Present: Curt Albee, Cindy Binzen, Rachel Kurland, Carol Wilson, David Webb (for the Friends), Rebecca Seibel, Marty Frank

Minutes from the November meeting were adopted.

Librarian’s Report:

Rebecca noted that there had been a recent incident at the Hardwick library that she thought the trustees should be aware of, if only to recognize the possibility that we might face similarly difficult situations. In Hardwick, where the computers are set up, as are ours, to be in as full public view as possible, a patron acted lewdly while watching pornography. The man was eventually served a no-trespass order barring him from the library, which was based on the fact that he had been accused of committing a criminal act – not because he was watching pornography. Some townspeople were unhappy with the way the library had handled the situation, and the library is dealing with repercussions. As is the case with Hardwick and at most libraries, we do not engage in censorship of any sort. When Rebecca was asked how she would respond if someone were using one of our computers to watch pornography, she said she would say something about it not being appropriate, but would not be able to do much more. 

The Vermont Department of Libraries and the Green Mountain Library Consortium are planning to launch a courier service to deliver books being exchanged through the inter-library loan program. Libraries can sign up for as many as five deliveries a week. Rebecca has signed up for a once-a-week delivery, which will cost the library $390 for the year with the subsidy being offered in the inaugural year. The hope is that some of that money will be covered by savings in postage, which is how ILL books are now shipped. The more libraries sign up for the service, the better it will work.

Ann Fayen spoke to Rebecca to express her concern about how few trees remain along the street as it goes through the village. She consulted with Lorenz Rutz, who suggested that the library plant a magnolia tree to replace the spruce we had taken down. Besides being a pretty tree, the magnolia would be faithful to the spirit of Justin Morrill, who planted them himself. Noting that trees aren’t cheap and that some people had noted the advantages of removing the tree (a more open feel to the property and better lighting at night), the trustees decided to wait until at least the spring to see if they were inclined to plant a new tree.

 Rebecca has reserved two DVD racks being sold by the Waterbury library, and Curt will check them out during a trip to Montpelier to determine what will be involved in moving them. Rebecca hasn’t heard from the Turrell Foundation about our application grant and is considering applying to the Byrne Foundation.

The programmable thermostat was installed; the Humanities Council program is scheduled; the after-school program is going strong; the middle school reading group never got off the ground, although Tom Diamond indicated he might be willing to give it another try in the summer. Stuart Smith would like to arrange another benefit concert; it would be on April 17 at 3 p.m. in the church. Rebecca is thinking about closing a little early on the days before Christmas and New Year’s, both of which fall on a Thursday.

 Friends Report:

David said the Holiday Sale was a great success, netting more than $2,000 over the previous year. Every category was up this year, and the library will receive at least $5,509 from the sale.

The Little Library has been decorated, but still needs a few more finishing touches before  being installed on the porch of the café.

 Treasurer’s Report:

 Rachel said we’re on track financially. Although contribution income is down significantly, that was compensated for by increased support from the Friends. She presented a proposed budget that would level fund most line items. The trustees will review it before the next meeting and before taking action.

 Next meeting will be Jan. 11

 Submitted by Marty Frank