Pittsfield Library’s Blog

Volunteer & Trustee meeting minutes Nov. 17th

nobody@vox.com(Pittsfield Library) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:05:33 -0500

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

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Fall & WInter Events at the Library

nobody@vox.com(Pittsfield Library) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:06:40 -0400

Jacko

Trick or Treat:
October 31 - evening
Once again the library is giving out new books for Halloween. Come see the pumpkins too!

After School Program:
DETAILS:
Tuesdays from 3:30pm - 5pm
The Library is a school bus stop, so you can arrange for easy drop-off.
Please be prompt picking up your child,
the library closes at 5pm.
Children younger than 2nd grade are welcome to participate with a parent present. Healthy snacks will be served.
ALL PROGRAMS WILL START BY MEETING AT THE LIBRARY.

October 28
PUMPKIN CARVING and GRAVESTONE RUBBING
Younger kids will carve pumpkins to decorate the Library for Halloween. Older kids will head to the cemetary to learn the ancient art of gravestone rubbing.

November 4
SCAVENGER HUNT
Becky Ruben says, "Dress for the weather, bring your eagle eyes, we're going to have a blast!"

November 11
TISSUE PAPER COLLAGE
Edie Johnstone is back with a colorful and creative craft project all ages of kids will love.

The Usborne Internet-Linked First Encyclopedia of Our World

------------------------------------
USBORNE BOOK FAIR
to benefit the Library

Saturday 11/8, 10am - 1pm
Sunday 11/9, 10:30am - 2pm
Quality Books for Kids.
Just in time for Holiday Giving.
------------------------------------

More After School Program:
November 18
SASKIA'S SURPRISE
Last year you danced in her wooden shoes, what will she come up with this year? We can't wait!

December 2
THE CHICKEN MAN
Amee Farm manager Chris Orosz is bringing a variety live young poultry for us to enjoy and learn about.

December 9
SNOW GLOBES
Sculpt your own snow scene and make a glittery, magical Snow Globe with Angelique.

December 16
GINGERBREAD HOUSES
Joyce and Angelique will help you decorate an amazing gingerbread house, bring your imagination!

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Summer Schedule 2008

nobody@vox.com(Pittsfield Library) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 21:46:45 -0400

Library Building

Greetings Friends and Neighbors!

The 100% volunteer Roger Clark Memorial Library is once again gearing up for a season of wonderful summer programs, with something for everyone - including outdoor activities, music and picnics. Our volunteers are shelving hundreds of new books for adults, kids, and young adults, great summer reading is ahead.

A collection of children's magazine subscriptions from Muse, Calliope and Ask, to Young Rider and Animal Baby have arrived for the coming year.

Our summer hours will start the weekend of July 12th when we will add Saturdays from 9 to 11am to our Tuesday and Thursday hours.

New this summer we are participating in the Vermont Department of Libraries Summer Reading Program for Children: Catch the Reading Bug. Remember way back in February kids signed up for a free t-shirt? We'll have those and more incentives to kick-off the program at our first community picnic June 29th. We look forward to seeing you this summer - AT THE LIBRARY!

June 29 - Sunday, 4pm - 7pm
Pot Luck Community Picnic
with Summer Reading Program Kick-Off
and Outdoor Games for Everyone
KIDS - Come pick up your FREE Summer Reading Program
T-Shirt, and learn how to earn a free pizza donated by Picarello's and a pass to the Champlain Valley Fair!

July 12 - Saturday, 10am - 11am
Susie Smolen Music Program for Young Kids

July 15 - Tuesday, 4:30pm
All Ages Mushroom Walk with Jason Hayden

July 19, Saturday, 10am - 11am
Story and Craft for Young Kids
Library opens at 9am

July 20 - Sunday, 4pm - 7pm
Pot Luck Picnic with All Ages Audience Participation Native American Drumming
and Storytelling by "Children Gather Round"

July 23 - Wednesday, 6pm - 8pm
All Ages Nature Scavenger Hunt
Bring a basket or container for your treasures

July 26 - Saturday, 10am - 11am
Story and Craft for Young Kids
Library opens at 9am

