Pittsfield Library’s Blog

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The night before the night before Christmas party was great success, thanks everyone who showed up.  22 kids in PJs, and a bunch of parents, listened to "The Night Before Christmas," "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer," then watched "The Polar Express." 

See you all next year!

Thanks everyone for a great season of after school programs.  We had 20 to 25 kids at most of our programs, and we couldn't have done it without our volunteers.  In fact we are nothing without our volunteers.  Literally.  We are a 100% volunteer run library.  If you would like to see more programs like this in the spring, drop us a line at pittsfieldvtlibrary@gmail.com and let us know how you can help.  Can you show up to unlock the door every week?  Do you have a project or interest to share one week?  Are you good at organizing?  Join the competition for the 2009 Susie Martin Award.

Roger Clark Memorial Library
Pittsfield, Vermont
Minutes of meeting 12/04/08

Called to order at 7:07 pm
Present:  Susie Martin, Marion Abrams, Sharon Mayer, April Hayden , Karen Waterworth
Nancy Blessing & Angelique Lee

Treasurer’s Report
Receipts                        $ 100.00 Donated in memory of Sara Flynn
Disbursed 375.64 Books
  74.41 Supplies
Account Balance 2987.64
 197.21 ½.com(Vonage)
Ranney CD 1036.76 Maturity date 12//04/08
Jutson CD 1036.70 Maturity date 12/10/08
(both to be renewed and interest deposited in ½.com account)
AEF Savings  642.20
Cash on hand    23.55

Nancy extended thanks to Angelique & family for massive effort and accomplishment during recent library work day.
Signage discussed.
Marion to follow up on previously  cleared by select board plan to place two signs on green to  heighten awareness of library presence.
Plexiglas cover suggested for bulletin board on front of building.
New signs on books shelves created by Angelique & Sharon noted and Sharon volunteered to
improve same with Velcro .
After school programming discussed.
In ‘09, Angelique will strive to provide programming for students in grade 5 and up.
Any volunteer wishing to carry on programming for younger children encouraged to step forward.
Tracy and Eunice mentioned as individuals who had expressed interest in providing programming.
Participation in The Big Read sponsored by The Vermont Humanities Council discussed. This year’s book selection is Fahrenheit 45, 10 free books available to participating libraries.
Library volunteers encouraged to  attend the Women’s Alliance Dinner at the Swiss Farm on December 10th as the Trustees will at that time present an award  to one deserving library volunteer.
Game night discussed.  Hope to expand appeal to the adult community expressed.   Timing and child care discussed; a Cabin Fever February Pot Luck Game Night suggested.  Karen likely to follow up on plan.
Nancy Blessing  indicated continued  exploration of Listen Up Vermont downloadable books and plans to  keep us informed.
Quarterly work days slated for January 11th, April 5th, July 12th & October 18th in the coming year.
Karen asked to write a letter to library users explaining purpose of registration and issuance of new library cards.
Thank you notes sent to Saskia Hagengroom and the Hayden family for presenting after school programs.
Decision made to again request $940.00 from town budget in 2009
Angelique plans to write Turrell grant by February 1st due date
Next Trustee Meeting scheduled for Sunday, January 11,2009, 12-1:00pm.  Followed by the aforementioned workday.

Minutes submitted by Karen Waterworth

Roger Clark Memorial Library
Pittsfield Vermont
Meeting Minutes
11/17/08

Meeting brought to order at 7:00pm
In attendance: Susie Martin, Marion Abrams, Sharon Mayor, Angelique Lee, Lorraine Fielder,
Karen Waterworth, Nancy Blessing

Treasurer’s Report
Regular Checking Account
Deposits:  $305.00  Donations in memory of Sara Flynn

Disbursements: $141.57 Books
 437.13 Books (per Turrell grant)
   33.30 Postage
   18.99 Events
   87.97 Supplies
 278.99 Sofa (per Turrell grant)
 179.14 After school program
   30.00 Saturday program
-------------
Total: $1207.09

Ending Balance:   $3319.69

½.com Checking Account:
$   197.21
CDs:   1000.00 Ranney
  1000.00 Jutson
AEF Savings:      641.80

Volunteers encouraged to sign up for shifts. 

Volunteers asked to catalog books during shifts.  Instructions in folder.

Photos and certificate of appreciation from Philippines Library to which books were donated  were reviewed.
Anticipated pen pal letters from Philippine students to follow.

Nancy Blessing continues to investigate use of  www.listenupvermont.org.

Sharon presented new Rolodex and library cards.  Those present registered and received cards and numbers allowing use of downloadable audio books at www.listenupvermont.org.
Karen presented draft of informational letter to patrons regarding registration and library cards; template for developing a Privacy and Confidentiality Policy; and copy pf Vermont Act 129
Plan made to present draft of Privacy and Confidentiality Policy at next meeting
Plan made to initiate registration  and issue library cards after next library meeting in December.

Marion Abrams plans to move ahead with purchase of MP3 players for patron use when downloading audio books.

Lorraine Fielder reported on results of Usborne Book Sale.  Total sales of $500.00 (including library purchases) and use of Literacy for a Lifetime grant  netted RCML $350.00 worth of free books.

Sharon Mayer nominated and accepted to fill vacancy of trustee as Sandy Begin had previously  made it know that she wanted to step down.  Sandy will be asked to write letter of resignation.

Future of After School Program discussed.  Angelique remains available to spearhead program along with Joyce  through the spring of ‘09, but  anticipates being unavailable in the fall of  ‘09.  Any individuals interested in maintaining or redirecting an after school program are encouraged to step forward.
Noted that Turrell grant writing due in February ‘09.

Thank you notes written to Judy Jenson, Trish & Jeff Hegewald, Edie Johnstone, Joe Desena and Becca Rubens for contributions to the after school program.

Noted that ad for RCML will appear in the White River Valley Telephone Directory compiled by the Park House in Rochester.
Sale of telephone  directory in library suggested.

Afternoon of Sunday 11/23/08 designated as library work day.  Volunteers strongly encouraged to attend from 1-5pm to facilitate the cataloging  our many new books.

Possibility of library sponsoring a Yoga Community Awareness Class as offered by Gianna at the Town Hall discussed.  Monday afternoon time slot suggested.  Marion will follow up with Gianna and Select Board.

December meeting to take place on Thursday, December 4th.

Meeting adjourned at 8:05pm, after which newly purchased  sofa assembled and tested for functionality.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Waterworth