The Walpolean

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.

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 Representative)

Amy opened the meeting at 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the library.  She presented Peggy with a card and one of the new canvas bags from the trustees along with our thanks for serving as our select board liaison for the past several years.

Approval of Minutes:  Tim noted that the date of the meeting was incorrect. It should read May 9. With that correction, Gail moved to accept the May minutes; Amy seconded, and all voted to approve. 

Treasurer’s Report: Kathy noted that she spent $63 for stamps, which did not appear on the bills.  Amy asked about the plan for the money listed on the Children’s Miscellaneous line of the budget. She was reminded that it is for shelving for the children’s room.

Bills:  Jane reported that bills were high last month due to the logo design, 9 boxes of books that arrived, children’s book orders, museum passes, and software subscriptions (once a year).  Kathy stated that years ago the town added a line to its budget to cover certain things at the library.  Jane explained that money is used for ILL fees and the NH Downloadables. Amy then moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Bills.  Gail seconded and all voted to approve.

Old Business

Chimney:  Work will begin as soon as Barry supplies a lift.

Front Door:  Work begins next week.  Amy and Jane stated there have been numerous inquiries about what we plan to do with the old door that is being replaced.  The board agrees that they would want it to be repurposed.  Some have questioned why we are replacing the door or why it will take so long. Jane explains that the door is not secure and needs to meet accessibility requirements.  Kathy stated there will be a lot of construction that takes time. Amy said we need to wait to see the condition of the door after construction before deciding what to do with it. She said the board welcomes suggestions. 

Sign:  After a lengthy discussion about design, cost, as well as the purpose of the sign, the board decided not to purchase a sign with moveable letters at this time. Instead they will buy a sandwich board to announce special events. They will track its effectiveness in attracting program participants and at the September board meeting will decide if they want a more permanent sign with changeable letters.  Amy suggested that we buy a sandwich board for North Walpole.  Jane said, in the past, we have not been permitted to use one there.  She said she would ask again.

New Business

Library Data Base:  Jane stated that usage of Universal Class has dropped significantly;  since it costs $1,000 she is looking to replace it with digital newspaper subscriptions that would be accessible at home. She is looking at the New York Times and ProQuest which provides newspapers from around the country. Peggy told Jane to ask a lot of questions about the ease of online usage.   

Community Wide Read:  New Hampshire received a grant for this nationwide program, so our library is one of 100 in our state to participate.  Participants will read the book, The Bear, and Jane said the library will receive 100 copies to distribute to patrons (no check out necessary). 

Events will take place in October.  They will have a book discussion facilitated by a NH Council on the Humanities representative, and this will be a hybrid presentation so people can join at home. Helen Dqlbeck from the Hooper Institute will present programs on bears for children and adults.  Jane said the library will show a film addressing climate change, one of the themes of the book. There are also a number of Zoom events taking place around the state. 

Jean suggested connecting with the schools for this project.

Copier:  Our leased copier needs to be replaced. The replacement copier will cost $107.84/month  

Operations:  Jane is mentoring a librarian from Boston.  

Soiled Materials:  Jane and the trustees discussed what to do when soiled or damaged books are returned to the library. Jane was particularly concerned about books from ILL belonging to other libraries. It was decided she should send a formal letter addressing this matter before revoking ILL privileges for any patron. 

Friends of the Library:  A check from the Friends was received and deposited. Plans for the book sale are underway.  

Other Business

Bench Dedication:  Gail reported that the dedication and reception were lovely and there was a large turnout.  

Adjournment:  With no further business to discuss,  Amy adjourned the meeting at 5:32 p.m.

The next meeting will be  September 12, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the September 12, 2023 meeting

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)

Visitor:  Leslie Kanerva

Amy called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. in the North Walpole branch.  This meeting was recorded. Amy welcomed Leslie Kanerva to the meeting.

