Library board meeting notes: 24.09.12
A Quincy Votes! member attended this meeting. While care has been taken in their creation, these notes are not official meeting minutes and may contain errors or omissions.
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Update on November 13:
The following information was included in the September director's report, which was provided to me recently.
The Literacy Program ESOL Coordinator was approved for an additional 15 hours a week. This will allow additional programming.
There is a new teen librarian at North Quincy branch.
The library has appointed its first ever tween librarian.
NQ branch parklet received all expected furniture and mulch, and they are anticipating its completion before winter.
New shrubs were planted at the Adams Shore branch.
New signage has been deployed throughout the libraries.
The IT department has moved all public computer software to Google Chromebooks. This was a huge effort.
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Original notes (Oct. 3, 2024):
These notes are not final as I have requested copies of the director’s report and other materials that should be provided and included as part of the official record as per Section 22 of the Open Meeting Law. As of 10/3/24, despite making two requests for them via email, they have not been either sent electronically or made available for me to pick up at the library.
Chairperson: Corinne Mitchell
Approval of May 2024, June 2024, and May 2024 special meeting minutes
May minutes: had corrections, and the updates were not sent out. May minutes were not approved.
June minutes: approved
Director's report:
Not discussed, will not be online. [This is one of the materials I requested per the Open Meeting Law].
Record attendance at all summer programs
It was great.
Deputy Director Kristy Lockhart did statistical review: volume of programs up 42%, attendance is up as well.
Treasurer's report
Quiet summer
Completed reimbursement checks, will provide a report next month
Quincy Citizen's Bank new facility. Account is pretty static. Was contacted by South Shore Bank to talk about moving accounts. Will consider this. Will ensure that if moved, will get an interest-bearing account.
Friends Report
First meeting on this fiscal year. Very exciting year for Friends – new president is Jennifer Sammons. She has a lot of experience in fundraising. Their fundraising is used to do programming at the Library. Have a great, engaged board. Will be exploring merchandising and other means to raise funds.
Background: The idea to move bookstore into the spot where the café used to be was Director Sara Slymons’s, and it has resulted in additional funds. Will take work to ensure patrons know that the library has no programming funding from the City – it's all Friends’ funding that pays for the programming.
Foundation: no news
Old Business:
2024/2025 calendar: Thursday Oct. 10th at Wollaston.
New logo: approved by the mayor. It's a go.
Status of the bylaws: Are in solicitor's office looking for final approval. Then it will be reviewed by the board and then voted on. Discussion will be at a later meeting. The chairperson (and committee) has been working on this for years. When we get the finalized copy of what is OK to vote on, then the board can add and delete and change anything we like. There will be an opportunity for the board to change things.
Status of volunteer appreciation: Trustees Chairperson Corinne Mitchell will reach out to Jennifer Sammons, president of the Friends group. The appreciation event/gift/ was always meant to be a positive thing, something we do for them. Ms. Mitchell will discuss whether such an appreciation event is wanted/needed.
Quincy 400
Getting 5K up and running
Some facility upgrades in Richardson (windows). Waiting on National Historic Preservation. Working on lighting on the entryway. Still working on opening the door. Working with the Friends to install seasonal topiaries in the vestibule.
For programming: Adult committee $30,000 to hire two to four marquee programs. A musical component to it. $10,000 to Children's Department to do local history program for young people. Being paid for with state aid.
Other Discussions:
Was nice to meet new people at Maker space grand opening.
Maker space: very successful. Open times fill up immediately. Programming events are always filled. Maker space takes 3 people. Director Slymon wants to figure out how to add more staffing.
Library of things: also going like gangbusters.
Meet and Greet new foundation president: Liberty would be happy to arrange something, to let all the people on all the boards meet each other. Does not want it to be an obligatory, must attend event. A coffee hour? Board of Friends, Board of Foundation, and Trustee board. Do it at Richardson at night, and open it to staff? Decision made to book the room and work on details.
No budget committee meeting until after the bylaws are updated. Still working under the old bylaws.
Director will attend two conferences (paid for by the Trustees): Urban Librarians Unite in NJ (9/27) and New England Library Association in Portland, Maine (10/20 - 10/22). Director Slymon will report out.
Discussion: we should discuss Trustees budget for next year, and not just use last year’s. Set a special meeting date. Next meeting is October 10th. Special meeting: October 10th: 8:00 AM. The Treasurer (Arthur Foley) will have figures ready. 8:00 AM will be a public meeting.
Ended at 9:25
