MINUTES - BOARD MEETING JANUARY 16, 2012
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ellie Edwards, Arlene White, Carolyn Demorest, Linda Gawrelski, Ginny Bacik, Dolores Durbas, Alice Razzano, Linda Surprise, Clif Bridgers, Betsy Young
MEMBERS ABSENT: Elaine Michitsch
Meeting called to order at 1:30pm by President Ginny Bacik.
MINUTES: Minutes from the last board meeting of September 8, 2011 were approved upon a motion by Arlene seconded by Ellie with the correction of the spelling of “Waccamaw.” Betsy will forward the minutes to the board members for review, and Dolores will post them to the blog once approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Elaine sent her reports and Ginny passed around the P & L for 2011 – Income $15124.98, expenses $26939.99, for a net of ($11207.85). This was expected, as we paid for several items when the library re-opened last spring. Our account balance as of 12/31/11 was $6901.25. The Sales tax refund is expected to be approximately $1000.00. The report was accepted on a motion by Betsy and seconded by Linda Surprise.
Ginny stated that we need 3 people to audit the books. Ellie suggested that they be new board members to help them get acquainted with our activities. Dolores, Linda G., and Carol will do the audit. Ginny will ask Elaine to call them to set up a date and time, hopefully within the next 2 weeks.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Ginny advised that she has met with Ellie, Dolores, Arlene, and Lisa to familiarize herself with her responsibilities. She has also received copies of minutes for last year’s meetings. She stated that Lisa needs volunteers on Saturdays. Linda G. will meet with Lisa to set a process for obtaining qualified library volunteers, including Saturdays.
OLD BUSINESS: Security cameras: Lisa says she does see a need for security cameras. Ginny has been unable to contact Ronnie, who has promised to look into the matter. Ginny will keep trying.
DVD cleaner: Lisa is still interested in one but she hasn’t settled on a model. On a motion by Dolores and seconded by Linda G. the board allocated up to $2000 to purchase a DVD cleaner. Ginny will notify Lisa that the money is available.
Tree and bush removal: Ginny will discuss it with Ronnie when she reaches him.
E-reader: Per Lisa, if obtaining e-book downloading capability is approved by the county board, it will be county-wide, not just for the Leland branch library. Residents are anxious to get it. There has been no decision yet.
New County libraries: Ginny needs to talk to Ronnie about this.
NEW BUSINESS: Need for by-laws review/ frequency of meetings: Ginny has a copy of by-laws dated 5/19/08. Betsy will locate an e-copy of it or a later date (if available) and forward it to the board for review and discussion at the next meeting. Current by-laws call for general meetings in February, June, and November of each year and board meetings each January, March, May, and September. Betsy mentioned that at the time of the latest review, we were holding book sales once or twice a year only and meetings were scheduled to facilitate information and activity regarding those sales.
Other: Arlene mentioned that we applied for and didn’t receive a grant for our library from Brunswick Electric in 2010. The application period this year is from January 15 through February 15. The application is located at www.bemc.org. Clif will look for last year’s grant application. Arlene is heading the effort to complete the grant and will be assisted by Ginny and Dolores.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Magnolia House/Book Sale: Ellie informed the board that the 1/14/12 sale was the best ever – we made $1661.00. The publicity was excellent. Advertising Civil War books and highlighting a couple of authors worked well. February’s sale will highlight WWII books and works by John Grisham and Danielle Steel. She also stated that Lisa needs books covered, but there is no process in place to get/train volunteers to do this. Ginny will talk to Lisa about setting up a process. Lisa provides training for volunteers she has approved.
Neil Brooks of Leland Parks and Recreation, will contact Ellie regarding moving the Leland farmers’ market to the side of our yard – between the Magnolia House and the library. It may involve changing the dates of the farmer’s market to take advantage of the anticipated increased traffic.
Publicity: Dolores thanked Clif for correcting the blog layout. She has made personal contacts with the Brunswick Beacon and Encore and Ben Steelman of the Star News. She also spoke to “Living Out Loud” and is discussing a possible feature on our library in August. So far the Leland paper has not included any information she has sent them. Alice suggested contacting Jane Crowder, who may have influence. Both www.americantowns.com, and www.townplanner.com have free listings. She wants to ask customers at our book sales how they received information concerning the sale to help her make the best use of her publicity options. She will create a form which can be quickly used at upcoming sales. She is hoping for an article in the North Brunswick magazine as well.
