REGULAR MEETING Minor Memorial Library - ROXBURY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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ROXBURY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
REGULAR MEETING
Minor Memorial Library
March 14, 2022
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Cynthia Newby, Chair, called the meeting to order at 5:05 pm
Board of Directors Present: Cynthia Newby, Lynn Homberg, Pamela Southworth, Joan Stracks, Jeffrey
Bennett, Steven Meier, Alan Johnson, Ciara Gorglione
Friends of the Library: Elizabeth Mainolfi
Library Executive Director: Teresa Roxburgh
Representative from Bernstein Private Wealth Management: Erin Merlone
GUEST SPEAKERS
Erin Merlone of Bernstein Private Wealth Management presented her annual report on the state of the
library investments. She reported that last year was a “phenomenal year” for the library accounts, which
are balanced between stock and bond exposures. Although the general market is currently down 12%,
the library accounts were only down 6.5% through February due to the protection of bond investments.
When the market was more favorable 2 years ago, sufficient cash was raised for 2 years of expenses. As
a result, the library has been able to draw from interest on its accounts for expenses rather than
accessing its principal during more challenging economic times. Although Merlone predicts 12-18
months of volatility due to rising interest rates, inflation, and fallout from the pandemic, she feels that
the library’s portfolio of 60% national markets and 40% international markets remains valid. Both the
Minor Memorial Library stocks and the Hodge stocks follow this same formula.
Discussion about concerns that US Stocks were overpriced while European stocks are less expensive.
Merlone countered that European stocks were inexpensive for a reason. And suggested that Bernstein
might tighten up on European investments to represent a 65-70% equation favoring US Stocks. The oral
consensus was in favor of this move.
Cynthia Newby pointed out that the investments earn the library $40,000-$50,000 annually to cover
operating costs, allowing the library to use fundraising dollars to buy additional needed resources.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 14, 2022 minutes: Motion to approve the minutes by Ciara Gorglione; seconded by Pamela
Southworth; approved unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA REPORTS (attached)
Treasurer’s Report, Director’s Report
REGULAR ORAL REPORTS
Friends Report: Elizabeth Mainolfi
The board and the director all thanked the Friends for their donation of another computer to the library.
Teresa Roxburgh noted that the library now has all new computers for public use replacing 12-15 year
old computers formerly in place. Elizabeth Mainolfi noted that the Hodge Library book sale wasrescheduled from March 12 to March 19 due to weather. There was discussion about mutual
participation between town not-for-profits working together for scheduled events.
Art Show Exhibit Sales: Lynn Homberg
As of March 14, 2022 by Lynn Homberg: Georgette Miller Retrospective Exhibit to date, $3,075.00
total. The 20% commission earns the library $615.00 to date on the exhibit.
The next art exhibit will be Art in Motion by Gerry Sacks opening March 26.
ACTION AGENDA
STRATEGIC DISCUSSION
Pamela Southworth reported on the Board of Finance meeting attended with Cynthia Newby and Teresa
Roxburgh. The operating budget was not questioned, there were queries about funding for capital
items. These were answered and the library awaits a decision. Pamela Southworth mentioned that the
American Rescue Plan makes grants available to not-for-profits that might be explored for the library via
an application process. It was noted that significant capital improvements were recently accomplished
at the Hodge to improve interior and exterior lighting, etc.
OTHER BUSINESS
The sign-up sheet for Board members to represent the library at Friends of the Library meetings was
completed. In addition to the members whose names were already on the calendar (attached) Alan
Johnson will attend the September 26 meeting and Jeffrey Bennett will attend the October 24 meeting,
both at 5:30 PM. Their names were added to the calendar. All Board members were invited to the June
27 meeting.
Cynthia Newby suggested that a donation should be sent to the regional hospice in memory of Cindee
Hopkins’ mother; all agreed.
It was noted that there is no April Board meeting and the next meeting is scheduled for May 9, 2022.
ADJOURNMENT
Call for a motion to adjourn by Cynthia Newby, motion made by Joan Stracks, seconded by Lynn
Homberg, and the meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote at 5:35 pm.
These minutes are not considered official until approved at the next meeting of the Roxbury Public Library Board
of Directors.Minor Memorial Library
Director’s Report
February 2022
Collection:
- We added a full collection of the Arthur Miller Journal courtesy of the Arthur Miller
Society
- The Friends of the Library asked me to investigate a subscription for our patrons to
Mango Languages. I’m in contact with them and have asked Bibliomation if they would
be able to arrange a consortial discount. I’m also looking into Hoopla for downloadable
books and audiobooks.
Collection as of March 1, 2022
Adult Fiction 10608
Personnel/Volunteers:
Adult Non-fiction 9512 - The new position of “Technical Reference and
Reference 675 Youth Programmer” has been posted as of March 2nd
Junior Fiction 6311 and will stay open for applications until March 22nd.