Approval of Minutes:  Gail made a motion to accept the March 21, 2023, minutes as written. Tim seconded, and all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Election of Officers:  Gail nominated Amy for Chair of the Board of Trustees.  Erin seconded, and all voted in favor.  Amy will continue as Chair of the Board.

Amy nominated Jean for Secretary of the Board.  Gail seconded, and all voted in favor.  Jean will remain as Secretary of the Board.

Gail nominated Kathy for Treasurer of the Board.  Amy seconded, and all voted in favor.  Kathy continues as Treasurer of the Board.

Kathy pointed out that sometimes (depending upon direction from the Secretary of State) names of candidates appear on the ballot in the order of registration. She recommended that incumbents in the future register as soon as registration for library trustee opens.

Treasurer’s Report:  Kathy emailed a copy of the Treasurer’s Report to the Board prior to the meeting.  She reported that all is running smoothly, as expected.

Bills: Jane emailed a copy of the bills to the Board prior to the meeting.  She reported that she and Kathy got a Debit Master Card at the Savings Bank of Walpole, with Kathy and her as co-signers.  At the meeting it was decided to add Amy as a co-signer.  Kathy will take care of that.

Amy moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Bills, and Gail seconded.  The Board voted to accept the reports.

Old Business

Canvas Tote Bags:  Amy showed a picture of what the L.L. Bean tote bags will look like.  She said she would send an email to the board members to place orders.  Leslie asked if the public could purchase these bags.  Amy explained that a different bag will be made available to patrons by donation.  Gail moved to approve funds for the purchase of the canvas totes;  Tim seconded, and all voted to approve.

Chimney:  Jane emailed photos of the choices Don Newcomb has for the exterior of the chimney.  The Board agreed that stone is the best choice because it will look much like the current chimney.  Newcomb will take the chimney down below the roof line then rebuild and cap it.

Leslie suggested a new synthetic product called GenStone, which might be used as a cost saver.

Kathy expressed a concern that if the work done to the chimney does not solve the leakage problem, then what?  Sarah stated the work should come with a written guarantee or warranty.  Jane said that she would ask for that when she talks with Newcomb.

Amy moved that we accept the bid (with guarantee) from Don Newcomb.  Gail seconded, and all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Front Door Status:  Jane emailed the front door replacement agreement from Adam Vose to board members prior to the meeting.  Amy stated we want to approve the final design of the door and see the color of the wood. She would like to know if any of the current hardware can be salvaged. 

Jane said she would work with Adam on dates in order to coordinate door and roofing work, as well as the bench dedication.

Bench Dedication:  Jane said the Cookes would like to have a small reception in the library after the bench dedication.  She solicited the names of caterers, which the board members provided.  She will pass those to the Cookes.

Operations:   Jane reported the following increases from the same time last year:

​​​Library Visits – 24%

​​​Libby Use – 11%

​​​Attendance at Children’s Programs – 39%

​​​Visits to NW Branch – 49%

Jane said visitors from Keene, Swanzey, and Alstead have been attending children’s story times. She also said attendance for the Great Decisions and Hundred Nights was good.

Jane reported that Julie is now doing outreach at the North Walpole School.  She said children getting off the bus from NW have come into the library looking for books Julie talked about.

Grant money from the state has come through so our library will be able to sponsor the All Community Read in the Fall.

Buildings and Grounds:  Tim said he would like to meet Jennifer Burr, so Jane said she would set up a meeting for them.  Kathy reminded Tim to tell Jennifer that we want to stay within a $1,000 budget this year. 

Friends of the Library:  Amy said she attended last week’s meeting.  The Friends will give the library $10,000. 

Peggy announced that she is stepping down as Selectboard Liaison to the Library Board.  Cheryl Mayberry will take her place.  The Trustees thanked Peggy for all she has done with the Board during the past seven years.

Adjournment: Gail moved to adjourn.  Amy adjourned the meeting at 5:32 p.m.

The next meeting will be May 9, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. at the main branch.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the May 9, 2023 meeting.