Present: Rebecca Seibel, Curt Albee, Cindy Binzen, Rachel Kurland, Carol Wilson, Miriam Newman, Marty Frank

Minutes from the August meeting were adopted. 

Librarian’s Report: 

Scanner: The new one has been more finicky than hoped for, and Rebecca has switched it to her computer and hooked up the old one to the main computer. 

Programs: The after-school program is underway and is now limited to the K-5 cohort. The first week attracted 15 children; the second week, 12.  Emily is visiting the pre-school for storytime and activities. Rebecca and Emily are pondering what programs to offer older students. One idea being explored is a reading discussion group that would be led by Tom Diamond, perhaps once a month starting in mid-November. 

Miscellaneous: The Friends will have their annual meeting on Oct. 1 that will start with a business session and then have Melanie Finn reading from her new novel. Sydney Lea is scheduled to come Nov. 15 and read from his new book of essays. We recently received a $500 donation for new books from the Town House Forum. 

Rebecca estimates it will cost $1,075 to cover Emily’s compensation through the end of the year. She’s thinking of applying for a grant to the fund operated by Mascoma Bank employees. Rachel noted that the Woodbury Foundation supports children’s programs. Carol will connect with Earl Ransom to check that out.

Rebecca and Emily have discussed starting a Facebook page as another means of getting the word out about library news and programs. Rather than start a new page for the library, it was suggested that we post library information on the Strafford group page that already exists. 

The Friends group that supports the homestead has determined that the Brumidi paintings at the homestead and the one in the library are quite valuable, but would be even more so if they were cleaned. The cost of undertaking that sort of work will be explored. 

Friends Report: Curt is making progress on the construction of the Little Library. Rebecca attended a recent meeting where it was announced that the organization now has an account balance of about $20,000. The Friends have agreed to provide up to $400 for programs for older children and $225 for a three-session program offered by the Vt. Humanities Council called “The Seven Deadly Sins.” When Rebecca inquired about getting help for purchasing a small supplemental DVD rack, the Friends suggested looking into purchasing a larger one. With Cindy Stableford ready to step down as president, a slate of officers will stand for election: David Webb as president, Bethany Cole as interim vice president, Cindy Stableford as treasurer and Anni Praetorius as secretary. 

Treasurer’s Report: Rachel reported that we’re in good shape financially, thanks in large part to support from the Friends.

Curt addressed the need for a new handicap parking sign by painting the old one.

Cindy and Rachel will meet to review the librarian’s contract and the job description for that position.

Marty agreed to prepare the annual appeals letter for review at the October meeting, which will occur on Oct. 19.

Submitted by Marty Frank