thorough review of our financial situation with a very detailed report which was given to each of those attending. Since this was a more detailed report than we usually receive from Finance, the Board Members were delighted to receive it. Several questions were asked by the Board and answered quite to the satisfaction of the Board.

A discussion was held concerning the small amount of interest the Board is receiving from our investments and that resulted in queries about looking over these investments and perhaps dropping, keeping, or buying into new investments for a greater return. Mary offered the fact that the last time she remembered doing this was approximately ten years ago. John is going to look into this and advise us on what financial path to take. John offered to see if perhaps a Smith Barney advisor could come to our next meeting to enlighten us a little more on this subject. The Board seemed to be amenable to this suggestion, though no formal action was taken on it.

OLD BUSINESS

The Library Board discussed the situation concerning the film “Sicko.” We also congratulated Henry on receiving the Connecticut Library Association’s  Intellectual Freedom Award. It will be presented to Henry on May 3, 2011.

This is the time of year when all Departments present their budgets to the Town Manager and the Town Council. After all have been heard, the Town will set the budget. It appears that the Library Budget will be kept level.

Henry reported that the program First Readers, also known as KITE and Chaired by Henry, is truly a successful endeavor. When asked by Ann about this program, Henry responded that this is for First Readers to encourage literacy in our children. Many companies are taking part by donating books and every child receives one. When they finish reading their “First Book” a sense of pride results and starts these young students onto the path of enjoying good literature. To help install that feeling of pride, each of these children who are certified as First Readers will be recognized at a ceremony on the Town Green in July during the Town-Wide Fourth of July weekend.

Circulation figures have continued to mount for Audio Visual materials and in that same vein, the Library has acquired new versions of the Kindle and the new color Nook adding to the original ones. The Library now has eight devices. There are holds on circulating E-books now and they do circulate for two weeks. Also the Library has acquired an Ipad which for the present is being kept at the Reference Desk where patrons can be shown how to use it.

Henry showed us various results of one of last month’s purchases, the enclosed pattern making machine and accessories which is being put to great use in the Children’s Department.

NEW BUSINESS

Reference poles are being installed to take plugs for the computers that formerly had to be used in wall plugs, thus eliminating floor cords.

Mary revealed the topic for this year’s Summer Reading Program has been chosen and will be “One World, Many Stories.” This Program will allow for many different activities and prizes and is being planned at this time.

Henry also explained to the Board that because of the flow of Technology, many publishers are discontinuing printed reference books. Many of these needed books now will only come in On-Line form. Thus a re-organization of the Reference Department will be taking place.

On a happy note, the Board learned that the Library Family will be adding a new user. Our Ellen Phillips is having a baby. The Board sends Ellen our very best wishes and look forward to seeing our very special addition. 

One more happy note is the fantastic rise in circulation at our Pearl Street Branch. This branch headed by Colleen Santanella has had more and more circulation and programs added, including entering books onto patron’s E-book readers.  Many people make use of both the Central and Branch Libraries.

Henry then presented his proposed purchases to the Board.

Data Projector                                                           $ 800.00

Portable Speakers                                                      $ 700.00

Amplifier/receiver                                                     $ 300.00

Children’s rug for Pearl Street                                   $ 300.00

Lounge chair                                                              $1000.00

Total                                                                          $3100.00

Jeanne made a motion to purchase the requested items and Ann seconded it. The motion passed.

Jeanne made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Ann seconded it. The motion passed.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jeanne Smith

Secretary

NOTE: The next meeting will be held at the Pearl Street Library on July 25, 2011 at 8:30 A.M.