Haverhill Public Library
Board of Trustees
Minutes of June 20, 2019
The regular monthly meeting of the Trustees of the Haverhill Public Library was called to order at 8:35 a.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2019 in the Donald C. Freeman Whittier Room. In attendance were Trustees Klueber, Bresnahan and Rurak. Trustees Coletti and Sheehan were in attendance via telephone. Also in attendance were Director Sarah Moser and Assistant Director, Ricky Sirois.
Secretary’s Report
The trustees were given copies of the minutes dated May 16, 2019. After perusing the minutes, a motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes. The minutes were so approved.
Treasurer’s Report
The Trustees examined the May financial statements. Sarah stated that they reflected a typical May. There was about $600 that was donated at Comic Con. The library has met the MER. Sarah and Ricky are in the process of interviewing for a new bookkeeper. A motion was made and seconded to approve the reports. Approval was unanimous.
Director’s Report
A copy of the Director’s Report was given to the Trustees. Comic Con was well attended and the library has received good feedback. Rachel Gagnon is credited with organizing it so well. Three new drinking bubblers were installed and paid for by the Friends. Also from the Friends was the annual luncheon to thank the volunteers and staff. Lastly, the summer reading program has begun.
Old Business
Sarah presented the changes to the FY20 budget. The trustees voted again to accept the changes. Acceptance was unanimous.
Sarah attended the budget hearing and discussed that the library is closer to meeting the MAR but will still need a waiver for this year.
Parking signs were installed on Ginty Blvd. to let people know they can park there for up to 10 hours. It is hoped that it will begin to alleviate the congested parking lot.
New Business
June is Pride Month and in July there will be a drag king/queen program for children. It is a popular international program but the library, along with others, have received some negative feedback on social media.
There are no policies regarding the use of bathrooms in regards to transgender people. The staff asked for clarification on what to do if there were ever an issue or a complaint raised by a patron. Sarah will ask the City what the law dictates and if the City has policies in place.
There is not a policy on employee discipline for non-union staff. In the past, discipline policies were followed according the City handbook but it doesn’t include the library. Sarah discussed a need to update the policy to include the library.
There being no further business to discuss, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn. The meeting ended at 10:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Bresnahan,
Secretary