Minutes of the Meeting
Fitzwilliam Town Library Board of Trustees
6 December, 2021
Present: Trustees Robin Marra, Beth Lorenz, Pam Troccia and Kate Thomas, Library Director; Alternate Trustees Brian Doerpholz and Cathie Talbert. Richard Marshall, representing the Long -Range Planning Committee, was also in attendance.
Robin Marra called the meeting to order at 5:48 in the Quick Meeting Room of the Library. Cathie Talbert was present via Zoom.
The minutes of the November 1, 2021 meeting were reviewed. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Brian Doerpholz and seconded by Beth Lorenz. The motion was approved by all Trustees.
The manifest was reviewed and signed by all Trustees present.
The Chair reported on his recent meetings with the CP and Budget Committees. He presented two CIP requests from the Library; $5,500.00 to be added to the Library Building Expendable Trust to complete the fencing (painting and installation); and $5,000.00 for the creation of a Locke Collection Expendable Trust for consultants, display cases, security measures and possible renovations to the second floor. It was mentioned that all departments of the Town have made an effort to scale back CIP requests for the upcoming year. The Master Planning Committee will be sending out a survey to address ways the Town can improve and be more attractive to new people and businesses.
Kate reviewed the Library Directors report and Expenses to Date. Circulation was 1,812, essentially the same as last year at this time. There were ten adult programs and five children’s programs presented, with a total attendance of 83. Emerson School is experiencing many Covid cases which is reflected in the decrease of attendees. This outbreak will more than likely mean the cancellation of the Gingerbread House making event currently scheduled for December 11th. The Giving Tree has more tags than usual this year and Kate encouraged everyone to take as many tags as they could. The installation of the new computers has begun.
Richard Marshall presented a draft of the Ten-Year Long-Range Plan for the Library to the Trustees for review and comments. Robin Marra suggested, that once approved, a streamlined version of the Plan be presented to the public in brochure form. Brian Doerpholtz commented that a condensed version of the draft be made available to the Master Planning Committee. A motion was made by Brian Doerpholtz to approve the Mission Statement of the Library as is. The motion was seconded by Pam Troccia and approved by all Trustees. A motion to adopt and approve the Vision Statement of the Library was made by Beth Lorenz and seconded by Brian Doerpholtz. The motion was approved by all Trustees. This Long-Range Plan will require efforts from the staff and Trustees of the Library, as well as the Friends of the Library. Robin Marra asked that the Trustees discuss scheduling a brainstorming meeting with the Friends at the January 3rd meeting of the Trustees.
Kate Thomas reported on the progress being to display items from the Locke Collection. Some items will be displayed in cases the Library currently has. A brochure will be available to the public, with photos of items in the Collection, that details the need for additional funding needed to be able to display the whole collection. An article, explaining what the Locke Collection is and what the Library will need to do to display the entire collection, is being put together for the January Fitzwilliam Newsletter. Both the Long-Range Plan and Locke Collection display will remain on the agenda, under Old Business, going forward.
The Metal Detector Policy was reviewed and a motion to accept the policy as stated was made by Pam Troccia. The motion was seconded by Beth Lorenz and accepted by all Trustees.
There was no new business on Buildings and Grounds or the Friends of the Library.
As no other business or announcements were brought forth for discussion, the next Trustee meeting has been scheduled for Monday, January 3, 2022 at 5:45, with Zoom access available.
A motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:12 p.m. was made by Robin Marra and seconded by Pam Troccia. The motion was approved by all Trustees.
Respectfully submitted.
Pam Troccia
Secretary