Present:  Robert Dilts, Alice Winn, Lisa Perrault, Michele O’Brien, Lee Ann Podruch, Nora von Stange, Kip Roberson

 

The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m.

 

 

            The minutes of the April 14, 2009 Trustee’s meeting were reviewed.  Alice Winn moved to approve the minutes as presented, Michele O’Brien seconded the motion, and the minutes were approved by vote of the Trustees.

 

 

            The financial reports for the period ending April 30, 2009 were reviewed.  Lisa Perrault reported that she will close the books for the current fiscal year and noted that signature cards for the accounts will have to be changed when she leaves the board.   

 

 

            Kip Roberson reported that Katie Woodward conducted 4 group training sessions volunteers on Library policy and rules, computer skills and performance expectations.  She has compiled a handbook for the volunteers.  United Way’s Days of Caring provided a volunteer to assist with shelf cleaning.  In response to the Library’s website notice, a new volunteer has been recruited.

 

            Kip reported that the shelf space is virtually at capacity.  The Library will be closed for inventory on May 6 and  27.

 

            April 2009 circulation statistics increased 14% over April 2008, with interlibrary loans up from 7 to 35 based on the same comparison.  Because of the cost of postage for interlibrary loans, the Library is suggesting a donation of $2.50 from patrons requesting the service, a measure adopted by other libraries.  Mandatory fees for interlibrary loans are prohibited by state standards.

             

            The “Birds of the Champlain Valley” program had 65 attendees.  Upcoming programs include Wii Games on May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 and “Birding by Ear” on June 4. 

 

            As to state and regional activities, Kip will attend the N.E. Library Assoc. Executive Board meeting on May 15, and tits biannual educational event in Connecticut on July 16-17.

           

            The Library was notified that it will receive a Gates Foundation matching grant of $5,600 for the period 2010-2011.  In order to receive the remaining amount, we will contribute $1,900.  Kip is hopeful that the funds will cover a portable/laptop computer lab that can be used for training classes for the public, staff and volunteers.  The Friends will use their computer funds to replace the public computers that are outdated.

 

 

           Nora von Stange made a motion to delete the first paragraph of Section A of the Patron Conduct Policy that was approved by the Trustees on April 14, 2009.  Alice Winn seconded the motion, which was discussed and passed unanimously by the Trustees.  As amended, the Patron Conduct Policy provides as follows:

 

 

     This Patron Conduct Policy is to further the Library’s goal of serving the community by providing a welcoming, safe and respectful environment in which patrons can use the Library’s services and materials without disturbance.  Conduct that disturbs other patrons or interferes with Library operations is not permitted.  These rules apply to adults and children. 

 

A.  General 

 

Audio equipment.  Audio devices must be used at a volume that cannot be heard by others.

 

Cell phones.  Upon entering the Library, cell phones, pagers or similar devices must be turned off or set to emit non audible signals (i.e., light or vibration).  Any phone conversations must be conducted in the entry area or outside of the Library.  If a patron’s cell phone interferes with the Library’s wireless computer network connections, it must be turned off.

 

Food and drink.  Eating and drinking is allowed throughout the building.  Patrons are responsible for disposing of any containers or other waste and for cleaning any spilled or dropped food or drink.

 

Public displays of affection.  Excessive displays of affection are inappropriate behavior for the Library.

 

Sleeping.  Sleeping in a manner that disturbs other patrons’ use of the Library is not permitted.

 

Solicitation:  Soliciting patrons or staff is not permitted on Library property.

 

Threats or harm.  Library personnel will notify the Shelburne Police Department in the event that a patron threatens and/or causes harm to self, others and/or property or violates any local, state and/or federal rule, regulation, ordinance or law.

 

B.  Consequences of disruptive behavior

 

     Failure to comply with the behavior guidelines stated above may result in a request to the offending patron to leave the premises.

 

     The Library Director and staff members are authorized to request that a patron leave the building.  Patrons are generally given two warnings and then asked to leave the facility if the disruptive behavior does not cease.  Patrons asked to leave the facility for disciplinary reasons are at a minimum barred for the remainder of the day and/or evening. 

 

     Repetitive noncompliance with the provisions of this section may result in suspension of Library privileges.  Any patron who repeatedly fails to adhere to this Patron Conduct Policy will be notified of the potential suspension and provided with an opportunity to meet and discuss the issues with the Director and Trustees prior to any decision on the matter.

 

C.  Safety of Children in the Library

 

     The Library is a warm, inviting and fun place for children to develop an appreciation of the varied services and materials that the Library offers them.  In order to insure that children are safe and do not engage in disruptive behavior, the Library requires that they are appropriately supervised. 

 

     All of the policies and rules set forth in this section concerning patron behavior apply to children.  Children aged 10 and under may not be left unattended in the building, and will be considered unattended unless they are accompanied by a parent, guardian or a caretaker who is 12 years old or older.

 

     Under the following circumstances, the Library will attempt to contact a child’s parent or guardian, and if the parent or guardian cannot be located, the Library will call the Shelburne Police Department or 911 if an emergency situation is presented:

 

 

            The Trustees discussed the closing schedule for Independence Day weekend.  The Library will be closed July 3-4, 2009.

 

 

            The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.  The next meeting will be held June 23, 2009 at 4:30 p.m.

 

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                   

                                                                                    Nora von Stange