Library Board of Trustees

TENAFLY PUBLIC LIBRARY MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING September 12, 2022 The Board of Trustees of the Tenafly Public Library met on September 12, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at the Library for its regular Board meeting. Board Members Present: President Kathleen Cook, Vice President Soon Juhng, Secretary/Treasurer Martin Gilbert, Julie Lev, Nicole Motz and Elizabeth Warms. Absent: Teresa Austin and David DiGregorio. Staff Present: Library Director Julie Marallo and Administrative Assistant Ann Marie Connolly. The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. Julie Marallo reported that notices of the meeting had been posted and sent to the media. Minutes Board members approved the Minutes of the regular Board meeting of June 13, 2022. Moved by: Soon Juhng. Seconded by: Kathleen Cook. Unanimously approved. Treasurer’s Report Martin Gilbert reviewed with the Board the Library’s financial statements of June, July & August, 2022. He noted that he had examined and approved the statements and reported that they were current and accurate. A motion was made to approve the financial reports. Moved by: Elizabeth Warms. Seconded by: Kathleen Cook. Unanimously approved. The Board discussed the renewal of the John Wilcox Fund at Valley National Bank which matures on September 14, 2022. After discussion, the Board decided to renew the account for the best interest rate for the shortest amount of time. Moved by: Martin Gilbert. Seconded by: Elizabeth Warms. Unanimously approved. Correspondence The library received generous donations from Mr. & Mrs. William C. Corhan from Englewood, NJ in memory of Mrs. Selma Greco, and from Ms. Jane Dormaracki of Slingerlands, NY in memory of Dr. Donald Kornfeld. Director’s Report First Amendment Issues Ms. Marallo addressed the issue of First Amendment auditing that is taking place around the country. On August 12, 2022, a neighboring library was audited by an individual who insisted that his right to record inside the library superseded the library’s patron conduct policy. Ms. Marallo had the staff watch a First Amendment audit video and discuss the procedure to follow should an audit occur at the Tenafly Library. The staff also met to review the established procedure to follow when a Tenafly patron wants materials removed from our collection. This has been happening in many schools and public libraries around the country. Building Issues Borough engineer Andy Hipolit is looking for potential sites for a new library building. President’s Report Kathleen Cook remarked that the Summer Reading Program was a huge success for both children and adults. The Children’s Department was filled all summer with children and families doing crafts and attending programs – one of which included a visit from a penguin who made the trip up from his home in Point Pleasant much to the delight of the crowd that awaited him. Old Business Community Night is on Tuesday, September 13. The library will close at 3:00 p.m. to allow for the vendors to set up in the parking lot. Tenafly resident Jen Maxwell of NBC News will have a discussion and signing of her book “More After the Break” on Sunday, September 18 at noon. New Business As part of continuing Library Trustee education, there is a broadcast on September 29th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. discussing how library trustees can work with the Council and communicate with local officials. Report from Mayor’s Alternate Ms. Motz will continue her discussions with Mayor Zinna addressing the many concerns of the Library Board. Report from the Superintendent’s Alternate None Citizen’s Portion of the Meeting None Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m. Moved by: Martin Gilbert. Seconded by: Elizabeth Warms. Unanimously accepted. Respectfully submitted, Martin Gilbert Secretary/ Treasurer The next regular meeting of the Library Board of trustees will be on Monday, October 17, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. Approved: October 17, 2022