Henry County Public Library

HENRY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

BOARD MEETING MINUTES

February 9, 2012

Board Members Attending:  Barbara Harrod, Ellie Brammell, Betty Wilson, and  Nancye Chilton. Melodye Fletcher was unable to attend.

Library Staff:  Joe Schweiss and Linda Moore.

Regional Staff:  Michael Jones, KDLA, attended via Skype

Meeting called to order by acting Board President Betty Wilson.

Public Comment:  None.

Minutes Reviewed:  The minutes for the previous meetings were reviewed and minor corrections were deemed necessary.  Motion to approve the minutes as corrected for the Board Meeting held January 12, 2012, was made by Barbara Harrod, seconded by Ellie Brammell.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Circulation Report:  Joe Schweiss discussed the circulation of library materials and overall library use for January of 2012.  Circulation for the library was nearly identical in overall quantity to January of 2011, with increases in the circulation of Audio, Video, Young Adult ,and Juvenile items contrasted by large decreases in the circulation of Fiction, Large-Type, and Non-Fiction items.  Computer use and door count numbers both increased in 2012 over 2011 and the use of public wireless Internet dropped.  Circulation for the bookmobile increased more than thirteen percent, driven by increased circulation in Fiction, Juvenile, and Easy Reader items.  Program attendance was up for Family and Adult programming versus January of 2011.  For the month of January, the library as a whole saw an increase in overall use of more than seven percent compared to January of 2011.  For the fiscal year to date, the library has an increase in overall use of three and one half percent compared to this point last year.

Treasurer's Report:  Joe Schweiss covered January income and expenses.  For the period comprised of July 1, 2011 through the end of January 2012, the library’s income was $537,895.27 and total expenses, including capital expenses, amounted to $384,430.64.  Motion to approve the treasurer’s report as presented was made by Ellie Brammell, seconded by Nancye Chilton.  Motion carried unanimously.

Regional Report:  Michael Jones spoke about the upcoming Summer Reading Program workshops and the struggle between libraries and publisher over popular ebook titles.

Director’s Report:  Joe Schweiss discussed the January edition of the newsletter and the upcoming programs for January and beyond.

Joe next told the board that our paperwork for acquiring the 3 acre lot in Eminence is finalized.  We officially own the land.

Joe next spoke about the BTOP grant an how the library has begun working on our E-Rate request for 2012-13.  The request will cover approximately eighty percent of our telephone, internet, and mobile phone bills, and include funding to supplement at least one mobile Internet hotspot for outreach use.

Bookmobile Report:  Linda Moore discussed the need to continue bookmobile service as gas prices continue to rise.  She recently worked with Roger Hartlage to be able to service Pendleton using the former Taylor’s Dairy Bar lot.  This is a highly visible location and a good step towards improving our service coverage in the area.

New Business:  Joe Schweiss informed the board that he found a new Adult Services Librarian.  Jessica Powell will begin her duties on February 20th and brings five years of experience in Adult Programming and Outreach Services.  The library also brought on Antonio Solis to fill in a gap in our coverage from the recent departure of a Library Technician.  We look forward to all the new services these new employees will be able to provide.

                        The board wished once again to provide a reasonable Christmas dinner for the staff.  Joe explained that he and the staff were glad to have the food provided at their last Christmas dinner and truly appreciate the gesture.  A motion to treat the staff to a reasonable Christmas dinner was made by Nancye Chilton, seconded by Barbara Harrod.  Motion carried unanimously.

A motion to adjourn was made by Ellie Brammell and seconded by Nancye Chilton.  Motion carried unanimously.

The next Board Meeting will be on March 8, 2012 at 5:00 pm in the Library.