Library Board of Trustees

WESTWOOD FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY MINUTES BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MEETING DATE: Tuesday, March 28, 2017 CALLED TO ORDER: at 7:02 p.m. by Dennis Farrell. PRESENT: Martha Urbiel (MU), Dennis Farrell (DF), Noeline Grefrath (NG), Mike Violano (MV), Frank Zimmerman (FZ) Pete Fedorchak (PF), Bev Karch (BK) and Beth Dell (BD). PRESENTATION/Q&A WITH MARIE COUGHLIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BCCLS Marie gave a brief introduction and described how The Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS) works with member libraries and their boards. She expressed concern about the elimination or reduction in federal funding through the Institute for Museum and Library Service (IMLS) which provides partial support for BCCLS activities and programs. BCCLS currently serves 77 libraries—62 public libraries in Bergen county and 15 outside the county. Marie spoke about the Board’s role in advocacy on behalf of the library: “Libraries are a great investment for the community. Every dollar in library funding is returned fivefold to the community.” Among the key services provided by BCCLS are funding and access to databases including the circulation holdings of all member libraries and library delivery services. Marie encouraged Westwood Library trustees to attend and participate in the one day Institute held every September. Q&A session: NG asked if there were Library lobbyists in Washington, D.C. Marie answered that the Executive Director of the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA) is based in Trenton for state-related issues and funding and the American Library Association (ALA) does have a representative in Washington D.C. PF asked if BCCLS partners with local realtors. Marie responded that she thought that was a good idea as well as partnering with construction companies, contractors and others in the local community. BK asked for a description and the roles of the BCCLS staff. Marie said the staff totals 12 people including two catalog librarians, a digital librarian, a Polaris database director, Internet services librarian, and a bookkeeper, support staff of clerical and technicians. Growth of digital content has been staggering. Westwood Library Board Minutes March 28, 2017 Page 1 MV asked about BCCLS key initiatives for 2017. Marie replied initiatives include development of a strategic plan, evaluating ebook service providers, and setting appropriate fees for member libraries. BCCLS is moving forward with the 3M Cloud Library for all ebooks and will phase out the use of Overdrive. MU asked if Marie had advice for board trustees. Marie stated that continuing education is very important and should be 7 hours per member per year rather than 7 hours for the entire board. She also suggested that trustees can learn and network with other boards to get ideas on best practices. Marie also stated that trustees should continue to actively support MU. She praised our library director for her leadership and activities with BCCLS and the county Libraries. DF thanked Marie for her presentation, information and advice. SUNSHINE LAW: Read by DF. PUBLIC FORUM: No members of the public were present. MINUTES: A motion to accept the minutes of the February 28th meeting was made by NG; seconded by PF. The motion carried. TREASURER'S REPORT: The treasurer's report was presented by NG. A motion to accept the treasurer's report was made by FZ and seconded by BK. The motion carried. The current bills list (5712-5738) was read. BK asked about the Newman bill (5730); MU replied that it was for a replacement of the pole light outside the library. A motion to accept the bills list was made by BK and seconded by PF. The motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS: None DIRECTOR'S REPORT: MU noted that the programs and events at the library are funded by the Friends. This past month events included Irish music by the Bantry Boys. More than a dozen families participated in the Makerspace Day program. The Library is a beta site for the 3M Cloud Library that is an easier to use and cheaper ebook collection. BCCLS member libraries can supplement the ebook collection for the most popular titles. The annual audit report was completed as was a State report and performance reviews of the library staff. PRESIDENT'S REPORT: None. Westwood Library Board Minutes March 28, 2017 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS: The new senior resource area, part of Westwood for All Ages, is being planned and will be staffed by volunteers. A Birthday Party for Westwood seniors celebrating their 80th to 100th birthdays will take place on April 2, 2017 at 2pm at the library. MU asked Board members to plan to attend. The mayor, BD and town council members will participate. Refreshments and a live music are being provided by sponsors. NEW BUSINESS: Included the presentation by Marie Coughlin from BCCLS. MEETING ADJOURNED: A motion to adjourn was made by PF; seconded by FZ. The meeting was adjourned by DF at 7:59 p.m. Westwood Library Board Minutes March 28, 2017 Page 3