Burlington Library Association

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Burlington Library Association
December 13, 2017  

1.  The meeting was called to order at 1:30 PM by Pat Miller. Present were members Len Berton, Marie Spratlin Hasskarl, Sandy Hierl, Mary Ann Labadia, Sanford Mazeau, Pat Miller, Nancy Monahan, Georgia Riberdy, Jonathan Schwartz, Pat Small, Kristen Williams, Nancy Winter.

2.  Correspondence
        2a.    None.  

3.  Acceptance of November 2017 Minutes.  
        3a.    Motion to accept the November minutes by Pat Small, second by Nancy Monahan. Vote was unanimous.

4.  Treasurer’s Report.
        4a.  Budget spreadsheet submitted by Sandy Mazeau.   
        4b.    Status of income vs. expenses.
        4c.    2018 budget – town budgets will have a 0% increase for the next year.   
        4b.    Motion to accept the treasurer’s report by Pat Small, second by Georgia, vote was unanimous.  

5.  Library Board and Directors Report
        5a.   Sandy Hierl:  Discussion about memorial for Bob Merriman. 
        5b.    Marie Spratlin Hasskarl:  Update on construction.   

6.  Library Grand Re-Opening
        6a.  Volunteers needed. 
        6b.  Suggestions for party. The grand reopening will be on January 21, snow date January 28.  Marie expects that it will cost         about $1,500.00 of BLA funds.  Motion to spend the money for the party/fundraiser made by Jonathan Schwartz, second by Len Berton, vote was unanimous.

 7.  New Business
       7a.    Possibly joining  other town non-profits in the charity chili cookoff.  
        7b.    Marie is requesting funds for a locking cupboard for the office. This will be taken from funds the BLA has set aside to purchase furniture for the library.
        7c.     Marie would like some more ‘Cat’s Meow’s to sell.    

Meeting adjourned at 3:14 pm.

Jonathan Schwartz, Secretary

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Burlington Library Association
November 8, 2017

1. The meeting was called to order at 1:30 PM by Pat Miller. Present were members Len Berton, Bill Butler, Marie Spratlin Hasskarl, Sandy Hierl, Mary Ann Labadia, Sanford Mazeau, Pat Miller, Nancy Monahan, Jonathan Schwartz, Pat Small, Kristen Williams, guests Mary Peterson, Paul Popovitch, Anne Walluk.

2. Mary Peterson: discussion concerning an event/memorial for great uncle Bob Merriman's 100th birthday on July 31. Suggestions include a granite bench outside the Community Room, some sort of event at the BLA annual meeting.

3. Presentation about fundraising by Paul Popovich. Discussed SHOP.COM, a multi-level marketing program. Shopping through SHOP.COM results in a donation to the library.

4. Kristen: update on FaceBook: Currently we have 175 followers, 88 of whom live in Burlington. Kristen submitted a report with data concerning age, location, and timing of people reached, as well as suggestions for increasing engagement.

5. Correspondence
5a. None.

6. Acceptance of October 11, 2017 Minutes.
6a. Corrections: Kristen Williams was not in attendance. Typo in 8a. Spelling Tamara.
6b. Motion to accept the October 11 minutes as corrected by Len, second by Pat. Pat Miller & Kristen & Sandy Hierl abstained, all else voted in favor.

7. Treasurer's Report.
7a. Budget spreadsheet submitted by Sandy Mazeau.
7b. Motion to accept the treasurer's report by Nancy Monahan, second by Sandy Hierl, unanimous.

8. Library Board and Directors Report
8a. Marie Spratlin Hasskarl: Update on work on library. Marie suggests January 6 for grand re-opening party with a snow date of January 13 and is asking for a committee to arrange it.

9. New Business
9a. Suggestion from Jonathan Schwartz that the new building be named the 'Burlington Public Library and Community Center' to more accurately reflect the value of the building to the community.

Meeting adjourned at 3:20 pm.

