Library Board of Commissioners — Burlington, VT
Date: 2025-01-15
Time: 07:45

Main Reading Room, Fletcher Free Library
 Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 7:45 AM

PLEASE NOTE:
This meeting is will be held on zoom and in-person in the Main Reading Room at the Fletcher Free Library.
Zoom Info: https://zoom.us/j/99642139874?pwd=SGIbewFaZ6ZzgQuMJGblIzGuhwsPS9.1




1. Call to Order

2. Adopt Minutes

3. Agenda

4. Public Forum

5. Friends of FFL Report

6. Director's Report

7. Subcommittee update

8. New Business

9. Adjournment
 Subject 9.1. Motion to adjourn
 Meeting January 15, 2025 - Library Commission Agenda - Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 7:45
 AM, Main Reading Room, Fletcher Free Library


 Category 9. Adjournment

 Department Council and Board


 Type

 Recommended Action

Fletcher Free Library
 LIBRARY BOARD of COMMISSIONERS
 Wednesday, January 15, 7:45 am
 Minutes

Present: Sally Blanchard-O’Brien, Emily Copeland, Mary Danko, Sam Doherty, Samantha Donalds, Patrick Halladay,
Cate MacLachlan, Grace Malley, Amy Mellencamp, Nick Tatakis, Rebecca Thompson, Mona Tolba.

Approval of minutes: from November 20. Amy moved, Becca seconded, approved.

Approval of agenda: Amy moved, Becca seconded, approved.

Public Forum: No public in attendance.

Friends of FFL Report: Jonathan sent a report ahead to the committee noting the next book sale will be held
February 1-2. The Friends had successful sales at the library and the Winter Market in December. Friends’ book
stalls at coffee shops have expanded to include: August First, Rogue Rabbit, NNE Pingala, Bagel Café, Skinny
Pancake, Haymaker, Poppy Café. The Friends are preparing for their FY24 financial review.

Director’s Report: Mary’s report highlighted welcoming our new part-time Patron Service Specialist (security).
Chocolate Thunder will continue to provide temporary security support for January while we hire a full-time
person. The Howard Center is interviewing for the embedded social worker position. Homecard system launched,
patrons must update their card at FFL to join Homecard and check out books at 29 other libraries. Preservation
work will begin this spring and the library is developing strategies for summer activities and managing potential
space constraints. Mary reported on the City's $20 million bond for infrastructure improvements, which includes
19 buildings in the city, each with over $700,000 in critical repair needs. The Library is included in the bond for
necessary repairs, including Carnegie roof beam project. Patrick inquired about specific projects at FFL. Mary
explained that the schematic design process included a building assessment, revealing critical structural issues
such as the need to replace beams in the Carnegie building and address roofing concerns. The building assessment
has already proven valuable, informing decisions such as the replacement of new stair treads. Grants will be
pursued, recognizing the historical significance of the building and the potential for eligibility for specific
preservation grants.

Capital Campaign Update: Amy reported that Jonathan is preparing for the Winter Breakfast. The Capital
Campaign is progressing, although FFL was not awarded an EPA grant (there were no Vermont or New Hampshire
recipients). There is a possibility that the application may be considered in future months with any remaining
funds. The application served as a catalyst for organizing thoughts related to the environmental aspects of the
renovations and exploring other potential grant opportunities. Mary will investigate the updated list of grant
awardees. Mary met with the offices of Senator Welch and Senator Balint to discuss the EPA grant. The delegation
is investigating the situation, as there is uncertainty with the new administration regarding grant awardees and
their ability to meet financial requirements. While some small hope remains, the Commission is exploring new
partnerships and strategies to secure funding for the project. Mary emphasized the importance of the Friends of
the Library's role in the Capital Campaign, particularly in fundraising efforts. The Friends are working with the City
to finalize an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) that will outline the specific terms of their collaboration on
the Capital Campaign. The Friends hope to bring the MOU to the City Council for approval in the coming weeks.

Subcommittee update: Commissioners signed up for subcommittees:
 o Governance & Strategic Planning: This subcommittee will focus on reviewing the Library's
 mission and goals, evaluating job descriptions and Commissioner recruitment processes, and
 conducting an annual assessment of the Library Director.
 o Policy: This subcommittee will address issues related to Emergency & Safety, Collections, and
 Borrowing, and other policies.

A Doodle poll will be made to determine meeting times for the subcommittees.

Adjournment: Cate moved, Patrick seconded. Approved.

New/Other Business: Next meeting is Wednesday, March 19, 7:45am.