Present:  Amy Howard (Chair), Kathy Nerrie (Treasurer), Gail LaHaise, Susan Johnson, Bill Ranauro, Tim Lester, Sarah Mann, Erin Bowen, Jean Kobeski (Recording Secretary), Jane Malmberg (Library Director), Peggy Pschirrer (Selectboard Liaison)

Amy called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. in the library Community Room.  This meeting was recorded.

Amy passed around thank you notes from Jane and Julie for the Volunteer/Staff Dinner and gifts.

Approval of Minutes:  Gail moved to approve the October minutes and Tim seconded.  All voted to approve.  Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:  Kathy reported that the Friends of the Library covered the cost of the bookshelves for the Children’s Room.  The Board then reviewed library bank accounts and discussed  whether or not they should be adjusted. No decisions were made at this time.

Bills:  Amy moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report and Bills for the month. Gail seconded and all voted in favor. Motion carried. 

Old Business

Town Budget:   Amy reviewed that the stonework on the north side of the library needs to be regrouted and sealed.  It is disintegrating due to salt exposure in the winter. She also stated that, for safety reasons, the front stoop needs to be replaced. The cost of this work will be presented in a warrant article;  Jane is waiting for the estimate of the cost of the stoop work before a final amount for the warrant article can be determined. This will need to be done by December 15, when Jane will meet with the Selectboard to discuss the library budget and warrant article. 

Chimney/Repair in Director’s Office:  Jane reported that the mold inspector came yesterday and will send his report within 36 hours. She also said there has been no further leakage with the new chimney cap.

Board Positions:  Gail reminded the three board members whose terms end this year to go to Town Hall in late January to register to get their names on the ballot if they want to reup.

RVSAH Question:  Jean asked if River Valley Seniors at Home could hold a program in the library early on a Saturday afternoon after regular library hours. Jane said, as long as she is around, she can change her Saturday work hours in order to be on the premises during the program. 

Operations:  Jane would like to rework the Behavior Policy to read more positively. Susan asked what the most frequent problem they have in the library is and Jane responded it is cell and Zoom usage (though not frequent).  She said patrons should take/make calls or Zoom meetings in a private area such as the Community Room, if it is available.    

Sarah and Jane are working on a special children’s program focusing on celebrations of light from around the world.  It will take place on December 2.  More information to follow.

Friends of the Library: Jane reports that the Friends made over $6,000 from the book sale.  The Friends will meet again in March.

Adjournment:  With no further business to discuss, Gail moved to adjourn the meeting.  Erin seconded, and all voted in favor. Amy adjourned the meeting at 4:55 p.m.

The next meeting will be January 9, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the January 9, 2024 meeting.