Jonathan Schwartz, Secretary

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Burlington Library Association
October 11, 2017

1. The meeting was called to order at 1:34 PM by Len Berton. Present were members Marie Spratlin Hasskarl, Mary Ann Labadia, Nancy Monahan, Georgia Riberdy, Jon Schwartz, Pat Small, Nancy Winter.

2. Correspondence
2a. None

3. Acceptance of September 13, 2017 Minutes.
3a. Motion to accept the September 13 minutes by Pat Small, second by Nancy Monahan, vote unanimous.

4. Treasurer's Report.
4a. Budget spreadsheet submitted by Sandy Mazeau. This year fundraising is higher than last year by about $5,000.
4b. Motion to accept the treasurer's report by Jon Schwartz, second by Georgia, unanimous.

5. Library Board and Directors Report
5a. Marie Spratlin Hasskarl:
. Paul Popovitch, local resident, wishes to speak to the BLA about sustainable fundraising. He will be invited to the November meeting.
. Mary Peterson wants to do an event or create a memorial for Bob Merriman's 100th birthday.
. Childrens' and Teens' sides of library are ready for shelving and books.
. Library is doing "Meet the Candidates" at the High School on 10/23.

6. Tavern Day Report
6a. Mary Ann Labadia reports that Tavern Day activities were successful. The "memory jars" attracted favorable attention.

7. Fundraising
7a. Marie reports that the "wall signing" campaign has brought in about $6,000 so far.

8. Old Business
8a. Ann Mazeau Recognition - Nancy Winter reports that she has ordered a plaque similar to Ann Walluk's plaque for $1,200. Tamara was pleased with a bouquet given to her.
8b. Library Grand re-opening: suggestions for party, ceremony planned? Date to be determined at next meeting.
8c. Insurance policies - Pat Small reports they have been renewed and are paid up through October 2018.

9. New Business
9a. None

Meeting adjourned at 2:05 pm.

Jonathan Schwartz, Secretary

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Burlington Library Association
September 13, 2017

1. The meeting was called to order at 1:30 PM by Pat Miller. Present were members Len Berton, Bill Butler, Marie Spratlin Hasskarl, Sandy Hierl, Ed Krewalk, Mary Ann Labadia, Sanford Mazeau, Pat Miller, Nancy Monahan, Georgia Riberdy, Jonathan Schwartz, Pat Small, Kristen Williams, Nancy Winter, guest Cathy Rowe. Absent: Liane Walker.

2. Correspondence
2a. From Anne Walluk: She is State statutory agent, and we need to change it.
2b. From Anne Walluk: Request for volunteers to remove BLA signs, etc from her house before November 1 -
2c. Renewals: Friends Of Connecticut Libraries - done; 2 insurance policies -

3. Acceptance of April 12, 2017 Minutes and July 19, 2017 Minutes as corrected.
3a. Motion to accept the April 12 minutes by Sandy Hierl, second by Georgia Riberdy, vote unanimous.
3b. Motion to accept the July 19 minutes as corrected by Jonathan Schwartz, second by Georgia Riberdy, vote unanimous.

4. Treasurer's Report.
4a. Budget spreadsheet presented by Sandy Mazeau. Discussion re whether all donations make the donor a member.
4b. Motion to accept the treasurer's report by Pat Small, second by Nancy Winter, unanimous.

5. Library Board and Directors Report
5a. Marie Spratlin Hasskarl: Preparing to close the library for 2+ weeks for renovation. There is a sign where donors can add
their name. Books need not be returned if due, until after the library reopens. Three staff members have left at the end of the summer.
5b. Sandy Hierl: Board voted to name the new community room as the Anne Walluk room, and the history room after Ann Mazeau. The community room will be open before and after regular library hours. Board is setting policies for use of space in library.

6. Tavern Day - Volunteers needed!!
6a. Need more volunteers. Mary Ann Labadia reports that the library will have available "memory jars" with ribbons, stickers, etc. Children will label the jar and take it home to fill.

7. Fundraising
7a. Brief overview of campaign. Concern that fundraising forms have not been received in mail. An email will be sent out immediately for the wall and canopy signing campaigns.

