GREENWICH FREE LIBRARY BOARD MEETING WED. OCT. 18, 2017
The meeting opened at 7:00 PM. Present: Annie Miller, Jim Nolan, Claudia Blackler, Chris Ruland, Paul Thurston, Teri Pendergrass, Audrey Fisher, Cliff Oliver, Naomi Meyer, Pat Isgro, Walter Grom, Sandy McReynolds and prospective honorary board member John Hedbring.
Minutes from Sept. Read and accepted.
The first topic was COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: We wanted to let John know what the library is about and what our Mission, Vision and Values are. A copy of this was given to John and examples of real life implementation of these goals were discussed. I think it was clear to all the board members just how far we have come over the last several years in meeting these goals.
Copies of our recently completed Strategic Plan for 2017-2022 was given out. Key priorities: Literacy Education, Preservation and Access to Local Historical Documents, Lifelong Learning, Community Engagement, and Facility Enhancement. These topics were briefly discussed.
FUNDRAISING: A draft copy of the annual appeal letter was circulated. We will meet early next month to sign the final copy of the letter. Pizza will be served.
EVENTS: John Kirk and Trish Miller program scheduled for Oct. 21st. Board members asked to come early and bake for sale during intermission. Water and soda available from last program. The library will be closed Friday Oct. 27th for safety training for staff.
GILL ROOM: The 5th Biannual Washington County History Fair on Sept. 30th was a success. The Gill Room, DAR, Greenwich Historian, and Greenwich Easton Historical Assoc. all teamed together to display artifacts and chat with attendees. Sandy and Walter are preparing a program THE GREAT WAR on November 11th sponsored by I.V.H. Gill Room and Willard’s Mt. Chapter DAR. They have requested an increase in their budget from $200 to $900. 2018. This will cover the cost of much needed archival materials. Total hours of volunteers 102.25 and patron use: 4.5 hours.
FRIENDS: $162.00 from monthly book sale.
BUILDING: We are still waiting for new book drop, bike rack and benches for the rear of the library. All heating and air conditioning units are installed and working. Oil tanks removed and old furnaces. New back door is ordered. Work still ongoing for drapes, chairs, and tables for
the community room. John has asked us to remove the Hedbring name from the community room.
FINANCES: An anonymous donor has guaranteed the funds for the 25% match required for the 2018 building grant. Past sponsors of the previous building expansion of 2000 will be included in the annual appeal donors list. An anonymous donor has agreed to match up to $10,000.00 dollar for dollar for this year’s annual appeal.
Treasurer’s report was reviewed, discussed and accepted.
MISC.: John Hedbring at the conclusion of the meeting accepted the position of Honorary Board Member.
Submitted by Claudia Blackler, Secretary