The Newcomers’ meeting occurs the day before our book sales. She suggested doing a 5 minute blurb on the library and the Friends. Ginny will discuss it with Lisa. Alice asked if we have anything to include in the welcome bags handed out to new members at those meetings. Arlene will give Alice copies of the tri-fold and bookmark we have now and will look into the feasibility of additional material. Also, the bookmark needs to be revised to include the Friends of the Leland Library blog address.
Membership: Arlene reported that we now have 232 active members, with 45 unpaid for 2011. She collected 2012 dues from several board members.
Volunteers: Linda G. reported that Lisa prefers to vet volunteers herself. Linda will, however, be willing to schedule volunteers, as there appears to be no existing system to assure continuous help.
Motion to Adjourn was made by Betsy, seconded by Dolores. The meeting was adjourned at 3:26pm.
MOTIONS PASSED:
1. Approve minutes of 9/8/11 board meeting as amended
2. Adjourn the meeting
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Betsy will e-mail the minutes to the board members, and Dolores will post them after adjustments on the blog.
2. Ginny will ask Elaine to call Linda G, Dolores, and Carol to set the time for the audit.
3. Linda G. will meet with Lisa to determine a process for obtaining qualified volunteers to work in the library.
4. Ginny will contact Ronnie regarding the need for security cameras, tree and bush removal, and the status of additional county libraries.
5. Ginny will notify Lisa that up to $2000 is available for purchase of a DVD cleaner.
6. Betsy will forward an e-copy of the latest by-laws to the board members for their review and comments.
7. BEMC grant – Clif will look for last year’s application. Arlene will work on the current application with assistance from Ginny and Dolores.
8. Ginny will talk to Lisa about setting up a process to train volunteers for specific needs and do a 5-minute talk on the library and Friends at Newcomers meetings.
9. Neil Brooks will contact Ellie regarding moving the farmers’ market closer to Village Road to combine it with our book sales.
10. Dolores will create a form to be used at upcoming sales requesting how customers received information about the book sale.
11. Arlene will give Alice existing copies of our tri-fold and bookmark to include in newcomers’ bags at their meetings. The bookmark will be edited to include our blog address.
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FRIENDS OF THE LELAND LIBRARY
Minutes of November 17, 2011 Meeting in the Meeting Room of the Leland Public Library.
MEMBERS PRESENT: 15 members present –Judy Pixler, Ginny Bacik, Irene Webster, Jan Sauers, Lois Manning, Carolyn Demorest, Dolores Durbas, Carol Roberts, Linda Gawrelski, Alice Razzano, Ron Benton, Ellie Edwards, Arlene White, Clifton Bridgers, and Betsy Young.
The meeting was called to order at 4:30pm by President Clif Bridgers.
MINUTES: The minutes of the November 4, 2010, general meeting were approved as written on a motion by Ron Benton and seconded by Alice Razzano.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Clif reported for Elaine Michitsch that our income for 2011 to-date is $14,296.98, with expenses of $25,931.98. This was expected and planned for so we could purchase much needed items for the library upon its re-opening. Our checking account to-date totals $7061.26. Alice expressed her wish that people would more greatly appreciate our book sales at Magnolia House. Clif noted that our expanded publicity has been beneficial to sales.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The meeting was called to order at 4:30pm by President Clif Bridgers.
MINUTES: The minutes of the November 4, 2010, general meeting were approved as written on a motion by Ron Benton and seconded by Alice Razzano.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Clif reported for Elaine Michitsch that our income for 2011 to-date is $14,296.98, with expenses of $25,931.98. This was expected and planned for so we could purchase much needed items for the library upon its re-opening. Our checking account to-date totals $7061.26. Alice expressed her wish that people would more greatly appreciate our book sales at Magnolia House. Clif noted that our expanded publicity has been beneficial to sales.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Book Sale: Ellie reported on the tremendous success of the November sale – we netted $887.00! She thanked Judy, Arlene, and Elaine for the long hours of work they have contributed to our ongoing sales. She also expressed appreciation to Lois Manning and Linda Gawrelski for transporting the donations each week from the library to Magnolia House. We have been deluged with donations, and she identified the following as recipients of our “extras” – Waccamaw Boys and Girls Home, 9/11 Project – books for our troops, First in Families – families with one or more disabled member, Books for India – a co-op with which we are exchanging books in different categories, among others. We will no longer accept VHS tapes or books on cassette, as we have been unable to sell them and we need the space for other items. A Friends Preview on Thursday 12/8 from 4-7pm will precede our December Sale (12/10).
Clif thanked Ellie for all her excellent work. He also stated that Lisa’s wish list will include a DVD cleaner once she has determined which style and grade will best serve the library’s needs.
Clif thanked Ellie for all her excellent work. He also stated that Lisa’s wish list will include a DVD cleaner once she has determined which style and grade will best serve the library’s needs.
