2021-12-08
TOWN OF BERLIN
BERLIN-PECK MEMORIAL LIBRARY BOARD
BOARD ROOM
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 8, 2021
6:30 PM
December 8, 2021
6:30 pm
____________________________________________________________________________________
ATTENDANCE:
Members Present
Chairman Donna Moore, Vice Chairman Robert Lewis
Chris Fasciano, Sharon Powell, Karen Pagliaro, Elaine Borselle, Gail Marino
Carol Welz
Staff Present
Kim McNally
Members Absent
Carol Welz, Lillian Ulan
Call to the Order
Chairman Moore called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
Audience of Citizens
None
Review of the Minutes
Elaine Borselle moved to approve the minutes November 10, 2021, seconded by Karen Pagliaro, passed
unanimously. *Correction of header to replace Tuesday with Wednesday.
LIBRARIAN’S REPORT:
Director McNally reported Sharon Powell assisted with librarian interviews. Ashley Ewert was hired for
the Children’s Department and will start December 20, 2021. Maryanne Zaccagnino announced her
retirement after 23 years. Her last day is December 9, 2021. A goodbye party will be held tomorrow. She
was a wonderful employee and liked by all. Her position has been posted and there are three applications
so far. Director McNally is looking to bring some 14-hour employees up to 17 hours. Also, minimum wage
is going up and she would like to adjust employees pay depending on their positions.
WIFI stats have increased to 1130 with 329 unique users in November. The Museum Pass has
transitioned to Museum Key.
The library is fine free as of December 1, 2021. Changes have been made to the library website.
MeeScan self-checkout station will be arriving soon. This will start in 2022. Capira will soon be available
at the library. This is an app that will help patrons register for events.
The budget was submitted for 2022-2023 fiscal year. Director McNally plans to purchase 19 new
computers. She is also hoping to add a “All Staff Day” next year. Director McNally asked the board if they
would like to assist in the budget next year.
As the cost of materials is rising. Director McNally would like to meet with other 2 libraries in town to form
a relationship.
The library is participating in the Shop Berlin and Win. This is a program with local shops. A QR code is
scanned when you visit the shop online and gift cards will be given out to the winners.
Hartford Healthcare vaccine clinic that was held at the library vaccinated and boosted over 100 people at
the event.
The “Veterans Tree” was up for the month of November and was beautiful.
Tax Aide will be offered again this coming year.
In November 350 people came to the adults’ programs and 560 children came to children’s programs.
Total card holders are down by 3%.
A patron came in for a passport and thanked the library for their public service. An ad will go in the citizen
and newsletter to advertise this service.
Holiday Closings:
December 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st and January 1st.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Chairman Moore reminded the board about the event sponsored by Barrell and Vine on December
16th,5:30-7:30 at the Bungalow on the Ave.
SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS:
- Policy and Personnel Committee - None
- Finance & Foundation Committee - None
- Outreach and Advocacy Committee – None
- Seed Library – Chris Fasciano is semi-retiring from the seed library business and Director McNally’s
husband Jeff will be taking over.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Library Policy Review Fines
Director McNally explained to the board that there are a few changes to the policy.
There are no overdo fines and no late fees.
Patrons are responsible for lost or damaged items.
There will be an increase in lost or damaged items from $10.00 to $25.00.
-Library Card Policy and Sign-Up Form
These policies do not have matching ages. Director McNally would like to change these policies to match
or maybe even take out the age entirely. She will ask around at other libraries to see what they do. Right
now, the library is working with the schools to offer library cards to kids starting in second grade.
- MOU with Friends of Berlin Peck Library
Director McNally would like to have a MOU between the library, library board and friends. She presented
some examples to the board. Having an understanding might clarify roles of all members. She asked that
the board take a look at the examples and have a discussion at the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
Vice Chairman Lewis made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 pm, seconded by, Elaine Borselle
passed unanimously.
Marlo Matassa
The Recording Secretary
Berlin Peck Memorial Library
234 Kensington Road. Berlin. CT. 6037
860.828.7125
(Meetings are held in the second Tuesday at 6:30 pm)
2022 Meeting Calendar
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Jan 12, 2022
Feb 9, 2022
March 9, 2022
April 13, 2022
May 11, 2022
June 8, 2022
July 13, 2022
August 10, 2022
September 14, 2022
October 12, 2022
November 9, 2022
December 14, 2022
January 11, 2023