Library Board of Trustees

TENAFLY PUBLIC LIBRARY MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING February 13, 2023 The Board of Trustees of the Tenafly Public Library met on February13, 2023 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, David DiGregorio, Julie Lev and Elizabeth Warms. Absent: Nicole Motz Staff Present: Library Director Julie Marallo and Administrative Assistant Ann Marie Connolly. The meeting was called to order at 7:02 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 January 9, 2023. Moved by: Elizabeth Warms. Seconded by: Kathleen Cook. Unanimously approved. Treasurer’s Report Martin Gilbert reviewed with the Board the Library’s financial statements of January 2023. 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: Soon Juhng. Unanimously approved. Correspondence Drag Queen Story Hour was held for the fifth consecutive year at the library on October 15, 2022, but two Bergen County residents, who do not live in Tenafly, have recently written and called about it. One caller inquired if we had any of Kirk Cameron’s books in our collection. Recently, Kirk Cameron has been in the news for his feuds with libraries over Drag Queen Story Time while promoting his new series of Christian themed books. Director’s Report Ms. Marallo distributed a February 9, 2023 article from northjersey.com concerning a meeting of Glen Ridge Library’s Board of Trustees that was attended by local clergy, parents and students and members of library groups and advocacy groups for LGBTQ+ youth to prevent the book banning requested by a small local committee. After two hours, the trustees cut off public comment and voted unanimously to keep the books in question on library shelves. The Board is in agreement that Tenafly residents would not tolerate book banning. Certain museums now permit passes to be printed from home. An orange print icon next to the museum indicates that the patron can print the pass. The other passes still have to be checked out from the circulation desk. Our librarians are continuing to research furniture and designers for the new teen area. Installation of the glass replacement door in the Children’s Room is complete. President’s Report None Old Business Building Update Nicole Motz reported that according to Mayor Zinna, town engineer Andy Hipolit will present his report on the Borough’s municipal complex roof replacement at the end of March. The report should have a breakdown of the square footage of the roof allocated to the library and also the square footage of the flat roof. A roofing bid should go out in early summer. The Board discussed Borough Administrator Jimmy Homsi’s inquiry of whether the Library Board of Trustees intended to contribute financially to the repair of the library roof. After discussion the Board approved the following response: Moved by: Martin Gilbert. Seconded by: Kathleen Cook. Unanimously approved. The Board discussed your question at its meeting on February 13, 2023. At that meeting, the Board decided that it intends to contribute to the library roof repair project provided that the Board is given satisfactory information on the scope, quality, specifications, and duration of the project. The project must also be in compliance with the requirements of New Jersey Library Law. We look forward to working with the Council as we strive to bring the people of Tenafly the safe, up-to-date Library they deserve. New Business None Report from the Superintendent’s Alternate None Citizen’s Portion of the Meeting None Any Other Business None Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m. Moved by: Martin Gilbert. Seconded by Soon Juhng. Unanimously accepted. Respectfully submitted, Martin Gilbert Secretary/Treasurer The next regular meeting of the Library Board of Trustees will be on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Approved: March 13, 2023