Minutes
May 9, 2011

Library Sign:

Walt reported on his efforts to manage work for a new sign to replace the old one along West River Road.  The new one must conform to zoning laws which specify height, width, setback, etc. Fortunately however, we don't need to reapply as long as the new sign is about the same dimensions as the old.  We had originally hoped to have Jim Brown and his shop class at Mt. Abe design and build the sign, but Walt reported that it is now too late in the school year to begin such a project.  However….

Debi spoke with Luke Curtis who suggested that we design the sign ourselves and commission Dan Ober, a fine local craftsman, to execute that design.  Jim Brown agrees that maybe Dan would be better and might create something more esthetically pleasing and longer lasting.  Reed Prescott might be willing to do any artsy painting required.  Walt suggested that we proceed with this plan; we have the money necessary, and, because time is no longer pressing, we move ahead with greater deliberation.  The Board agreed.

A whopping 28 new books have been donated via the Adopt an Author Program.

The library received a totally unexpected donation of $100 donation to help with book purchases of new releases; the donor said he'd give us another $100 if we run short of money for such acquisitions.

The annual appeal has netted us so far $9400 since last fall, more than in recent years despite the recession.

Floyd expressed concern because he misunderstood and thought that Debi had hired Steven Patterson without bringing it to the board.  She had sent an email to each board member asking for feedback that Floyd evidently missed seeing.  All of the responses were favorable so she hired him.

Myrt Lattrell joined the meeting to express her interest in being a trustee.  Myrt talked about her desire to contribute to the community and to deal with books in particular – sorting, restocking, loaning and receiving. She also expressed interest in helping with building and grounds work outside the building.

Candidate Sally Baldwin also joined us.  She hopes to do something significant in the community since she has been deeply involved in volunteer activities in other venues – from political and bond campaigns to tutoring to service on several boards.  She also reported that due to a change in ownership, her current employer may allow her less flex time than she has enjoyed in the past; this may jeopardize her ability to serve on the board.  Sally will report back to us on this, but if she cannot join us, she would nonetheless like to play an active role for the library among the “friends”. 

The Board discussed the merits of each candidate.  In general we felt both were very well intentioned, that Myrt represents an important connection to older, long-time residents of Lincoln, while Sally brings a larger repertoire of skills that may (or may not) prove useful for an evolving library.  We agreed that despite any personal connections between board members and candidates and despite fears of “hurt feelings” for the unsuccessful candidate, we must make our choice based on the convergence of the library’s needs and the candidates’ skill sets.

After some discussion, we agreed also that Henry would draft a general statement of the library’s evolutionary direction as outlined in the LRP as well as list the subcommittees available and any bylaws governing the duties of the trustees.  Walt will forward these to Myrt and Sally with a note (a) to thank them for their interest and their willingness to meet with us, (b) to explain that their visit led us to realize that we should be clearer about where we’re headed as a board so that the candidates can ponder the job further, and finally (c) to ask for patience since we may not make a final decision until our next board meeting in June. (The timing may rest partly with what we hear from Sally about her availability; if she feels she cannot serve on the board, then perhaps we can decide earlier.) 

We discussed the Memorial Day Tag Sale at some length.  Mary and Leila solicited volunteers to help with the project.   Several trustees indicated a willingness to join in.  We really need more labor to pull this off.  We discussed possibilities for recruiting bodies beyond the trustees.  Friends meeting on Wednesday night, Annie Ledbetter, Olga Moriarty, Beth Beauchamp… teens?... individual phone calls to other potential volunteers?

Mary and Leila will send out a work schedule summarizing the results of our labor discussion, including empty spots and perhaps people we might call to fill them.

[Ed. note:  Let’s not forget that we decided that the trustees can’t do everything and that part of our efforts have been to involve others.  And let’s not underestimate the willingness of residents to participate in these on-off, short-term events that provide a great opportunity to do something worthwhile and have fun at the same time!]

Thanks to Floyd, Walt, and Debi for pursuing this.  In the end, Steve Buker will do the repair gratis with his own dozer; Pike will donate two loads of stone if we pay for two.  (Thanks to Debi and her daughter for the latter!)