8. New Business
8a. Recognition of Ann Mazeau's efforts in the history room. Nancy Winter will purchase a plaque.
8b. Library Grand re-opening: suggestions for party.

Meeting adjourned at 3:21 pm.

Jonathan Schwartz, Secretary

Minutes of the Special Meeting
July 19, 2017

1. The meeting was called to order at 2:40 PM by Pat Miller. Present were members Len Berton, Bill Butler, Georgia Riberdy, Ed Krewalk, Marie Spratlin Hasskarl, Nancy Winter, Pat Small, Sanford Mazeau, Sandy Hierl, Nancy Monahan, Guest Elle Parente

2. Determination of the distribution of $50,000 pledged and future funds for the capital campaign
2a. Proposal presented; a list of items to be purchased with the $50,000 was presented.
Motion to accept the proposed list made by Pat Small, seconded by Ed Krewalk 
Discussion: Marie presented a list of items totaling $50,000. Nancy Winter proposed that the money be given to the town so that Marie could decide how to spend it. Vote: Failed; tied vote

2b. A motion was made by Pat Small that the $50,000 be given to the town and spent at Marie's discretion.
Motion amended by Sandy Mazeau, adding that a spreadsheet with the distributions would be provided by Elle after the funds were spent. Seconded, Bill Butler. Passed, unanimous.

2c. Discussion of the designated funds available. A motion was made by Pat Small authorizing the distribution of the designated funds not to exceed $17,000. Seconded, Bill Butler Vote: Passed, unanimous.
Questions concerning memorial donations need to be resolved before determining a final amount.
- Nancy W will determine how the memorial donations for her mother will be spent.
- Marie will contact the Purcell family concerning the Marie Purcell memorial donations
- Pat M will forward copies of the Main Street letter concerning the garden/patio/Bob Merriman donation

3. Review of cash balance.
3a.Bill Butler made a motion that we authorize Len Berton and Sandy Mazeau to decide the specifics of how the funding will be accomplished. Seconded by Pat Small Vote: Passed, unanimous.

4. Discussion of fund raising strategies.
4a. Bill made a motion that the fund raising committee have a simple plaque on the wall recognizing 3 levels of donations; the donation levels and type of plaque to be determined by the committee. Seconded, Sandy Mazeau Voted. Passed, unanimous.

4b. Discussion of e-brochure vs. direct mail.

4c. Discussion of donations for signing columns before sheetrock is completed; preview of construction for donors.

5. New Business
5a. None

Meeting adjourned. 4:20

Patricia L. Miller, President

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Burlington Library Association
April 12, 2017

1. The meeting was called to order at 1:30 PM by Pat Miller. Present were members Len Berton, Bill Butler, Marie Spratlin Hasskarl, Sanford Mazeau, Pat Miller, Nancy Monahan, Georgia Riberdy, Jonathan Schwartz, Kristen Williams guest Children's Librarian Laurie Meheran.

2. Correspondence
2a. None

3. Acceptance of March 8, 2017 Minutes as corrected.
3a. Motion to accept the minutes by Georgia, second by Bill, vote unanimous.

4. Treasurer's Report.
4a. Budget spreadsheet presented by Sandy Mazeau.
4b. We have received an additional $200 from the Land Trust.
4c. Motion to accept the treasurer's report by Georgia, second by Nancy Monahan, unanimous.

5. Library Board and Directors Report
5a The field trailer is on site, and another trailer will be arriving for use by the library staff during construction. Dwight Harris is providing space on his property for the trailers.
5b. Marie described the phases of construction. It is estimated that groundbreaking will be on April 24 and construction will be complete by the end of October.

6. Membership
6a. We have received a lot of response from the mailing. Sandy will process the checks and report.

7. Annual Meeting
7a. Annual meeting will be held May 19 at 7:30pm. The meeting will be held at the Elton Tavern.
7b. Sandy Mazeau will be presenting the budget. Len will present the change to the by-laws. Marie will present the building plans.

