MINUTES FOR THE AUGUST 9, 2021 TRUSTEES MEETING 

The meeting convened at 7 p.m. at the library. Attending were Cindy Binzen, Curt Albee, Melissa  Strayton (librarian), and Miriam Newman. 

Librarian's Report. Melissa is waiting to receive about 45 new books from the distributor, Baker &  Taylor. Some of the books were ordered more than a month ago. Melissa reported that the children's  summer reading program went really well, with good participation, although only one child completed  the entire reading component. Nevertheless, many attended the events and lots of children's materials  are circulating since the library reopened. Sarah is working on the fall afterschool program, assuming it happens. The plan is to use the tent as long as weather permits. Now that the grants are out of the way  Melissa will turn her thoughts to website improvement. Melissa applied for the Turrell grant and  requested $3,500. Extensive discussion happened about the ARPA grant, the filing deadline for which  was midnight on 8/9. The trustees voted for the following items: (1) a handtruck with a cost of $100;  (2) improved lighting in the basement, with a cost of $250 (materials only); (3) a Bose speaker, cost  $130; (4) two air purifiers, an Oransi purifier, cost $900, which is hospital/medical grade and is  identical to the one at Newton School, and a Medify purifier, cost $600, which was highly rated by the  NY Times. Total cost for these items is $1,980. Thanks to Melissa for her extensive research on air  purification systems. 

Friends' Report. None. No refreshments are needed for Writers' Night which has been postponed until spring. 

Treasurer's Report. None. Rachel will email a profit and loss statement when it is complete. 

Other Business. Curt and Rachel are dealing with the tents and their boxes in the basement. The  Coburn bench has not appeared. The leak is not fixed but it is not getting worse. Curt is in touch with  the painters about remaining work. Cindy contacted Brown's Nursery about the plantings; installation is expected at the end of August. Cindy contacted Tom Cecere about the ECFiber hub; he indicated that  he would get back to her as soon as he can. Most of the slate repair has been completed. As the Trustees previously discussed by email the projected Writers' Night with Catherine Tudish and Cory Cook has  been postponed until spring due to uneasiness about Covid and indoor events. 

Our next meeting will be Monday, September 13, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. 

Submitted by Miriam Newman