Notices, agendas, and minutes of the Springfield Town Library are posted here in accordance with Vermont's Open Meeting Law. Meetings are open to the public. Every session includes time for public comment. The Trustees meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm, on the second floor of the Springfield Town Library, at 43 Main Street in Springfield, Vermont.

For more information, call the Library at (802)885-3108 or e-mail stlib@vermontel.net

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Trustee minutes, April 10, 2018


Town of Springfield
Library Board of Trustees
Tuesday, April 10th, 2018

1. The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM.
Present: Jen Dechen, Herb Jamison, Margie Reurink, Richard CoFrancesco, Sara Druen, Matthew Pincus, Amy Howlett (director), Barbara Ball (minutes). 

2. Welcome to New Members Margie Reurink and Jen Dechen.

3. Additions/ subtractions to the Agenda
N/A

4.   Public comments
Frederick Wootton came to voice his opposition to the sign on the library's front door banning weapons in the library.
He stated that he felt that banning weapons in the library – a public building – wasn't legal and quoted the 4th amendment against unreasonable search and seizure. He stated that being told not to carry his firearm is asking him to lose his ability to protect himself and, “then only the criminals will have guns.”
A board member responded that the plan was not to search people for weapons, just to make the library a safe place for anyone who comes in.
Discussion that the Guidelines for Library Behavior were updated and approved last summer to include the statement banning weapons in the library. The Guidelines for Library Behavior were posted on the library door a month and a half ago, after (and in response to) an incident in the library that left library staff feeling unsafe.
Discussion continued after Mr. Wootton departed. The library has received positive feedback from many patrons relating to the sign.
Board members were interested in knowing about other places that have a no weapons policy. Springfield Medical and HCRS do in town. The wording on our weapons ban came from the Brooks Memorial Library's policy.
The Board will review the Guidelines for Library Behavior policy again at the May meeting.

5.   Review and approve minutes from the March meeting
Motion to pass the March minutes as written with the exception that the year is 2018, not 2017. (Barbara motioned, Jen seconded.)

6.   FOSTL liaison report:
Amy mentioned that all are welcome to attend FOSTL meetings.

7.   Director’s report
When asked, Amy explained that there isn't a set number of professional development events that library staff must attend yearly.
Staff are encouraged to attend professional development conferences, etc., and also to visit other libraries.
Discussion on the policy on Nonresident teacher cards referred to in the Appendices. These appendices need to be reviewed (and maybe discarded.) Discussion that the library should respect the teachers' right to privacy and teachers should be given full year library cards. This can be discussed at the May meeting.
Amy mentioned that in her evaluation, one Board member expressed interest in the board being updated more frequently relating to the library budget. Amy said this could happen, although as the library is a town department, the real fiscal power lies with the town and the voters.
Board members decided it would be helpful if the Board could receive financial reports twice a year. Amy will start doing bi-annual financial reports.
Amy asked for feedback regarding her monthly director's reports: if they contain enough information, too much information, etc. The group agreed that the Director's Reports are helpful and contain an ideal amount of information.
8. Penalties and Fines Policy - 2nd Discussion
The motion passed to confirm passage of the Penalties and Fines policy that was initially passed at the March meeting. (Barbara motioned, Matthew second.)
Discussion that the current Food for Fines drive may mean less money coming in in the short-term, but long-term it will mean more card holders.
9. Executive session if needed
N/A. Quick discussion of what circumstances could lead to an executive session: negative feedback to director, imminent danger, etc.
10. Adjournment target time.
The group will target 8PM as an ideal time to be done with board meetings. Some months – depending on what is under discussion -- the meeting may last a bit longer.

11. Next meeting date: Tuesday, May 8th, 6:30PM
Motion to adjourn passed (Richard motioned, Matthew second.) 7:42pm.
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