8. Fundraising
8a. Discussion with Laurie Meheran about raising funds for the renovated children's room. Possibility of sending home flyer with school children, asking for larger donations with recognition plaques. Or rather than a plaque, take photo of kid giving money and put it on a monitor or a poster.
8b. Capital Fund letter: Discussion of plaques, and the increasing need for room for them if we continue. Decided that plaques are not desired.
8c. Discussed directed fundraisers for specific needs.
8d. Programs for fundraising: miniature golf in the library, etc.
8e. Have a grand opening party for capital donors only?

9. Old Business
9a. The new web site will be developed in October.
9b. The schoolhouse sign has been designed and is being constructed.

10. New Business
10a. None

Meeting adjourned at 3:10 pm.

Jonathan Schwartz, Secretary

March 8, 2017

1. The meeting was called to order at 1:30 PM by Pat Miller. Present were members Len Berton, Bill Butler, Marie Spratlin Hasskarl, Sandy Hierl, Ed Krewalk, Mary Ann Labadia, Sanford Mazeau, Pat Miller, Georgia Riberdy, Jonathan Schwartz, Pat Small, Kristen Williams.

2. Correspondence
2a. Letter from Main Street Foundation to acknowledge our receipt of $800.
2b. Announcement of meeting of Regional Friends in Farmington on March 21.

3. Acceptance of February 8, 2017 Minutes as corrected.
3a. Motion to accept the minutes by Georgia, second by Sandy Hierl, unanimous.

4. Treasurer's Report.
4a. Budget spreadsheet presented by Sandy Mazeau.
4e. Motion to accept the treasurer's report by Georgia, second by Kristen, unanimous.

5. Library Board and Directors Report
5a. Working on the summer reading program.
5b. Downs construction has accepted bids from subcontractors for the renovations and is reviewing them.

6. Review of Bylaws
6a. Having reviewed the revised bylaws, motion to approve by Mary Ann Labadia, second by Sandy Mazeau,
vote was unanimous.

7. Membership
7a. A letter will be sent by Pat Miller for the annual membership renewal drive.
7b. The annual meeting will be held on Friday, May 19 at 6:30 PM. Location to be determined.

8. Fundraising
8a. Capital campaign. General discussion of how to proceed.

9. Old Business
9a. Review of insurance coverage for Directors.

10. New Business
10a. None.

Meeting adjourned at 2:55 pm.

Jonathan Schwartz, Secretary

February 8, 2017
1. The meeting was called to order at 1:30 PM by Pat Miller. Present were members Len Berton, Marie Spratlin Hasskarl, Sandy
Hierl, Ed Krewalk, Sanford Mazeau, Pat Miller, Georgia Riberdy, Jonathan Schwartz, Pat Small.
2. Correspondence
2a. Letter from Marie thanking the BLA for financial assistance with the new website.
2b. Advertisement for a “Declutter Your Life” program.
3. Acceptance of January 11, 2017 Minutes as corrected.
3a. Motion to accept the minutes by Georgia, second by Sandy Hierl, unanimous.
4. Treasurer’s Report.
4a. Sandy Mazeau presented a spreadsheet listing assets totaling $134,555.93 and approved expenditures of
$72,060.00.
4b. Sandy presented a spreadsheet with the proposed 2017 budget. Given the upcoming renovation of the library,
expenditures are not known exactly.
4c. Capital campaign letter would be sent out after the final building estimate is received.
4d. Main Street wants to know if we want the annual distribution of $800. Motion by Pat Small, second by Georgia,
unanimous to accept the money.
4e. Motion to accept the treasurer’s report by Pat Small, second by Sandy Hierl, unanimous.
5. Library Board and Directors Report
5a. Blog has been updated with a map of the proposed renovations.
5b. State budget means that the State will be providing less money to Burlington, which will mean less money to the
library.
5c. Library is considering receiving mail here instead of at the post office.
5d. Summer programs: Laurie Meheran reports that we have received 2 months of donated gymnastics classes and a
free month of children’s art programs in 2017. Theme this summer is “Build a Better World” for all ages. Intent
is to involve children in raising additional funds for the renovation while earning prizes for reading. Requests
that the BLA investigate having a paypal reader available during events for immediate donations, and also the
option for repeating donations (monthly/yearly). Set a goal with a “thermometer” showing amount raised.
6. Membership
6a. Members seem to like changing to “$25, $50, $100, other” donation levels, without labels plus a “life”
membership at $300. Motion by Pat Small for new envelopes and website membership page without membership
levels other than “life” and suggested donations of $25, $50, $100, and other, with $300 for life. All donations
result in becoming a member. Second by Sandy Hierl.
6b. Pat Miller wants to clean up the donation envelopes by removing donation categories. BLA members suggest
that people may want to designate use of donations. Perhaps “Please use my donation for: Greatest Need__, or
Specifically for ____”.
6c. Annual meeting must be published at least 5 days in advance. This can be accomplished by posting a notice on
the BLA website and Facebook page.
7. Review of Bylaws
7a. Made a final review of suggested modifications and will make a decision at the March meeting.
8. Fundraising
8a. No action.
9. Old Business
9a. None.
10. New Business
10a. Tavern day planning meeting is February 22
Meeting adjourned at 3:27 pm.
Jonathan Schwartz, Secretary

