MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
CARTHAGE FREE LIBRARY
(VIA ZOOM CONFERENCE CALL)
APRIL 15, 2020 – 6 PM
PRESENT: Tammy Blunden; Bridget Fetterly, V-Pres; Nusrat Hafeez, Pres.; Rebecca Heagle,
Sec.; Jamie Peck; Robert Sligar, Treas.; Darby Tarr; Lisa Trembley
STAFF: Tina Bamberg, Library Director
GUESTS: Paulette Roes from North Country Library System (NCLS)
Bridget opened the meeting at 6:05 pm.
MONTHLY REPORTS –
- Secretary’s Report – Becky presented the minutes to the Special Pandemic Meeting
on March 19, 2020. Rob motioned to approve, seconded by Nusrat. All in favor. - Library Director’s Report – See Sub-committee Report on Personnel
- Treasurer’s Report – Mark was absent.
SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS – - Personnel – Tina reported how she has tasked employees working during the
pandemic. Using computers set up at home for their work of getting on all platforms to draw
people/patrons to the library site:
*Roger is working on updating the library webpage.
*Liz has started a Teen Group Page on Facebook and Instagram, offering community
teens creativity and literacy activities. One such activity is a live story time reading of a YA
book called Death by Toilet Paper by Donna Gephart, read by teen member Conrad
Wojcikowski. Liz is also starting work related to the Summer Reading Program, along with
Shauna, who will be working with her.
*Shannon is covering the Twitter platform.
*Serena is handling the Facebook pages for the library and its programs; and the newer
Carthage Free Library Pandemic Survival Page, where patrons can share experiences and
ideas.
*Melissa has opened a Carthage Free Library Heritage Room Page, highlighting what
this special room offers, from research into local history questions to Oral History accounts
from past and present members of the community.
Also:
*Donna is organizing patron library cards, calling for updated information if needed, and
also checking on patrons.
*Deb is taking all the library phone calls, and also checking on patrons.
*Shirley, the library cleaner, still reports for her job.
*Besides her director tasks of keeping an eye on the library, Tina is also trying to set up
online programs such as Reading to Rhea (one of our Reading to a Dog pooches), as well as
cleaning books, and other timely library business. - Budget and Finance/Planning Issues – Mark has put an application through for the
library to receive PPP (Payroll Protection Program) funds for pandemic expenses.
According to Gov. Cuomo, reopening is expected to go according to what’s
essential, so the library must consider how our reopening will look, such as: Can we open if
schools are still out?; What sort of PPE will our employees need (masks, shields, etc.); Do we
continue curbside pick-up service for a while?
Bridget suggested setting aside a COVID-19 budget fund for pandemic-related
expenses, like reimbursements for tasks involving an employee’s home devices. She will
discuss this with Mark. Also, the Board must plan to create a pandemic policy for the future.
Bridget asked Paulette about a template for a pandemic policy from NCLS. Paulette will send
a link to a COVID resource guide that has sample policies. - Building Projects, Facilities, and Maintenance – Building is closed due to COVID-19.
- Educational Programs/Services –
*Friends” Group – April/May events postponed.
*Heritage Room – see Personnel
OLD BUSINESS –
Tina noted that OVERDRIVE access (for eBook/audiobook titles) is being used a lot,
and asked if we should donate to NCLS some of our monthly book purchase funds (currently
ordering summer reading program material), to keep it going. Discussion will continue.
Bridget will bring some silent auction materials to the library (from the postponed April
Trivia Night) which could be used as incentives at a later time.
NEW BUSINESS –
Rob motioned to continue the approved decisions of the March Pandemic meeting
regarding the closure of the library, seconded by Jamie. All in favor. These decisions include:
*Carthage Free Library is closed to the public due to health concerns over
COVID-19 per NCLS and NYS guidance.
*Fines/fees accumulated during the state of emergency will be forgiven. Also,
the library director can use her discretion regarding forgiveness of fines for blocked accounts
during this time.
*The library’s WiFi access will continue to be turned on 24/7 per NCLS
guidance.
*Allowing alternate work location and assignments for library staff will continue
at the director’s discretion.
GUEST Notes from Paulette Roes of NCLS:
*NCLS is currently creating a COVID-19 Task Force to flesh out reopening plans
for the libraries. Each director and board of trustees can use this to determine how it will look
for them, and are being asked to participate. The Task Force will explain executive orders and
other government policies, and what resources are available. Bridget will keep the board
informed.
*We should not be in the buildings except to check on building conditions.
*NCLS is changing the websites out of the Drupal program to the Word Press
program. We are advised not to make too many changes just yet. There will be training
available.
Lisa motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:04 pm, seconded by Tammy. All in favor.
Next meeting: Wed., May 20, 2020, at 6 pm.