HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Trustees Minutes 2/7/2009MANSFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING - FEBRUARY 7, 2009
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Attendance: Nancy Breef -Pilz, Chris Cormier - Hayes, Leonard Epstein, Joe Flynn, J61Cn'
Walgreen, and Director Janet Campbell. Joe convened the meeting at 8:15 � 0
Secretary's report. Minutes of the January meeting were reviewed and approved.
Treasurer's report. The treasurer's report for November was reviewed and approved.
Librarian's reports. The librarian's reports were reviewed and details discussed.
OLD BUSINESS
20th anniversary. May 2009. Janet reported that the Friends will probably help with and
contribute to the cost of some type of recognition or celebration.
Programs. The board discussed the library's new policy of limiting programs to one each
quarter.
FY 2009 budget. Discussion of the Town's financial difficulties continued, including
projections of $1 million deficit this fiscal year, the significant causes of which apparently include a
reduction in state aid and lower excise tax receipts. The winter's high snow removal costs are also a
factor. The Town Manager has requested all departments to submit savings proposals and Janet has
offered $5,000, most of which would come from the book acquisitions account.
FY 2010 budget. Janet is still working on the assumption of a 5% reduction. State aid will
go from $32,000 to $27,000.
Lead law. The Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act was to have taken effect on
February 10 but a one year stay has been enacted. As presently written, there is no exemption for
libraries which would have to be closed to children pending massive and expensive inspections.
NEW BUSINESS
Legislative breakfast. Janet reported on her attendance at the annual legislative breakfast
on February 6.
Tong ren healing. The board approved a request to present a program and demonstration,
subject to the usual non - commercial stipulations.
Media drop. A patron left and advertisement for an outdoor media drop, complaining of
difficulty returning materials. The board discussed possibility of retrofitting one of the outside book
drops with additional padding for media use.
Norton decertification. The Norton Librarly will likely be decertified later this month.
MPL is now doing a huge business from Norton residents. Janet will arrange a sign welcoming
Norton residents but making clear that checkouts will not be allowed.
Patron history. Starting today Sails will be offering patrons the option of retaining their
histories. It will be three weeks before patrons will be able to actually review histories so Janet will
delay advertising the service until it is actually available.
Next meeting. March 7, 2009. The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 a.m.
Leon. stein,, Secretary