Library Board of Trustees

TENAFLY PUBLIC LIBRARY MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING November 14, 2022 The Board of Trustees of the Tenafly Public Library met on November 14, 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, Teresa Austin, Julie Lev, Nicole Motz and Elizabeth Warms. Absent: David DiGregorio. Staff Present: Library Director Julie Marallo and Administrative Assistant Ann Marie Connolly. Guest: John Van Poznak The meeting was called to order at 7:00 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 October 17, 2022. Moved by: Elizabeth Warms. Seconded by: Kathleen Cook. Unanimously approved. Mrs. Cook welcomed Mr. John Van Poznak to the meeting and extended the courtesy of allowing him to address the Board before the Citizens’ Portion of the meeting. He thanked her and stated he was attending to express his displeasure that the donation plaques were removed from the lobby and not replaced. During discussion Board members explained that initially the plaque wall and entire lobby were saturated with rain water from a leak in the roof which forced the library to close and repair the damage. During the time the library waited for that section of the roof to be repaired, it was decided that the lobby was not the best place for the plaques. Mrs. Austin explained that the Board is investigating changes to the Gifts and Bequests Policy and is examining a more comprehensive and modern approach to displaying the names of past and future donors and also establishing more defined criteria for categorizing financial gifts. Board members and staff will work together to accomplish this goal. Initially, with the help of staff, a master list will be established and the online display will be publicized and available continuously on the library’s website. It was also noted that due to chronic structural and maintenance issues which impact the safety of staff and patrons, the Borough is in the initial discussion stages of relocating the Library to a new building. This is also a major factor in how best to proceed. Mr. Van Poznak left the meeting after the discussion. Treasurer’s Report Martin Gilbert reviewed with the Board the Library’s financial statements of October 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: Soon Juhng. Seconded by: Kathleen Cook. Unanimously approved. Correspondence None Director’s Report Library program attendance for October was outstanding. Drag Queen Story Hour held on Saturday, October 15 and sponsored by Tenafly Pride was well-attended by eagerly participating children. On Sunday, October 16, the Tenafly Library Friends held the first concert of the fall season, Mel Nusbaum’s Jazz Zone. The concert was followed by the Tenafly Library Friends Apple Cider Social, which is their annual membership drive. The most standout program was Family Halloween Night held on Monday, October 24. We did not anticipate the huge number of attendees at this program and were thrilled to see over 65 people. Children’s librarians Latricia Markle and Valeria Ilama ran pumpkin and cookie decorating stations, while families danced to Halloween music in their costumes. President’s Report Mrs. Cook praised the November 7 children’s program “Dinoman.” She said it was magical, fun and informative for all ages. She also mentioned observing the wonderful scene of so many children in the library pulling out books and reading far removed from technical gadgets. Old Business Building Condition The Building committee met on November 4. It was reported that according to Mayor Zinna there will be no tarp used to cover the roof. He did indicate that serious consideration is being given to a membrane coverage which has a ten year warranty. The State has approved this concept, and no bid is needed if an approved contractor is used. The cost would be $100,000 to $130,000 and Mayor Zinna is asking if the Library would agree to pay some of the cost. After discussion it was decided to distribute the work and concentration needed going forward by forming an Existing Building Committee and a New Building Committee. The New Building Committee will be Teresa Austin, Kathleen Cook, Julie Lev and Elizabeth Warms. The Existing Building Committee will be Martin Gilbert, Soon Juhng and Nicole Motz. New Business New Building Council Meeting On Tuesday, November 22 the New Building committee will meet with the Borough Council to discuss the basic needs the library would have in a new building. Holiday Party 2022 After discussion the Board decided that it would be in everyone’s best health interest if they did not gather for a holiday party this year. The staff is being encouraged to have a small gathering at the library on a night the library closes at 5:00 pm. 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 Noted above Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m. Moved by: Elizabeth Warms. Seconded by: Martin Gilbert. Unanimously accepted. Respectfully submitted, Martin Gilbert Secretary/Treasurer The next regular meeting of the Library Board of Trustees will be on Monday, December 12, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. Approved: December 12, 2022