REPORT
Staff/Committee Report:
title
Director's Report to the Library Commission
May 15, 2023
Budget News:
* I am beginning the process of inquiring about the possibility of migrating to a new consortium. There are four library consortiums in Connecticut. For FY24, LION is charging $51,788 for us to belong which is a 3% increase over last year. The benefits of LION seem to be decreasing while the membership costs continue to rise. I feel it is my due diligence to reach out to inquire about other comparable options. I will present my research obtained at a future meeting for discussion.
* The Mayor has signed off on the lease for two new photocopier machines for each library building. I've attached the Ricoh photocopier spec sheet in case anyone is interested on the details of the new machines. These new state of the art machines can print and copy in color and black and white, fax, scan, email, and much more! I am aiming for delivery towards the end of June followed by install as close to July 1 as possible so we can have a smooth transition of responsibility from the Commission to the Town.
Library News:
* The ACLB presented their free webinar on Library Board Basics last month. Did anyone attend or watch the recording that was shared via email? I watched the recording and wanted to share a few take-a-ways:
o The Commission Member page on our website has been updated with the link to the ACLB resource website, United for Libraries, and the State of CT Libraries Help Center
o Library Commission Members - if you are out in public and you see the Mayor or a Town Councilor, thank them for funding the library
o Be an advocate for the library in your community - have an "elevator speech"
o Start relationship building for small local organizations for possible fundraising
o Know what is expected of you as a Library Commission member
* Regular attendance at meetings
* Come prepared to meetings, read over the agenda and supporting documentation/attachments
* Members u...
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