Volunteers: No report.
Membership: Arlene advised that we have 235 active members, with 44 that did not renew their membership in 2011 to-date. She is actively pursuing these accounts. She stated that it is not easy to recruit new members at Magnolia House, as the space for arrival and checkout is narrow. She is, however, doing her utmost.
Publicity: Clif offered his thanks to Arlene for all her e-mail blasts to update the membership as needed. He advised that we are averaging 5-10 hits per day on our blog, which is linked to the library’s calendar of events.
OLD BUSINESS:
Ronnie noted that at the last County Board meeting he mentioned the Battle of the Books and that our Friends group is aiding our schools by purchasing for the Leland Library 4 copies of each book on the school reading lists. He was surprised and dismayed that not all board members were aware of the program. They are now, and have expressed a desire to follow suit.
NEW BUSINESS:
Need for cameras: Ronnie mentioned that we need to install cameras, working or not, to monitor the non-fiction and reading/large print room, which are not visible from the desk. Betsy stated that part of the children’s room is also not visible. Ron will bring the matter to the attention of Reeci and the County Board at their next meeting.
Tree and bush removal: Lisa wants the scrub oak tree out front removed. It is impossible to see the library sign from 1 direction when approaching the library on Village Road. The tree is partly on city property. Ron needs to talk to Neil Brooks regarding removal of some trees and bushes on the property behind the library as well.
Possible new county libraries: Ron advised that there may possibly be two new county libraries in our future, both at the instigation and involvement of developers. No action is contemplated at this time.
New sign: Judy stated that the library needs a bigger sign. Per Ron, this is a bad time to request such a purchase, and per Alice, there are restrictions on county signs. No additional action will be undertaken.
E-reader access: Arlene advised that we need e-reader access – New Hanover libraries have it already and Pender County is in the process of getting it. Ronnie has spoken to Reeci Tate, and she refused to approve it. She has now changed her mind, and she is receptive to the infrastructure investment. We will need hardware (a portal) to access the wireless service. Clif stated that we should move the idea forward, but watch Amazon’s offering which is very inexpensive. It may not be necessary to invest in this. Ron will check with Dan (who is Dan?), who may have more information for us. Reeci is currently checking price and services with 2 different companies.
Election of 2012 Board: Clif announced that he will not be available to continue as president in 2012. He is starting a new position in Hew Hanover County and is unsure how much time he will need to commit to his new responsibilities.
The elected slate is:
President Ginny Bacik, to be reviewed/renewed at the end of the 1st quarter of the year
Vice President Linda Surprise
Secretary Betsy Young
Treasurer Elaine Michitsch
Membership Arlene White
Book Sale Ellie Edwards
Volunteers Linda Gawrelski
Publicity Dolores Durbas
Ad Hoc Carolyn Demorest
Ad Hoc Alice Razzano
On a motion by Clif Bridgers, seconded by Alice Razzano, the slate was elected.
On a motion by Betsy Young, seconded by Alice Razzano, the meeting was adjourned at 5:46 p.m.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Ron will bring the need for cameras in certain library rooms to the County Board for action.
2. Ron will talk to Neil Brooks regarding the removal of trees and bushes on the property.
3. Ron will check with Dan for more info on e-reader access.
4. The newly elected Friends of the Leland Library Board will reconsider the President’s position at the end of the first quarter of 2012.
MOTIONS:
1. Approval of minutes of the 11/4/2010 general meeting.
2. Approve the Board of Directors slate as stated above.
3. Adjourn the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Young, Secretary
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Friends of the Leland LibrarY
Minutes of the January 27, 2011 Board Meeting
FRIENDS OF THE LELAND LIBRARY
Minutes of the January 27, 2011 Board Meeting
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Ellie Edwards, Elaine Michitsch, Arlene White, George Krasnov, Clif Bridgers, Betsy Young
MEMBERS ABSENT: Joyce Little, Alice Razzano, Ronnie Benton
Meeting called to order at 6:00pm by President Clif Bridgers.
MINUTES: Minutes from the last board meeting of October 7, 2010 were approved upon a motion by Ellie seconded by Arlene.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Elaine reported 2010 income from book sales, membership dues, etc. of $11848.01 and expenses of $6751.09 not including the $1490.59 in capital expense for the heating/AC units. Our account balance as of 1/27/11 is $18956.26. She will file for a tax refund, which should amount to roughly $200.00. Clif suggested that we turn off the main heaters throughout the week and run the more expensive bathroom heaters on “low” only, as the electricity bills have soared.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Book Sale: Ellie reported that the weekly book sales are doing well. There are plenty of volunteers – she will switch to 1 extra volunteer for each 2-hour shift to avoid overstaffing/overcrowding. She also reported that Hunterstone Apts. Behind Wal*Mart will have a book sale on Saturday from 10-2, with proceeds to be donated to the library. Ellie asked for the check to be made out to the Friends for safekeeping until the library re-opens. We will gladly accept their unsold books. Magnolia House does need more donations – the bag sale last Saturday was very productive.