January 11, 2017

November 9, 2016

1. The meeting was called to order at 1:30 PM by Pat Miller. Present were members Len Berton, Bill Butler, Marie Spratlin Hasskarl, Sandy Hierl, Mary Ann Labadia, Pat Miller, Nancy Monahan, Georgia Riberdy, Jonathan Schwartz, Anne Walluk, Nancy Winter, guest Kristin Williams

2. Correspondence
a. None.

3. Acceptance of Minutes
a. Motion to accept of September 14, 2016 minutes as corrected by Sandy Hierl, second by Nancy Winter, unanimous.
b. Review of October notes, no quorum.

4. Treasurer's Report
a. Treasurer Sandy Mazeau not present.
b. Total income is $1,472 over last year at this time.
c. $300 has been received and added to Children's Program designated fund.
d. Added one new life member.
e. Deposited $675 from the food sale and added to Bake Sale income.
f. Total donors to date are 131 vs. 197 at year end 2015.
g. Vanguard Funds have earned 5.22% so far.
h. Motion to approve the report by Bill Butler, second by Nancy Monahan, vote unanimous.

5. Library Board and Director's Report
a. Fundraising for TAC, discussed insurance for selling items off library grounds.
b. Met with Burlington Community Fund for funding for new website. Additional funding might come from community businesses.
c. Expansion is still in review for code compliance. April 1st is still expected to be groundbreaking.

6. Fund Raising
a. Sue Grant: One Dish Wonder Sale brought in $675. Sue's expenses were $157.64. Forty-four casseroles were donated by 27 persons and all items were sold at $15 each. Sue recommends scheduling on same day as children's program.
b. Giving Tuesday, November 29. How to contact members. Post on social media. Pat Miller is going through the process of registering. Discussion of using BLA web site to make donations using PayPal.

7. Membership
a. Problem of getting new members and keeping track of them. Motion to donate honorary life membership to Alice Taricani and Delores Ravenscroft by Sandy Hierl for services to the library, second by Mary Ann Labadia, vote unanimous.

8. Review of Bylaws
a. Include (dba Friends of the Library). Property should refer to "use and management of its physical and intellectual property". Reduce number of mandatory meetings to only one per year. Reduce number of signatures for large checks.

9. Old Business
a. None

10. New Business
a. None

Meeting adjourned at 3:25 pm.

Jonathan Schwartz, Secretary

MINUTES OCTOBER 12, 2016

THERE WAS NOT A QUORUM PRESENT, SO NO OFFICIAL BUSINESS WAS CONDUCTED

CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 1:34 by President Pat Miller. At that time it was noted we did not have a quorum present and could not conduct any official business.

MEMBERSHIP: FOCL November 19 fall meeting topic: Growing Your Membership. Pat Miller and Georgia to attend. Let Pat know if you are interested in joining them.