July or August TBD - Watch for Posters
Parachute Games for Kids

August 2 - Saturday, 10am - 11am
Story and Craft for Young Kids
Library opens at 9am

August 6 - Wednesday, 7pm-9:30pm
Teen Movie Night for 6th Grade and up

August 9 - Saturday, 10am - 11am
Story and Craft for Young Kids
Library opens at 9am

August 16 - Saturday, 10am - 11am
Story and Craft for Young Kids
Library opens at 9am

August 23 - Saturday, 10am - 11am
Story and Craft for Young Kids
Library opens at 9am

August 24 - Sunday, 4 - 8 pm
Pot Luck Picnic and Outdoor Movie A Bug's Life. Summer Reading Program Awards and Catch Fireflies! Bring your own jar!

August 30 - Saturday, 10am - 11am
Story and Craft for Young Kids
Library opens at 9am

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Help with summer programs

nobody@vox.com(Pittsfield Library) — Fri, 30 May 2008 11:43:27 -0400

Our next volunteer and trustee meeting is Thursday June 5th at 6:30.

We would really like to nail down our summer schedule so we can send out a town wide mailing. WE CAN'T RUN ANY PROGRAMS UNLESS WE HAVE VOLUNTEERS WILLING TO MAKE A COMMITMENT. Please come to the meeting and let us know what you are able to do. If you can't make the meeting please let us know if you can:
Run a Saturday morning craft and story program (just one would help),
host one of our monthly picnics (we'll do one each month for 3 months),
run an adult program (speak or present on something you think would interest the community),
organize outdoor games during a picnic or another evening (kick the can etc..).

To see the agenda click here. If there is anything you would like added to the agenda, just let me know.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Teens at RCML

nobody@vox.com(Pittsfield Library) — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:18:12 -0400

Teen5-08

Eight teens met for our first Teen Advisory Group meeting. They perused our junior fiction collection and marked "Young Adult" themed books with yellow stickers. Favorite books were reviewed and marked with orange stickers, with the review tucked inside, so be sure to check out what your friends are recommending! Pizza and brownies were consumed in huge quantities, and the group gave us very specific guidance on titles and authors they would like to see added to the collection. Look for these new books to start appearing on the shelves in the next month or so, their purchase is funded by the Turrell Fund grant.

It is hard to come up with a common meeting time during the busy summer months, but the group was tossing around plans for everything from a library sleep over to a band as their next activity! If you'd like to know when the next TAG activity is planned, email us to be included. The group is for grades six and up.

The Mayer family recently made a generous donation of Young Adult fiction, so there is A LOT of great summer reading material available, come check it out!

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Retirement 101 - thanks

nobody@vox.com(Pittsfield Library) — Thu, 29 May 2008 09:19:17 -0400

Last night Andrew Skroback gave a wonderful talk on investing. It was a great overview putting volatility in perspective. He spoke about using education to remove fear and greed from investing, and about the effects of inflation on your money. We had a small turnout, but those that showed up received a great education.

Mr Skroback brought an amazing chocolate cake to share with us all, and his daughter Kim Robertson and her husband Matt did all the set up and cleanup. Thank you very much to the Roberston / Skroback family for helping us get our adult programs started. We hope to have several more this summer. And don't forget, the library is not just for kids, we've added close to 300 new books to our adult collection in the last year. Stop in and borrow a book, it's free!

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Free Financial Seminar May 28th

nobody@vox.com(Pittsfield Library) — Mon, 12 May 2008 10:58:06 -0400

Pittsfield’s Library Offers Free Financial Planning Seminar

The Roger Clark Memorial Library is pleased to announce a free educational seminar on Retirement Planning on Wednesday May 28th at 7pm at the Pittsfield Town Hall. As part of our ongoing community outreach program we are pleased to offer this free presentation by Andrew Skroback, a chartered Financial Consultant and Chartered Life Underwriter and father and grandfather of local friend’s of the library family the Robertson’s.
This is a great opportunity for those adults who seek retirement security and want to learn more about financial planning and investment considerations. He will address eliminating the emotions ‘fear’ and ‘greed’ from investment decisions and define the risks faced by investors seeking to accumulate funds for a secure retirement, as well as discuss ‘ the dollar” and global investing. Please join us for this interesting evening.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

May Book Club

nobody@vox.com(Pittsfield Library) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:21:21 -0400

Three Weeks with My Brother

Nicholas Sparks

Hello all,

The tea was hot, the cookies were delicious and the decision was unanimous! We all enjoyed "The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio" .

