2021-11-10
TOWN OF BERLIN
BERLIN-PECK MEMORIAL LIBRARY BOARD
BOARD ROOM
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2021
6:30 PM
November 10, 2021
6:30 pm
___________________________________________
ATTENDANCE:
Members Present
Vice Chairman Robert Lewis
Chris Fasciano, Sharon Powell, Karen Pagliaro, Elaine Borselle, Carol Welz
Staff Present
Kim McNally
Members Absent
Chairman Moore, Gail Marino, Lillian Ulan
Robert Lewis seated as Chairman
Call to the Order
Chairman Lewis called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
Audience of Citizens
None
Review of the Minutes
Carol Welz moved to approve the minutes October 13, 2021, seconded by Chris Fasciano passed
unanimously.
LIBRARIAN’S REPORT:
Director McNally reported that in-person programming will start in March 2022.
Kelly Fowler was hired as the new Children’s Library Assistant. She is a Berlin resident and
longtime patron. She will be working 14.5 hours a week. She starts on November 15.
Interviews for our Children’s Librarian position will be held on Friday November 12, 2021. There
are three candidates.
The library had 351 unique users on the Wi-Fi during the month of October. Those 351 unique
users logged in for 818 sessions.
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The carpets were steam cleaned the week of November 1 2021. This will occur yearly.
A Zoom Room was installed. A study room was converted into a quiet space with a computer
that provides access to video calls for classes, meetings, training, and interviews. This room is
available on an as-needed basis and requires a reservation.
The library submitted the annual report for the CT State Library.
The library is going fine-free on November 15, 2021. This is a fantastic accomplishment for the
library. There are only a handful of libraries in our consortium who are fine-free. Fines can be a
barrier to access at the library and eliminating them will hopefully get more people using the
library. Patrons that return their books are at Berlin Peck Memorial Library will not be charged
late fees. This will be advertised on the website and on Facebook. Passports have brought in
about $12,000 in revenue in the past year.
Director McNally reported she is working on the budget. She will be asking for an increase in the
equipment budget. It costs $31,000 to get 12 loaded desktop computers. She will also be
increasing the budget for professional development and an all-staff day.
On October 12th second grade students were able to get library cards. The library has been
invited to participate in a Berlin Early Childhood Council meeting on November 15. This is a new
initiative with Berlin Schools.
,
The Covid-19 vaccination clinic by Hartford Healthcare on October 212021 was a success. Fifty
,
people got booster shots. The next clinic is November 112021 1-4 pm. Second doses of
Moderna and Pfizer and boosters will be available.
Director McNally explained that a donation was made for tools for library of things. A list of power
tools was compiled for purchase. As soon as risk management approves this it will go forward.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT None
SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS:
- Policy and Personnel Committee - None
- Finance & Foundation Committee - None
- Outreach and Advocacy Committee – None
- Seed Library – None
OLD BUSINESS:
Library Card Types - The list was finalized and broken down into 5 categories.
Standard Card - residents of Berlin, card good for 3 years.
Business Card - local business owners, used for online access to data bases.
Teachers Card - teachers that teach or live in Berlin, good for 9 months.
Only exception is no loans on brand new books or videos.
Access Card - someone that doesn’t have a permit resident, good for 1 year.
Student Cards - any student that attends in the Berlin School District, good for 1 year.
ADJOURNMENT:
Carol Welz made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 pm, seconded by, Karen Pagliaro passed
unanimously.
Marlo Matassa
The Recording Secretary