REVIEW OF BYLAWS: Some changes were suggested to Len’s proposal. He will make changes and send out a revised proposal.

TAVERN DAY: Mary Ann reported that the day went well. $24 was raised from the sale of books, and more than 70 magnets were made. She had some suggestions for future events including having better signage with times of performances, more highlighting of BLA, and bags for the crafts. She thanked all volunteers.

ONE DISH WONDER: Sue Grant reported on progress. She ordered pans and bags, made labels, and instruction sheets, and has those and sign up sheets by the front desk. She has volunteers for both set up and coverage on Saturday. If anyone else would like to help set up 11/4 2-4, or at the sale 11/5 beginning at 9 a.m., let Sue or Pat Miller know.

MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 3:15

Submitted by Sandy Hierl

September 14, 2016

1. The meeting was called to order at 1:35 PM by Pat Miller. Present were members Len Berton, Bill Butler, Marie Spratlin Hasskarl, Sandy Hierl, Ed Krewalk, Mary Ann Labadia, Sanford Mazeau, Pat Miller, Georgia Riberdy, Jonathan Schwartz, Pat Small, guest Sue Grant
2. Correspondence
News of Southington library.
3. Acceptance of August 10, 2016 Minutes
Motion by Pat Small to approve, second by Georgia, vote unanimous.
4. Treasurer's Report
Donations have increased this year.
Motion to approve Treasurer's Report by Sandy Hierl, second Mary Ann Labadia, vote unanimous.
5. Library Board and Director's Report
Marie will be at Tavern Day with other volunteers. Anticipated date to start construction will be in the
spring. Marie has created applications for support from Main Street and other foundations. TAC
members have been very active this summer, and have submitted suggestions for the teen room of the
new library.
6. Review of Bylaws
Sandy Mazeau reports that a group has met with Main Street about what might happen should the
Friends disband. Subject to review by their lawyers, Main Street could take over the funds, with the understanding that the money would be turned over should a new Friends group be formed. Bylaws need to be modified to allow flexibility with meetings and to allow for a satisfactory handling of the money should the BLA cease to exist. Members are requested to review the bylaws to discuss at October meeting.
7. Membership
Problem of getting new members and keeping track of them.
8. Fund Raising
Pat Miller suggests sending out a letter once construction starts. Ground-breaking ceremony can
provide an opportunity for publicity and fund-raising. Volunteers wanted for a fund-raising committee
to come up with ways to cover the costs not included in the renovation. Possible "Love Your Library" day in
February
9. Old Business
a. Tavern Day
Mary Ann reports progressing well. BLA will be in front of the Center Schoolhouse.
b. Casserole sale
Sue Grant will be in charge of the one-dish casserole sale on November 5. She is hoping for 70
donations. Needs volunteers, coolers, cold packs, and would like to have a flyer for Tavern Day
c. School house sign
No action to report.
10. New Business
None
Meeting adjourned at 3:22 pm.

Jonathan Schwartz, Secretary

AUGUST 10, 2016

Call to order: 1:30 p.m. Len Berton, Vice-President

Attendance: Anne Walluk, Len Berton, Marie Spratlin Hasskarl, Sandy Mazeau, Pat Miller, Pat Small, Ed Krewalk, Nancy Monahan, Bill Butler, Georgia Riberdy, Mary Ann Labadia

Election of Officers: Slate: Pat Miller, President, Len Berton, Vice-President, Sanford Mazeau, Treasurer; Jon Schwartz, Secretary. A motion to approve the new slate of officers was made by Pat Small and 2nd by Anne Walluk. Approved.
Following the election, Pat chaired the remainder of the meeting.

Secretary's Minutes: A motion to approve the April, 20, 2016 minutes was made by Pat Small and 2nd by Ed Krewalk. Approved.

Treasurer: Names have been changed at the Torrington Savings Bank to reflect the new officers. Miller, Berton and Winter are now approved as check signers. Donations envelopes to go in BLA mail box. Liane Walker to send thank you letters for donations. Sandy reviewed the budget and a motion to approve the budget by Nancy Monahan and 2nd by Pat Small. Approved.

