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

Approval of Minutes:  Gail moved to accept the November 14, 2023 minutes. Susan seconded, and all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Kathy emailed the Treasurer’s report to the board prior to this meeting.  She reported that she moved money from the checking account previously discussed to a 12-month CD at 5% interest.  

Kathy said we received more money than expected, due to the Friends.  Expenses were right on except that we expected to spend money on bookshelves for the Children’s Room, and we haven’t done that yet. Most of the landscaping bill was related to the tree removal.

Bills:  Jane sent a list of bills to the board for review prior to the meeting.  The only change is that we are now paying for the Downloadables from the library budget rather than the town budget.

Sarah asked if Jane had thought of any “Wish List” items like we discussed in November.  Jane said she and Amy discussed this. Amy introduced the idea of getting oak cabinets for the Community Room to replace the open, shallow shelving that is in there now. They would have closed cabinets on the top, a work surface, and drawers on the bottom for files and storage.  They would increase storage capacity and be more in keeping with the design of the room.  Susan asked where they would come from. Amy said we could work with companies like LaValley who could  create and install them. She said she and Jane could create a rendering and present it to the board for approval. 

Amy moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Bills. Gail seconded, and all voted in favor. Motion carried. 

Old Business

Town Budget:  Jane reported that repairs to the north side of the building will be added to the town budget rather than create a warrant article for them.  Repair of the steps was not included in that budget, however.  Amy said we probably have enough money in the library budget to cover that expense. Jane has not received an estimate for that work yet, but she will contact the contractor once again.

Budget Hearing:  Peggy announced that there will be a public budget hearing on January 8 at 5:30 p.m. in Town Hall.  She encouraged everyone to attend.

Status of Office Repairs:  Jane reported that repairs are done; the ceiling is painted, and she is very pleased.  There is no further leakage. 

Election Nominations:  Board members wishing to have their names put on the town ballot for reelection may do so during the last week of January.

New Business

New Meeting Time:  Board members decided to change the meeting time of the Library Board of Trustees to 4:00 p.m.  The only exception will be in April and October when they meet in North Walpole.  That start time will be 4:30 p.m.

Naloxone Kit/Training:  The idea of having a Narcan kit at the library was discussed and board members felt that it is unnecessary.  We are close to the clinic, the staff is trained in CPR, and our EMTs respond quickly.

Non-Resident Library Card Policy:  Jane said that all state libraries are being advised to take a look at their non-resident usage policies.  The use of streamable materials is increasing a great deal as are the costs of these materials. The cost to each library is based on usage and Jane provided data to show how Walpole’s usage has increased both for Libby as well as Hoopla.  In order to control the number of holds and check-outs, the state suggested we look at possibly changing our rules for non-residents. 

The Board discussed pros and cons of several possible actions and it was decided that Jane would draft a Non-Resident Library Card Policy for the Board to review at the February meeting. 

Operations: Jane said the library is trying out a new program.  Every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 1:00 p.m., the library is sponsoring a brown bag lunch and a movie.  Patrons bring their own lunch and watch a movie free of charge.  Jane is trying to find movies that people may not have already seen, and she is looking for films that are 2 hours or less in length.  The first movie is this Thursday, January 11th:  The Station Agent.

Tech Talks, MahJong, Knitting continue to do well.  

There will be an Alzheimers/Dementia program February 1.

Friends:  Jane said there are four new board members.

Adjournment: With no further business to discuss, Gail moved to adjourn the meeting.  Erin seconded, and Amy adjourned the meeting at 4:46 p.m.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 12, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the February 12, 2024 meeting.