Friends of the Butler Public Library Meeting Minutes March 3, 2007

Present: Ruth Mirabella, Beata Beaudoin, Pat Sperling, Marlene Donnelly, Erin McDermid and members of the Library Book Club.

As several members of the book club were able to join our meeting we began with a discussion of the Book Sale. The Book club has previously run the book sale and they are happy to have our help and allow the funds of the books go to the Friends of the Library. The proceeds of the bake sale will go to the Book Club group.

We discussed possible venues and Rhoda said she checked out many options, but none would allow us to store the books for upwards of 3 weeks. We deemed the storage unnecessary so we will continue to look at other options just to be sure. Ruth will speak to Jim Lampman to see about the Rec Centre. If not, the sale will be held at the Library.

Rhoda also provided the Friends with a quote to sell tote bags at the sale. This was a suggestion from Debbie. The Friends took a look at the cost of the bag, and have decided that they would prefer to concentrate on the Book Sale and as the profits for the bags are quite small, we don’t think it is worth it this time. Erin will send an email to contact Debbie to let her know that we aren’t interested at this time, but that we would continue with the leg work and selling of the bags if the Library wants to put their own logo on and go ahead with them, we would be happy to sell them and give the proceeds directly to the library.

We discussed a book drive to get books for the sale and tentative dates are: April 21^st, April 28^th and May 5^th. Tentative sale date is June 2^nd. Ruth will check with the local schools to see if there is a major conflict.

Pat mentioned that Applebee’s would still pass out balloons if we have them printed to advertise the sale. We also want to get bookmarks for the staff to pass out with every book checked out for the weeks preceding the sale.

Rhoda has a copy of last years flyer and will look at designing the flyer for this years sale. Ruth will draft up a flyer for the book drive. Maryanne at the library took care of advertising last year with the paper, we will confirm with her about this years sale.

Erin will ask Debbie if there are any racks available to use after the renos. In the meantime, paper boxes are perfect size for moving, sorting and displaying books so if everyone can see about finding as many as possible.

After the Book Club left, Marlene provided us with a breakdown of funds spent on the Grand opening celebration. A total of $151.03 was spent on the party, and we still have $3K available for the 3 computers to be ordered in April.

We discussed the bags again and other possible options (coffee mugs, water bottles?) and again decided not to do anything at this time. We may look at possible coffee mugs or such at a fall coffee fundraiser. (TBD).

Our next meeting will be March 31^st and a portion of it will be spent starting to organize the existing books in the storage room. Bring boxes if you can!!

Meeting Adjourned. Next Meeting March 31st at 10am

Thank you letter to the editor

I am happy to report the thank you letter was printed in the Trends newspaper. I hope you all had a chance to read it, if not perhaps I can post it here.
Pat

Butler Library Friends--NJ

Friends of the Butler Public Library
Meeting Minutes
November 14, 2006


Present: Ruth Mirabella, Beata Beaudoin, Pat Sperling, Marlene Donnelly, Lou Ferrari, Erin McDermid

Ruth began the meeting by talking about the surveys. Ruth and Beata will enter the surveys into a survey program for analysis. The group quickly reviewed the survey questions to determine some beginning variables for input.

Ruth then reviewed the SWOT analysis done informally by the staff. Several questions were raised by their comments, and were discussed as possibilities for new fundraisers or places to spend our donations. One of the discussions was the lack of Word and other programs on the Library computers. Ruth will look into the options available to charitable organizations as often Microsoft has opportunities to obtain these programs at a reduced rate. Not sure if this will apply to Library or not. The Friends is a registered charity, but if it is for public use, we are not sure if it applies.

Marlene, reported on the final total to date raised by the letter drive. As of October 31st, we have raised $4,369.00. A quick calculation had the average donation at approx. $29. Money has already been donated to the Library to pay for the new wireless modem. There were several discussions regarding how we want to spend the money earned. We don’t want to wait too long, so that the residents who donated can see what where their money is going, however, we would like to speak with Debbie to see what the renovation plans are to see where we can possibly fill in gaps.
We also discussed writing a letter to the editor of the Suburban Trends in hopes of publication to thank the residents of Butler for their generous donations. Erin and Pat will draft this letter and send it off.

The group then discussed formalizing things a bit. It was determined that Pat would take over as Chairperson, Erin would be Secretary, and Marlene will remain the Treasurer.

The Friends group reviewed the minutes of the Library Board of Trustees. The meetings are on the 1st Thursday of the month. We would like to try and have one of the Friends attend each meeting if possible. Erin will try to attend the December meeting.

Dates were discussed for the next meeting, and at this time we will go back to Saturdays.

Meeting Adjourned.

Next meeting: Saturday December 9th, 10am

Welcome to the Butler Public Library Friends Blog

Hello,

The next Friends meeting is Tuesday, November 14th at 7:30 p.m. in the mystery room at the library. Please join us to review surveys and staff feedback.

Thank you,

Deborah Maynard, Director