At last night's meeting of the Pittsfield Book Club, held at the Roger Clark Memorial Library, all in attendance agreed that this book's story of one women's positive spirit and tenacity in the face of adversity was just too good to be missed.

Thank you to all who attended, the plans for the next book are:
"Three Weeks with my Brother" by Nicholas Sparks - Please email me by the end of this week (May 2), if you would like to be included in the order for this book.

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, June 3rd @ 6:30 pm.

Hope to see you there!

Sharon Mayer

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Work Day, Thanks

nobody@vox.com(Pittsfield Library) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 19:42:06 -0400

A group of 10 volunteers showed up Sunday for our second library work day. We moved boxes, cataloged books, weeded shelves, set up new displays, updated spine tags, and generally spruced up books. Stop by, we add new books every week.

We have lots of plans for the summer including picnics, presentations, outdoor games, a big summer reading kick off and more. Our second Saturday of the month music and stories for toddlers will continue, and we'll start our Special Saturdays up again too. Check back here for details.

Have you noticed there are no photos lately? My camera's broken, I should have it back in a few weeks.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

April 4th Library meeting minutes

nobody@vox.com(Pittsfield Library) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:58:17 -0400

Roger Clark Memorial Library
Meeting Minutes
April 3, 2008

Attending: April Hayden (trustee secretary), Susie Martin (trustee treasurer), Karen Waterworth (trustee), Marion Abrams (trustee chair), Sharon Mayer (volunteer), Angelique Lee (volunteer).

Treasurer’s report
Expenses included $69.99 for supplies, $114.15 books, $63.12 after-school program, $100 for music - for a total of $347.26. Balance in our account is $5,293.67. The spaghetti supper collected $420 in donations; Joyce’s expenses have not been subtracted from that figure yet. Vonage account has $133.02. Our two CD’s have $1000 and $1,197.97.

Book Purchasing
We have $1,500 from grant to buy books this year. Angelique and April have made a list of approximately $1000 worth in Ingram. List needs to be checked against our collection. Could be part of our work day scheduled for April 27th.

A good selection of periodicals have been ordered using Winnie Bell grant.

Upcoming Programs
We will hold summer family picnics on Thursdays from 5-7 during the months of June, July, and August. Saturday story and craft time will be held from 9-11 in July and August. April, Angelique, Kelly?, others? will lead programs. A sub-committee to brainstorm the summer reading program was started: Joyce, Sharon, Angelique, April. We anticipate an active/outdoor focus. Are also thinking about targeting 10+ age group.
Picarello’s Pizza will donate pizza certificates for our summer programs. We still need to decide how we want to use them, how many and to submit a proposal.

Youth Book Advisory Session
…will be held on April 26th from 11-1 – with pizza!

Marion will send TYs to after-school program volunteers.

Grant Follow-up
We agreed that a comfy loveseat or small futon couch would be a good addition to the library. ? will look for one at a discount.

Game Nights…
were not a big success this winter. We hope to change time to Fridays after school next year and catch some bus traffic.

Summer Mailer
All agreed that we should continue to reach the community in this way/ be consistent with our message. Target date to send to all Pittsfield box holders is May 15th.

Adult Programs
We are still considering holding some special, informational, fun events for adults - such as Feng Shui, cooking, financial planning, wills… Interest of presenters and participants to be determined…

Work Day…
scheduled for April 27th at noon.

Announcements
Two new documentaries have arrived: VT Creative Economy and Eggs 101.
Book club will meet again on April 29th at 6:30.
Music for little ones is April 12th at 10.
The book club was featured in a front-page article in the most recent Vermont Journal.
Next meeting: May 8th at 6:30.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend