Minutes Mansfield Library Advisory Board Meeting

September 15, 2009

Present:  L. Bailey, ex officio, E. BarShalom, E. Chibeau, S.Q. Clark, presiding, J. Green, H. Hand, W. Hare,  B.Katz, R.Pollack, recording, D. Truman

Visitors: None

The Meeting was called to order at 7:01PM

No Public Comment

No Communications

Minutes of the May 14, 2009 meeting was amended to " safety of patrons and staff" instead of "well being" and  "a letter to be sent" to the Town Council instead of "L. Bailey write a letter".  The minutes were then accepted.

Town Council Mandate re: Library Hours

1. Toddler Time was cancelled because of budget cuts.  The Library would not be able to stay open 56 hours and maintain all its programs.  The Council decided that the Library should not cut its hours.  It was a decision made despite resistance from the Library staff and Advisory Board.

2.  The Advisory Board decided to ask for a joint meeting with the Town Council after the November election to clarify  our role as advisors to the Town Manager in formulating library policies and objectives.  We need to know if the expertise of the Library staff and the Advisory Board who represent the public is acknowledged when decisions are made.

Term Expirations for Eva Bar-Shalom, Heidi Hand and Will Hare. All of them will continue to serve.

Annual Library Advisory Report

1. It was mentioned that the donations from The Friends of the Mansfield Library have become necessary to maintain the collection.

2.  Submitted a letter to the Town Council for reconsideration of the number of hours that the Mansfield Library is open.

3.  Plans for 2010-11

Next Advisory Board meeting is planned for Dec. 1, 2009.

The meeting adjourned at 7:55PM

Respectfully submitted

Rita Pollack