Ellie has been checking the internet for sites accepting books which do not move off our shelves. New Hanover uses giggle.com – they pick up leftovers, non-fiction only, though library volunteers load the truck, and they get a monthly check as books sell. Per Clif, he has concerns that they sell for high value and pay 1 or 2 cents on the dollar. He would prefer to keep the books and the business local. Ellie requested an Asst. Book Sale Mgr. to make decisions when she is absent. The board agreed to allow her to appoint an assistant.
The book drop on the porch of Magnolia House is working well. Lisa is taking library returns and we are getting donations also. The size is sufficient for our combined needs.
Publicity: Per Clif, book sale announcements are going out weekly through the press, Facebook, Twitter, and Google. He has renewed our www.bkfinder.com announcement through 2011. We need more updates for our blog.
Membership: Arlene reported that we now have 265 members, 61 of which with no e-mail address, and 61 are past due. 96 are currently paid for 2011.
Volunteers: No report.
OLD BUSINESS:
Senior Center: George reported that he went to the Senior Center, which has only a small corner for books. They are not interested in any of our unsold donations.
Library Expansion: Clif reported that the library is expected to be finished at the latest by the end of March. We will wait for Lisa to give us a schedule regarding volunteer needs for setting everything up again. Lisa has asked us to plan the Grand Re-opening. George volunteered to head the committee. The suggestion was made to provide Lisa with a large phony check at the ceremony (3’ x 8’). We need to check with the Leland Copy Center, Murray’s Art and Frame, and the UPS store for production of the check. Approximately 1 week lead time is needed. Wanda Canada is available for the Grand Opening – possibly other authors should be invited. We will also ask the County Commissioners to attend.
NEW BUSINESS:
Advocacy Item: Clif will prepare a response on behalf of the Friends to the request for notifying our newly-elected representatives regarding the importance of library funding. He meanwhile gave us websites to contact individually regarding our concerns about loss of funding.
Audit: Clif, Betsy, and George will conduct an audit of our books at 6:00pm on Thursday 2/10 at RBR Books.
Matching Grant: We have committed $2500 to combine with other county Friends groups in the grant request. Susan Angelo will write the grant request, and if successful, we will receive a proportional share of the award for book purchases.
Motion to Adjourn was made by Betsy, seconded by Elaine. The meeting was adjourned at 7:10pm
MOTIONS PASSED:
1. Approve minutes of 10/7/10 board meeting
2. Approve treasurer’s report
3. Adjourn the meeting
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Clif will prepare a response on behalf of the Friends to the request to write our representatives to not cut library funding.
Adjourned 7:13pm++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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FRIENDS OF THE LELAND LIBRARY
Minutes of November 4, 2010 Meeting
MEMBERS PRESENT: 18 members present –Carol Roberts, George Krasnov, Amy Broch, Meg Smith, Jerry Surprise, Linda Gawcelski, Scottie Maddox, Alice Razzano, Laura Bridgers, Ronnie Barnes, Elaine Michitsch, Terry Hicky, Ron Benton, Bruce Edwards, Ellie Edwards, Arlene White, Clifton Bridgers, and Betsy Young. Lisa Milligan, Leland Library Manager, was also in attendance.
The meeting was called to order at 7:09pm by President Clif Bridgers.
MINUTES: The minutes of the May 4, 2010 general meeting (the opening of Magnolia House) were never recorded. No minutes were submitted or approved.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Elaine Michitsch distributed the P & L report through October, which included YTD net income of $6715.62; a balance sheet showing total assets of $18070.22; and a separate report listing Magnolia House book sales to-date of 6137.41. Our CD matured and the proceeds have been incorporated into our checking account to allow for expenditures when the library reopens in the spring. On a motion by Betsy Young, seconded by Alice Razzano, the report was approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Book Sale: Ellie reported that we are doing well. She offered a special thank you to Elaine Michitsch, Judy and Gary Pixler, Arlene White, Bruce Edwards, and Clif and Laura Bridgers for their devotion throughout the set up and renovation of Magnolia House. Thanks also to Clif for our blog and for handling our publicity. On 11/13, we will begin weekly book sales to help compensate for the closing of the library during the final renovation period. Thanks to Ellie for a job well done! Sign up sheets for Thursday and Saturday time slots for sales starting in January are available in back. Also, tote bags are on sale for $10.
