The board met at the Brandywine Hundred Library at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2006.

Treasurer's Report

The following Treasurer's Report was presented by Eileen Lynch, eporting on November, 2005.

• Balance in the checking account: $1,352.98
• Balance in the money market account: $46,965.81
• Both account balances are prior to the purchase of $15,000 in CDs from the money market account) and prior to paying bills.
• Income was $974.00
• Expenses were $5,449.00

Items paid in November include the purchase of magazine boxes, the landscaping project, volunteer awards, and the usual monthly expenses for telephone, web services and credit card fees.

Marcia mentioned that it appears that two checks were issued for the payment of one expense (wish list books for 2004). Carol will look into her records to see if we can figure out how this happened. After brief discussion, the Board decided that, since both checks benefited the library, no other corrective action is needed.

Library Manager's Report (Tom Weaver)

Since the last meeting, the Library has concluded interviews for a vacant Librarian I position. Tom explained that, under the previous arrangement, two BHL librarians divided their time between BHL and two smaller community libraries. The new librarian will support both of the smaller libraries, freeing up staff who can then devote all of their time to BHL.

Tom also presented figures on internet usage in the library.

Computer usage indicates an important service of the library to the community, and reflects a significant amount of funding from the county for a needed service. The library's computers are reaching the end of their expected 3-year lifespan. Tom has requested replacement PCs and eight new PCs for the setup of computer training services. WIFI services are available at BHL. WIFI service will help to reduce demand for computers in the library, since patrons can bring their own laptops and access the internet on the library's WIFI connection.

Old Business

• Lease by Friends of two copiers for use at BHL. Tom has requested quotes for the copier service from several vendors; he has not yet received any reply. Tom has also talked to the county to request further information. More information will be presented as soon as it is available.
• Proposed extension of landscape project to barriers in parking lot. Ceci presented a proposal from landscaper Henry Pautler. The drawing, along with information on pricing was passed around among the Board members. Total cost is $1,115.00. If approved, plantings can begin in the spring. John asked about the feasibility of adding stepping stones, so that people who walk on the barriers will have a pathway to do so without damaging the landscaping. There was also a question about how the plantings could be watered, since the sprinkler system that is in place only services the plantings in front of the library. A question was raised about why the benches were positioned as they are. Ceci will check with Henry.
• Dues Increase. After a brief discussion, it was decided that there is no reason to increase the Friends' dues from the current $12.00/year. During the discussion, it was proposed that there should be privileges to Friends' membership besides supporting the library. Ceci asked for volunteers to head up an effort to show appreciation for Friends. Sally Kantzes and Jack Yeatman expressed interest in the project. Sally agreed to call a friend who is involved with the Wilmington Library, to see what kind of event(s) they have for their Friends' group.

Publication/Communications Committee

The purpose of this new committee is to coordinate the communication efforts of the Board (newsletter and website). Prior to the Board meeting, the following people conducted the first meeting of the Publication/Communications Committee: Carol Harrington (library employee), Joyce Li, Ceci McCormick, Kristi Moore, John Stevenson, and Jack Yeatman. The committee arrived at the following decisions:

• Carol Harrington will help to organize the volunteers for the newsletter mailings; the library will provide a study room.
• Kristi Moore will continue to help with mailings, in a reduced capacity.
• The committee will advertise for a replacement editor in the Friends' newsletter. For the time being, newsletter articles should be submitted to Ceci or Kristi.
• The committee will attempt to make more judicious use of the Friends' web site; i.e., post more complete articles and provide late-breaking news more quickly than the newsletter. The web site's program pages have been programmed to display upcoming programs in order of scheduling, and to automatically remove programs after they have taken place. New programs can be sent to John or Joyce by contacting the webmaster.

Preliminary 2006 Budget

Eileen passed out copies of a proposed 2006 budget.The purpose of the budget is to present a plan for the coming year (expenses necessary for the organization, projects for library, and sources of funds). Eileen explained that the budget will change as the year progresses, depending on financial needs as they develop. All numbers are estimates and are rounded off.

Eileen requested that board members send requests/changes by email or phone within the next two weeks. The more finalized 2006 budget can be prepared for February meeting. The Board will need to approve the budget.

New Business

Planning for 2006 Membership Drive. The 2006 membership drive will take place during National Library Week (April 2 through April 8). It was agreed that we should continue offering the same premiums (book bags, geraniums, Big Sky bread). All of these have been very well-received by the public and local vendors are very cooperative. Ruth and Sally will draw up the preliminary plans for presentation at the February meeting.

Respectfully Submitted,

Joy A. Naquin, FBHL Secretary

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