Minutes – September 6, 2022

(As submitted)

Library Conference Room, 4 pm

In Attendance: Jared Boudreaux, Cathy Seibert, Ann Coker, Ilga Vise, Tulli Kerstetter, Miriam Dunbar, Laurie Webster, Anne Benson, Earlene Swann, Pat Vojta

1. Call to order at 4:01 pm

2. Minutes from August meeting as emailed – Miriam moved to approve the minutes and Cathy seconded. All approved.

3. Guest requests – Pat Vojta, who is also a member, was invited by Miriam to attend this meeting.

4. Proxy/e-mail votes – none

5. Correspondence – none

6. Financial report – Savings amount steady at $4225.60. Two deposits were made in August, one for $1187 from book sale/memberships/donations, the other ($108.60) for in-library book sales for two months, a hat, and donations. Total funds at the end of August were $9348.43. Laurie announced that she had just deposited a $1000 check from Elliot Vaughan for a membership and donation. Tulli moved to approve the report, and Ilga seconded. All approved.

7. Library Director’s report – Jared announced a new employee courtesy of the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), Dearle Ricker, but also the resignation of Julie Whelihan who moved to Pagosa Springs. There will be two author talks in September. The Friday Afterschool program is now running after a hiatus last month, with 16 attendees. But due to staff constraints the library may have to limit the number of kids to 25 in future. The HVAC system is now working but Jared is looking to replace the whole system eventually, which may cost around $10,000. Security cameras are also up and working in and around the building. A new policy for postings to the outdoor display area has been initiated in order to focus on free local events and activities. Children’s computers are nearly up and running which include a new program called Cybrarian out of New York with more options and controls on the computers than the current system. Jared feels that the library will probably go with this program for all the computers in future ($700 for the whole library’s system vs $2000 for the current program). Earlene asked about a banned book policy at the library. Jared commented that there is a form to fill out to protest a book, which will go first to the director and then to staff and the board for review.

8. Book Maven report – Miriam called the Cortez jail to inquire into whether the jail would like books for the inmates, and she delivered two boxes. Additionally, Earlene Swann took two boxes to the Durango jail. There are currently lots of book donations. Kate Kearns’ historic books from her grandmother have been placed next to the in-library book sale shelf for sale. Miriam will be gone for five weeks, during which time Anne will take over book maven duties.

9. Old business

Half Marathon plans – October 15. Discussion of this issue will take place at next month’s board meeting, but the need for volunteers was brought up. Jared stated that the liquor license for the event is still $100. Laurie made out a check to the library for same.

10. New business

Amazon book sales – Anne stated that there was only one sale and the library paid the postage. A couple cancelled orders due to delays and serious out-of-country postage have been the only drawbacks so far to continuing the service.

Holiday book sale options – Artists Holiday event at Fenceline on a Sunday when the library is not open creates an issue for a Friends book sale, and Dec. 2nd activities starting at 5 pm on Friday also complicates matters. Discussion ensued as to maybe using the small meeting room a couple days or even moving back to the original area of the in-library book shelf (where the 3D printer now stands). More on this issue closer to the holidays.

Aside: Anne announced that the documentary on cowboys that was to occur at the Brewery has been postponed to April or May of next year. The documentary is to be a fundraiser for the library.

11. Adjourn – 4:40 p.m.

Next meeting: October 4, 2022 – Library Conference Room