Volunteers: No report.
Membership: Arlene has defined a list of 235 active members, of which 181 are paid current. Having our sales at Magnolia House is helping. Starting with the 11/13 sale, we will be offering $5 book bucks for people renewing their memberships.
Publicity: Clif reported that our website is popular and is kept current with both Friends’ activities and library news. 100 people are tracking us on Twitter. The news media is also being notified regularly, and they have been supportive. Clif thanked Arlene for the e-mail blasts she regularly sends to all members with upcoming attractions.
President’s Report: Clif thanked Ellie for encouraging and engineering the Magnolia House acquisition, which has made us more visible. We are adding Twitter followers every day. George asked about putting a permanent sign out front of the Magnolia House. Clif advised that the cost is $800, and we can hold off on that until later. George offered to make a sign, which someone could then add words to.
OLD BUSINESS:
Grand Opening: The opening on May 4 was a stunning success. Turnout was strong and sales have been good subsequent to opening day. Clif is listing our sale dates and times on booksalefinder.com to advise interested dealers.
NEW BUSINESS:
Committee needed: Clif advised that we need to start planning for the library’s downtime and re-opening. A committee is needed to coordinate with Lisa’s schedule and needs. Please e-mail Clif at service@rarebargainreaders.com.
Lisa Milligan’s report: Lisa began by thanking the Friends – in her 26 years she has never had so much support for the library! The wings and workroom are painted; one restroom will have a tiled floor by Sunday; they have measured for the new carpet. The library will close 11/10 at 6pm and is scheduled to re-open in the spring (May). They are ahead of schedule and hope to re-open around 3/1/11. The closure is necessary because of the level of work being done (noise, carpet replacement, restrooms will be closed until new ones are installed). Staff will be re-located to other county branches, as there is a hiring freeze in the county. Steve Stone, the Asst. County Manager, will be at the library on Monday to decide where to put the PODS/packrats for the duration. One needs to be climate controlled for the computers. Cost is $65-70/month. PODS companies will store offsite after loading onsite. We need volunteers to help pack up the books. Clif will send an e-mail blast. Members can also call the library to schedule time to help. Dollies are needed to move the books. Ellie will check with the town. Food Lion and Piggly Wiggly are donating boxes.
There will be a new book drop – the whole front of the library is being re-done, and 3700 square feet are being added. The county book budget (for all 5 libraries), however, has been reduced to $5000 from $125,000, with NO money for children’s books or magazine subscriptions. Donations are needed more than ever!
Terry Hickey suggested that Lisa supply a wish list to area book clubs – better to ask for money or book donations? Clif stated that he can order library bindings which are sturdier but slightly more expensive.
Carol Roberts asked that we get the word out to the public that books are needed. Alice Razzano suggested that we notify the media.
Our library expansion is thanks to recovery bonds and Bill Sue’s persistence. Thanks to both!!
As of 11/4, 1000 items are still outstanding. She asked that the Friends look for library books coming in as possible donations for sale. Ellie will handle it. The library’s phone will be disconnected during the downtime.
Election of 2011 Board: On a motion by Betsy Young, seconded by George Krasnov, the by-laws were suspended for the purpose of electing the new Board.
The slate presented for a vote was:
President Clif Bridgers
Vice President George Krasnov
Secretary Betsy Young
Treasurer Elaine Michitsch
Membership Arlene White
Book Sale Ellie Edwards
Volunteers Joyce Little
Publicity vacant
Ad Hoc Ronnie Benton
Ad Hoc Alice Razzano
On a motion by Meg Smith, seconded by George Krasnov, the slate was elected.
Clif and Lisa thanked Ronnie for all his efforts and the position he is filling with the County Friends.
On a motion by Ronnie Benton, seconded by Arlene White, the meeting was adjourned at 8:29pm.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. George will make a sign for the front of Magnolia House.
2. All – email Clif at service@rarebargainreaders.com if interested in working on/heading up the committee to coordinate the grand re-opening of the library.
3. Clif will send an e-mail blast requesting volunteers to help pack up the books.
4. Ellie will check with the Town of Leland to see if dollies can be borrowed for moving books.
MOTIONS:
1. Approval of Treasurer’s report.
2. Suspend the by-laws for the purpose of electing next year’s board of directors.
3. Approve the Board of Directors slate as presented.
4. Adjourn the meeting.
Upon a motion by Ronnie, seconded by Joyce, the meeting was adjourned at 8:17pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Young, Secretary
