Haverhill Public Library
Board of Trustees
Minutes of September 16, 2021
The regular monthly meeting of the Trustees of the Haverhill Public Library was called to order at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 16, 2021 in the auditorium. In attendance were Trustees Coletti, Klueber, Sheehan and Veasey-Sirois. Also in attendance was Director, Sarah Moser and Assistant Director, Jonathan Nichols.
Secretary’s Report
The trustees were given copies of the minutes dated August 19, 2021. After perusing the minutes, a motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes. The minutes were approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Business manager, Josh McDonald, presented the financial statements for August. He stated that the endowment continues to grow. He also started working on a capital budget structure with the goal of looking out into the future. There was discussion on updates needed in the second floor bathrooms, special collections and the auditorium. There was one unique donation made from the proceeds of a lemonade stand.
A motion was made and seconded to accept the financial statements. The statements were approved.
Director’s Report
Sarah discussed the highlights of the director’s report:
- New hires need to be vaccinated and the Mayor is still working with unions on the vaccine mandate.
- In person programs have started up again but haven’t been very well attended
- The Merrimack Valley Halloween Festival and the Fall Fundraiser have been canceled.
- The HVAC is being repaired and will cost about $10,000.
- We received $25,000 from MVLC for covid-related expenses
- Special Collections now has expanded hours and added Wednesday nights and every 3rd Saturday.
Old Business
Staffing Update: Interviews have begun for the circulation position and there has been some internal staff shifting departments. The library’s page has retired. The Mayor upgraded the salary and hours for this position.
Strategic Plan Update: MBLC needs the Strategic Plan by December. There was discussion on the SOAR exercise.
New Business
There was discussion about the library’s 150th anniversary coming up in 2023, where fundraising and renovations were talked about as ideas to lead up to and celebrate that milestone. Renovations could include looking into library designers to suggest improving the inside and outside of the building. Making the building more attractive could attract more people at the same time meeting some of the strategic plan goals.
There being no further business to discuss, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn. The meeting ended at 10:30 a.m.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Bresnahan