Webmaster: One-hour signup slots for Tavern Day for BLA in front of the schoolhouse are set up on Sign-Up Genius. Berton will send link to the Board requesting signups.

Director's report: Two new Jr. Library Assistants have been hired and will be splitting the hours. The plan for a basement in the new addition has been dropped, however, there will still be 2 exits out of the present basement. There was a discussion regarding a new library web-site, one that will be user friendly for the staff. The town hall is having a new web-site built but it cannot fit the needs of the Library. Would a Main St. grant cover the $6,000.00 needed? Who would maintain the website? Lots of questions for now. A wish was made for a new service desk in the new addition and a discussion ensued, Bill Butler suggesting that the friends could make that a goal for our fund raising or using one of our funds could pay for it.

Old Business: Red School House: Pat Small talked about the school house having a new door, windows and new locks. Tavern Day: This is scheduled on September 18th from 10:00 to 4:00, which is 1 week later than previous years. Signup will be for 1 hour shifts. There will be a Friends of the Library table with a signup sheet for email addresses. A craft, make a word with scrabble tiles on a magnetic strip. Free bookmarks and newsletters. Mary Ann Labadia is liaison person.

New Business: Pat Miller proposed three goals: 1.) We need to recruit new members. 2.) Change and improve some of the bylaws. 3.) Form a committee to create new ideas for fundraising.
Regarding the Bylaws: do we want to continue to have 8 meetings a year? The bylaws now read that a member must not miss 3 consecutive meetings without a reasonable excuse. May the board make changes via email? Have new officers begin their terms starting August 1st? Everyone should read the bylaws on the website and report on changes you wish to propose for the next meeting. In October or November there will be a casserole table, and volunteers are needed. The Board of Directors directory will be updated by Len and everyone will receive a copy.

Next meeting will be September 14th at 1:30.

Nancy Monahan,
Substitute Secretary for Jon Schwartz

MEETING April 20, 2016

Call to order: 1:40 p.m. Ann Walluk, President

Attendance: Anne Walluk, Len Berton, Marie Spratlin Hasskarl, Sandy Mazeau, Pat Miller, Pat Small, Ed Krewalk, Nancy Winter, Nancy Monahan, Bill Butler.

Correspondence: Books for Babies, $175 Program ordered from United for Libraries.

Secretary: A motion to approve the March, 2016 minutes was approved as amended by Len Berton and seconded by Pat Small.

Treasurer: Discussion about the Parker Trust being on the Proposed Resolutions. Sandy to remove for the time being. State Tax was filed. Budget was approved by Nancy Winter's motion, seconded by Pat Miller.
   A discussion was held regarding the bulk mailing permit at the post office in Farmington, renewing it, or using the New Hartford printer's permit. It was decided to continue with the post office as we don't know the future of the printing company.

Webmaster: Notice of the Annual Meeting will be on the BLA and library websites and on Facebook.

Library Board and Director's report: June 15th is the projected start date with Downes Construction Company for the expansion. Nothing is definite.
   Budget Requests: Requests increased from 19 to 24 hours for the teen director and the custodian from 10 to 20 hours from the town budget.
   Exercise is the theme for the Summer Program. Discussion for a sign for a traveling program was put on hold for the time being.
   Discussion regarding ancestry.com continuing. Cost is $1050 per year, possibility that we might be able to draw from the History Room budget to defray part of the cost.
   Connecticut State Library Connection is changing to allow no more than 5 holds at a time.

Old Business: Pat Small talked about the expense for the sign for the school house. There will be a plate with lettering to hang on posts already there at the school.

  After discussion, Bill Butler made a motion to keep the meeting time as is due to conflicts with driving at night and other obligations. Sandy Mazeau seconded and it passed.

The Annual Meeting is May 20, 2016. Ed Krewalk is in charge of refreshments. The Board is to meet at 6:30 p.m. and there is no program, so a social will be first followed by a short meeting.

