Francestown library trustees approve minutes and treasurer’s report, discuss programs, seed library and Greenfield collaboration

The George Holmes Bixby Memorial Library Board of Trustees met on March 12, 2025, in the library and approved the February minutes and accepted the treasurer’s report before hearing program and operations updates. Chair John Ludlam presided; the meeting convened at 4:00 p.m. and adjourned at 5:32 p.m.

Library Director Beth Crooker summarized recent programs and operational items. She said the Puzzle Race on Feb. 22 drew seven teams and 23 participants and that Blind Date with a Book (Feb. 4–28) produced 21 checkouts and 13 raffle slips. A book sale held March 4–11 was supported by the Bixby Boosters and reduced 15 boxes to 11; unclaimed books will need disposal. Crooker reported ongoing landscaping planning with designer Sue Remski and routine building maintenance, noting that Henry replaced an exterior lamppost bulb and reset the timer. She also reported purchases for a seed library (about $60 for envelopes/labels/binders and about $120 for seeds) that should be ready by the end of the week, a mic-headset ordered for an upcoming JHNS program, and two donated presentation boards.

Treasurer Steve Griffin reported February expenses that included $75 for museum passes and a small gain in investments; Chair Ludlam moved to accept the treasurer’s report and the board approved it. The board also received a brief budget update for 2025 described as “as expected.”

Children’s librarian Kelly Bellemare presented circulation and patron statistics and outlined youth programming and outreach. Bellemare reported that Take & Make kits were nearly all claimed (23 of 25), one family is participating in the 1000 Books challenge, and recent purchases included 20 books and three games; donations and some weeding were also recorded. Upcoming children’s events include Pi(e) Day on March 14, a five-week Toddler Tuesdays series, LEGO open build days, Teen Art Days, and spring-vacation activities including a Stuffie Sleepover and game day. Bellemare said the library is promoting events on Wowbrary and Instagram and is coordinating a school/library/conservation collaboration with staff members identified as Hannah and Rachel.

On interlibrary collaboration, trustees noted that Greenfield library trustees have approved policies and the next step is configuring Biblionix to support the partnership; no implementation date was specified. Under new business, trustees flagged future planning for a Farmers Market and continued work on marketing for the strategic plan, including logo design and a survey scheduled for next month; the board discussed incentives to increase survey response rates and reach nonusers.

There are no recorded formal votes on policy or budget changes beyond acceptance of the minutes and treasurer’s report. The meeting listed time for public comment and a non-public session, but the minutes contain no substantive public comments. The board set its next meeting for April 9, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in the library.