- I’d like to officially thank Muffy Munson, Roxane
Junior Non-fiction 4722 Lee, and Sarah Griswold for being so helpful over the
YOUNG ADULT 933 last several months. They have all been flexible with their
Video/DVD 3458 schedules and filled in all of our open shifts. They’ve also
1058 been working hard helping with various tasks around the
Audio books
library, from cataloging new materials to prepping
Music cds 1130 storytime crafts.
Museum Passes 31 - I’d also like to thank our volunteer Connie Eaton for
Stacks 25 her assistance with our children’s book orders, giving me
some tips and ideas for Storytimes and programs, and
Equipment 2
being helpful in so many ways. Her contributions to our
children’s library have been significant and very much
TOTAL COLLECTION 38465 appreciated.
Meetings/Workshops:
- On the 9th and 16th I attended meetings for the Arthur Miller Writing Studio. That group is
working on the final stages of their “Case for Support” which will be used to gauge
interest and fundraising potential.
- On the 15th I met with Elliott Davis over at Mine Hill Distillery to talk about possible ways
to collaborate on programs. I think we’ll be able to work together on some fun events in
the coming months.
- Also on the 15th I attended the Board of Finance meeting with Pam and Cynthia. The
group did not have many questions regarding our operating budget, but there were some
questions on the capital items which we were able to answer.
- On the 24th I attended the Bibliomation Board meeting. Topics of conversations were
some changes to their staff, current Strategic Plan process, and some upgrades to our
Evergreen (ILS) system.
Bibliomation/Automation/Tech:
- I was able to use the remaining ARPA grant funds to purchase a new computer for
public use. Those two public use PCs are the last ones in the library to be replaces. The
Friends of the Library have also generously agreed to fund the purchase of a second
public use PC so we’ll be 100% complete with all new computers!!Adult Services and Programming:
- Our two book groups met in February. Hopefully the last of the virtual book discussions
for the foreseeable future.
- Isabel hosted a Zoom talk on Cryptocurrency. It was very well attended and is viewable
on our youtube page.
Children’s Services:
- We have a new StoryWalk on Joey’s Trail about Animal Homes. There is a checklist of
homes to look for along the trail as they follow the story.
- I have been putting together take-home storytime kits using multiple copies of the same
book from the state library. Each kit comes with the book, a couple of crafts, and coloring
pages. They have been well received so far.
- I will be hosting storytime on alternating weeks starting in March.
- I have started planning our 2022 summer reading program. The title is “Read Beyond
the Beaten Path” and has a summer camp theme. I’m working with the Land Trust on
some collaborative programs.
- I have reached out to the Conservation Commission to do a program together for Earth
Day.
- I’ve also reached out the Senior Center to try to put together an inter-generational after
school cooking program. If the Friends of the Senior Center agree, we’ll have the
program in May and if it’s successful try to have it throughout the school year next year.
We’re also looking into ASL classes for all ages.
Publicity:
- Georgette’s Art show had good coverage in the local papers. The image she provided of
one of her painting was an eye-catching addition.
- Cryptocurrency also was well publicized. We had attendees from many different towns.
Building and Grounds
- George Green finished installing our two new AC units so we’ll be ready for the summer.
The process started in September, but supply issues made it take a while.
I’ve asked them about working on two more units this year.
Hodge
- I finally had the well water officially tested (I had done a DIY test already). The water
has been deemed safe for drinking but the uranium level is slightly high.
January 2022 February 2022
Total Circulation 1404 Total Circulation 1352
Reference Questions 201 Reference Questions 94
Visitors 990 Visitors 1045
ILL Borrowed 160 ILL Borrowed 139
ILL Lent 151 ILL Lent 157
Volunteer Hours 17 Volunteer Hours 31
Programs: Programs:
Adult –3 pgms, 74 ppl Adult –3 pgms, 107 ppl
Junior – 1 pgms, 24 ppl Junior – 1 pgms, 35 pplFriends of the Library
Mondays at 5:30pm in the Library
January 24 Lynn
February 28 Cynthia
March 28 Joan
April 25 Cynthia
May 23 Steve
June 27
August 22 Kathleen
September 26
October 24
November 28 PamTREASURER'S REPORT Meeting: March 14, 2022 Statement as of February 28, 2022 HODGE Hodge Checking Account $6,646 Hodge Savings/Endowment (S. Bernstein Account) $426,777 TOTAL $433,423 MINOR *Minor Checking Account $78,193 Minor Savings/Endowment (S. Bernstein Account) $744,285 TOTAL $822,478 TOTAL BERNSTEIN SAVINGS/ENDOWMENT $1,171,062 LIBRARY GRAND TOTAL $1,255,901 *Note: Contemplation Garden funds have been consumed. Walkway Fund is included in the Minor Checking account but will continue to be tracked separately. The standalone checking account for these funds was closed due to bank fees. Respectfully Submitted, Pam Southworth
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