New Business: A discussion was held about requesting a wish list on Library needs for the new expansion. Pat Miller and Pat Small will draft a letter before the annual meeting to the Library Board asking that they create a wish list so that we can respond with what items we can purchase for the project.
   Anne Walluk announced her retirement as president of the Friends and from the Board, and read the attached letter. We thank her for all her efforts all these years and appreciate what she has done for the organization and the library. However, that does mean that we have the presidency open, and if no one comes forward, the Friends of the Library may have to be disbanded.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:05 pm.
Nancy Monahan
Acting secretary

March 9, 2016

A. Call to order by Len Berton. Welcome visitor Kristen Williams. Present were members Len Berton, Marie Spratlin-Hasskarl, Sandy Hierl, Sandy Mazeau, Pat Miller, Pat Small, Ed Krewalk, Liane Walker, Mary Ann Labadia. Absent: Bill Butler, Nancy Winter, Nancy Monahan, Anne Walluk, Jonathan Schwartz

B. Correspondence
Thank You note received from the late Marie Purcell's family
Thank You email from Nancy Winter was forwarded to the board last week

C. Corrections and Approval of Secretary's Minutes of February 10, 2016
Motion to accept minutes by Pat Miller, second by Sandy Hierl. Vote unanimous.

D. Treasurer's Report: Sandy Mazeau
D1. An anonymous donation was made of $5,500 for children's books.
D2. $955 has been received in memory of Marie Purcell.
D3. $7,500 is estimate of a reasonable amount to put in the 2016 final budget for spending from the various designated funds we currently hold.
D4. Discussion on the use of Parker Trust for outdoor patio.
D5. It was decided that Main Street's $580 distribution will be taken and put into the general budget. Motion by Pat Small, second by Pat Miller. Approved.
D6. Motion by Sandy Hierl, second by Pat Miller to accept treasurer's report

E. Library Board and Directors report - Marie S.
E1. The Downes Construction Company has been selected as Construction Manager for Library Building. Breaking ground possible in May.
E2. Budget request includes 3 more staff members, increase in Sara's hours and $40,000 for books.
E3. Marie discussed the proposed cuts to the state budget which could affect the CED/Internet/Fiber Optic costs received from the state. Marie will check into connecting with Fiber Optic plan used elsewhere in town, and also Comcast as a possible provider.
E4. $1815 from Friends is supporting the Summer Reading Programs. March and April Calendar for Library Programs are available.
E5. Artist Karen Rossi has volunteered to make Alphabet Tiles with residents for possible use on Patio stairs. Discussion to use this as a Fund Raiser.

F. Old Business
F1. Annual Meeting will be held in Library, May, 20, 2016 at 7:00. The Tavern is the second option depending on building schedule. Annual Meeting food/drink will be chaired by Ed Krewalk. Plans for Library and status report will be presented.
F2. Pat Small received town approval for replacing the Red School House sign.
Discussion, using Pat's drawing of size and placement of sign, on Historical importance of Schoolhouse as well as cost, lettering, and labor discussed.
Unanimous vote approved on the sign idea and placement and to spend up to the amount in the budget.
F3. Increasing membership in BLA discussed.
Ideas include:
Have signs/stickers/posters at events in library stating this activity was "sponsored/purchased by Friends/YOU".
"Magazines paid for by Friends" on BL website.
Change button from DONATE to JOIN Friends on Facebook. Personalize, show and educate activities Friends offer using Facebook. Kristen W. and Marie S. will work on Facebook ideas.

F4. Online Book Sales
Len will email board the update on sales.

G. New Business
G1. Nominating Committee: Mary Ann: Good News...Pat Miller, Jonathan Schwartz, Liane Walker and Sandy Hierl will renew their 3 year terms. Jon will continue as Secretary and Len will be willing to accept Vice-President nomination. We need a nominee for the President's office which is a 2 year term. Anne has offered to co-chair. Please consider this office.
G2. Time Change - Discussion about whether BLA meetings should be held at 7:00 pm to encourage others to join, especially working people or parents. Deferred to next meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 3:35.

M.A. Labadia, acting secretary

Jonathan Schwartz, Secretary