FRIENDS OF THE CORTE MADERA LIBRARY

Minutes of the September 14, 2005 Meeting

 

The meeting was called to order by President Alice McNamee at 10:05 A. M. at the library.  In attendance:  Alice McNamee, Jan Shaw, Jerri Ceschi, Annette Schriebman, Harry Schriebman, Marguerite Gilbert, Nancy Davis, Sue Bigall, Joan Vaughan, Don Stow, Harriet Hyams, and Nancy Brooks.  Don Stow was introduced to everyone.

There were no changes to the agenda.

 

Reports

1.      Approval of Minutes:  The minutes of the July 13, 2005 meeting were approved with the following correction:  Second page, last line – the next meeting is scheduled for September 14, 2005.

 

2.      Treasurer’s Report:  Treasurer Jerri Ceschi reported a working capital of $10,245.63 as of August 31, 2005.  The CD balance is $10,105.62.  She has received a $709.00 check from the County Friends for our staffing at the Book Place March – June.  The Fiscal Year Report will be presented at the Annual Meeting.

 

3.      The Book Place:  Sue Bigall reported gross income in August and September of $700.00 that should net us $350.00.  She feels that the new policy of asking staffers to answer the phone at the shop is good for business.

 

4.      County Friends:  Nancy Brooks reported: on two County Friends meetings:  (1) the Blow Out Sale at The Book Place grossed $6,830.15 for 8 days.  There will probably be another Blow Out sale during the year and there will be at least one more Super Sale at the Armory.  (2) The funds donated in memory of Jane Arnold totals $3,360.  A decision will be made later about how best to use this money.  (3) The A/C at The Book Place died during the Blow Out Sale.  The landlord has agreed to pay for a replacement but actually a larger unit is needed for the size of the store.  It was agreed that the Friends would pay up to $3,000 for an upgrade.  (4) At the August meeting, the Friends voted to allocate funds for ongoing programs ($33,000), $5,000 for audio books, $4,500 for Internet training equipment, $1,500 for ergonomic chairs for Literary Program, and $5,000 for childrens’ science book collection for a total of $49,000.  The Librarian’s wish list will be revisited in January.  Nancy noted that she will be out of town for the next County Friends meeting.  Alice will attend and Nancy will arrange for Alice to receive the agenda and minutes.

 

5.      Membership Report:  Jerri Ceschi reported one renewal in June from the County (Don Stow) and two renewals to us in July, no renewals in August.

 

6.      Garden Update:  Annette Schreibman reported that she is pleased with the refurbishing of the benches that cost $720.  In the course of the work, some redwood bark was displaced and she requested that it be repositioned in the garden.  The town will be asked to check the drip irrigation system and to spruce up the plants.

 

7.      Branch activities:  Nancy Davis reported (1) The display case will be removed on Friday to make room for two more self-checkout machines.  She may ask us to purchase a small display case.  (2) The carpeting may be installed at the end of October or beginning of November.  The library will be closed part of the time of the installation.  It is unknown how much work will be required to remove old carpeting that is beneath the current carpeting..  (3) Two programs are scheduled; one on digital photography and the other on Forgotten Railroads of Marin.

 

Old Business

1.      New wish list:  Nancy Davis presented an updated Wish List dated September 2005.  (Copy in file.)  She noted that the County Friends had already provided the funds for the “Projector for demonstrations”.  She is particularly interested in improving the landscaping in front of the library and getting better looking study carrel dividers and reading lamps.  Nancy will get estimates and decisions will be made later.  The copy machine may come out of the Library’s budget.

 

2.      Possible expansion plans:  Nancy Davis had checked with Field Paoli Architects about possible expansion of the Corte Madera Library.  A preliminary feasibility study will cost $5,000 to $10,000. 

 

New Business

1.      Friends webpage:  Nancy Davis reported that currently the webpage consists of The Friends Mission and the minutes of all our meetings and asked if we wanted some of the earlier minutes to be deleted.  It was agreed to keep all the minutes on the page.

 

2.      Annual Meeting:  Nancy Brooks circulated the proposed “postcard” invitation for our Annual Meeting.  No changes to the invitation were made.

 

3.      Possible volunteer projects for Friends:  Nancy Davis  stated that there is a need for volunteer book members.

 

4.      Officers for next year:  A nominating committee comprised of Jan Shaw, Chair, and Sue Bigall will report a  new Slate of Officers for next year at the October meeting.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 11:35 A.M.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Nancy A. Brooks, Secretary

 

PLEASE NOTE:  THE NEXT MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 12, 2005.