Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Government Library topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Otis library trustees review programs, OPM applicants and grant prospects; minutes and director's report approved
Summary
Trustees heard a director's report noting average weekly visits of about 67, discussed program and subscription proposals (including Kanopy), reviewed five OPM applicants ahead of an architect search, and were updated on Friends activities and a legislative breakfast; motions to approve minutes and the director's report were made and seconded.
President Susan Brofman presided over the Otis Public Library Board of Trustees meeting on Feb. 13, 2025. Trustees present in person included Greg, Diane, Tom, Rosy, Stephanie and Lois; Jim participated by Zoom. The board opened by moving and seconding approval of the January minutes.
The Treasurer reported the library is still awaiting confirmation from the town about whether it will receive the additional funding it requested and said a complete financial report was not available because monthly reports were not received on time. The transcript does not record a vote tally on the minutes or the town funding update.
In the Director's report, the Director said the library is averaging about 67 visitors per week. Upcoming programs include the Book Club on Feb. 20 and the Cookbook Club on Feb. 21; summer offerings named in the report include programs featuring Lara Tupper and Tom Ragusa. The Director also said Aubrey Fournier may lead a balloon story time and that Marc-Anthony Arena will offer a computer class for seniors on June 5.
The Director described a possible subscription to the Kanopy streaming service, which was reported to have about 33,000 titles. The board discussed purchasing 10 to 25 monthly "tickets" for patron access; the Director estimated an annual cost in the range of $350 to $500. The Director also noted the library had not yet signed up for Wowbrary. Annual Appeal revenue was said to be up from the prior year.
The board heard plans for Book Bingo this year: anyone getting a bingo will receive a $5 Dunkin'donuts gift card donated by the Friends of the Library, and a separate prize for filling the entire card will be announced later. The library is running an "I Love My Library" campaign; 5 to 10 responses will be chosen for a poster and publication in the Otis Observer.
The Director reported there were five applicants for the owner's project manager (OPM) role. The Building Committee will review those applications; once an OPM is selected, the committee plans to begin a search for an architect. The Building Committee is also pursuing a grant that would fund outside help with future grant-writing efforts. President Brofman said she will check how the $56,000 reported from the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission would be distributed and to whom funds would be released. There was no update on a new library logo.
The Friends of the Library reported a book sale set for Saturday, May 3 at Otis Ridge and announced three new members: Sharon Delevie, David K. and Larken Howard. Several trustees (identified in the minutes as Sue, Diane, Stephanie, Greg, Gloria and Lois) attended a Library Legislative Breakfast at Taconic High School in Pittsfield; Representative Leigh Davis attended the breakfast and is scheduled to visit Paige's in Otis on Feb. 28. At the breakfast attendees said, "The Library is the center of the Community and the Community is the center of the Library." That quote is recorded in the minutes without a specific speaker attribution.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the Director's Report; the minutes record the motion but do not include a vote tally. The meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m.; the minutes were signed "Respectfully submitted" by Lois A. Hall.
What's next: the Building Committee will review OPM applications and begin an architect search once an OPM is selected; President Brofman will investigate the Berkshire RPC funds; Representative Leigh Davis is scheduled to appear in Otis on Feb. 28.
