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), Carolyn Vose (Selectboard Liaison)

Amy called the meeting to order at 4:04 p.m. in the Main Library.  This meeting was recorded.

Approval of Minutes: Susan asked that the April minutes reflect the 4:30 p.m. rather than 4:00 start time. With that correction, Gail moved to accept the April minutes.  Amy seconded and all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Carolyn Vose entered the meeting at 4:06. Amy welcomed her and Board members introduced themselves.

Treasurer’s Report:   Kathy sent the Treasurer’s Report to the Board prior to the meeting. She reported that the bank account is balanced and we have a “very healthy” checking account. She said expenses included the children’s bookshelves and grant-reimbursed purchases.

Bills:  Jane sent a copy of the Bills prior to the meeting. She reported that part of the DVD and CD bills from last month were added together with this month’s because they had been overlooked. With no further discussion, Gail moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Bills. Amy seconded and all voted in favor. Motion carried. 

Old Business Progress has been made on several projects:

​• The front stoop was repaired and invoice was paid.

​• Installation of Community Room cabinets should take place in early June.

​• Houghton identified the grinding noise in the basement as the dehumidifier. They are looking for parts, though it may be better to replace it with a new one ($3250) 

​• No start date given for side of building repair, just that it will be this summer.  Jane reports that John Willette expressed interest in future pointing projects.

​• Jane is looking into purchasing a new drop box (for N. Walpole) and how to get rid of  the old one.

​• The old sign outside the library was removed. The group brainstormed ways to  dispose of it;  no decision was made. 

New Business:  Jane reported that she has learned from several webinars on book challenges and banning, etc. that library policy should state that residents, not patrons, of the town where challenges are being brought may bring book challenges. The board agreed that our policy should be amended to use the word residents. Jane will revise our policy and present it at the next meeting for approval.

Operations:

​• Sarah shared a Toddler Bag, one of several Julie has assembled with varying themes  and activities for children, using grant money she has secured.

​• There is a new Cheshire Children’s Museum Pass available to patrons, as well as as Bandwagon Series (Putney) tickets.  These and other passes are made available to library cardholders. 

​• Summer Reading starts soon. Jane announced that Monadnock Falconry will be coming to the library and Grafton Museum will come weekly.

​• The Cemetery Sleuth program was very successful.  We had a full house.  Jane said she may invite the speaker back to do some other programs in the future.

Buildings and Grounds:  There was a discussion about the patch of high grass in the front yard near the bench.  Carolyn said she would look into who might cut that.  Kathy suggested taking out that section and covering it with stone.  Amy suggested extending the garden.  Tim said he would talk to Jennifer about it. 

The board decided to find a replacement tree for the side yard near the picnic table.  It could only be put on library land or on the neighbor’s property, with his permission.

Jean suggested moving the Moose Plate “Thank You” plaque from the space next to the front door to a spot inside the library, now that we are well past the renovation. The Board agreed.

Friends of the Library:  Jane reported that the Friends will start sorting books for the book sale soon.  They will sort each Wednesday during the summer for an hour and people will be welcomed to drop books off at the chicken coop at that time.  No time has been set yet.

Pam Baucom is sewing blackout curtains for the Community Room to be used during the Thursday Lunch and a Movie program. 

Adjournment: With no further business to discuss, Gail moved to adjourn the meeting.  Tim seconded and all voted in favor.  Amy closed the meeting at 4:42 p.m.

The next meeting will be June 11, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. in the Main Library.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the June 11, 2024 meeting.