Volunteers

Fran Cerri, , Betty Crispo, Marianne Esposito, Kathy Grill, Mary Holton, Judith Kane, Joan Lewis, Marie Noonan, Mary O'Brien,  Jean Perras, Lena Robinson, Sarah Schelde, Karen Smith, Sue Szymczak

Board of Trustees

Beth Capitula, President
David Wheatley, Vice President (2009)
Kevin Moran,  Secretary (2009)
Robert Fahr, Treasurer (2007)
Pamela Lamb
Mary Clinton (2011) 
Virginia Boisvert (2010)

History of Library

The Watervliet Public Library was founded in May 1953 under the auspices of the Watervliet Civic Chest, Inc.  From the beginning we have had tremendous support from the community.  The original Library holdings consisted solely of donations from the public and the original work force consisted solely of volunteers.  Financial support came primarily from the Chest, although important donations also came from the Watervliet Rotary Club, the Watervliet Lodge of Elks, and the Knights of Columbus.

Our first librarian was even a volunteer.  Sybell Maclay, who was the librarian at the Watervliet High School, began cataloguing book donations in September 1952.  Her services were invaluable, as the Library had no funds to compensate a professional librarian.  Esther Madsen carried on as volunteer librarian until 1967.  Since 1967 the Board of Trustees has engaged the services of various professional librarians.  Catherine Townsend became librarian and director in 1972 and retired in 1992.  Barbara Schoen served since 1994 and Ginger Hewitt became librarian and director in 2006.

In 1965, toward the end of Mrs. Madsen's tenure, our Library received a provisional charter from the New York State Board of Regents, thus officially becoming the Watervliet Public Library.  The permanent charter and Certificate of Registration were granted nine years later, in 1974.   In February 1980, the Library moved into its present location in the Senior Citizen Complex.

At this time, the Library also became a member of the Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS).  UHLS is a federation of public libraries in Albany and Rensselaer Counties.  Through UHLS, the Library has the opportunity to cooperate with other libraries by lending and borrowing books through interlibrary loan and participating in the Upper Hudson Library Access Network or UHLAN.   UHLAN is an on-line card catalog that provides information on holdings in 29 UHLS libraries.  Watervliet has been fully active in UHLAN since August 1997.

The list of services provided by the Library is constantly growing.  Several computers recently acquired through the Gates Foundation and a collection of software give our patrons access to the Internet and two CD-ROM encyclopedias, as well as word processing programs and a desktop publisher.   We offer story hours for children in the spring and autumn, as well as literary and other programs of interest to the general public.  Support from Pioneer Savings Bank allows us to offer many different periodicals.  The Library has its own collection of video and audio cassettes that is supplemented every eight weeks by cassettes loaned to us by UHLS.

UHLS also provides some financial support, although primary funding for the Library comes from the City of Watervliet.  In the past, the Friends of the Library provided steady support and have given the Library a photocopier, a television, a VCR, reference books, and many other essential items.
 

Local History Collections

This collection contains materials on Watervliet, Troy, and selected materials on Albany County.  It includes city directories, town histories, and a vertical file of published materials, clippings, and other materials dealing with the Town of Watervliet.  Our archives include a vertical file of pamphlets and clippings; History of Watervliet by Florence Service, 1902 (manuscript); and unpublished Watervliet histories by various authors (1980s through 1996).

How to Find Us

Address:  1501 Broadway, Watervliet, New York  12189-2895

From the south, take Route 787 north to the second Watervliet exit (23rd Street and Green Island).  Bear left; at first traffic light turn left onto Broadway.  Proceed four blocks.  The library is on the right at the corner of 15th Street and Broadway, across from City Hall.  (It is the same building as the Senior Citizens' Center.)  Parking is in the rear of the building.

From the west, take Route 2 (Troy-Schenectady Road) east toward Watervliet (where it becomes 19th Street).  Turn right onto Second Avenue just before the Congress Street Bridge, go two blocks south.   Turn right onto Broadway (McDonald's is on the corner).  The library is one block south.

From the east, take the Congress Street Bridge over the Hudson River from Troy.  Turn left on Second Avenue and proceed as above from the west. 
 

Minutes of Board of Trustees Meetings

Watervliet Public Library

Board of Trustees

Minutes for Meeting of Nov. 19, 2008

Present: Mary Clinton, Bob Fahr, Ginger Hewitt, Beth Capitula, Dave Wheatley, Ginny Boisvert.

Absent: Pam Lamb, Charlie Diamond.

Meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by Beth Capitula. Seconded by Dave Wheatley.

Beth Capitula accepted the Sept. minutes. Seconded by Ginny Boisvert.

Circulation increased 23% for October and 24% for 2008.

Memorial donations for Mr. Ray Reisner totaled $250.00

Mike’s Cut & Style donations from Texas Hold’em Tournament totaled $250.00

Librarian Ginger Hewitt asked what is the proper proceedure for reporting an accident at the library or in the parking lot, specifically who is covering the insurance. The Board of Trustees stated it would check with Watervliet City Hall and would have a reply at the December meeting.

Librarian Ginger Hewitt asked about a contingency plan for staffing. She needs to spend more time on grants and running the library and asked the Board of Trustess for suggestions. The Board recommended extending the hours of part-timers Amy and Samantha and/or reaching out to another librarian in the Upper Hudson Library System who may be willing to pick up part-time hours in Ginger’s absence.

Librarian Ginger Hewitt presented the Watervliet City Council with an itemized list of where revenue was produced in 2008. Member item from State Assemblyman Ron Canestrati ($5,000); Albany County Legislative Grant from Bob Beston ($5,000); UHLS mini-grant ($2,300); Watervliet Charitable Foundation Grant ($500); Stewart’s Holiday Match Grant ($500); Fit for Life Grant ($1,000); Donations from Mike’s Cut & Style, Bill Bissell ($500); Picturing America ($250) and famous historic paintings located in the Watervliet Historical Museum; I Love my Library Fundraiser ($5,000) and the Oktoberfest Library ($3,000).

Also presented to the City Council were projects for 2009, which included a request for a $14,000 literacy grant. The library partnered with Bill Sheehy and the Watervliet Civic Center for this request. This would help fund the Summer Reading Program for grades 1-6. An Albany County Legislative Grant request for $7,000 that would allow for computer training and programming for employment seekers — how to complete on-line resumes; letters of interest and to submit applications on-line, etc.

A needs assesment was also presented to the City Council. Needed in 2009 include more staffing to keep with patron demands — Staffing to offer story hours and weekly programs for youngsters. The facility needs to be utilized more. The library sits unused each morning. Programming — movie nights, game nights for teens and pre-teens; more computer classes with emphasis on job hunting skills, resume writing, etc. Stand alone on-line card catalogs (laptops) to accommodate the increase in usage.

Building Concerns. Because of the increased usage, the library needs to be cleaned every day. Could the city possibly contract with a cleaning firm? Better lightning is needed behind the library and in the parking lot. The current lightning is inadequate for staff members, volunteers and patrons when leaving the library at night. Better signage is needed. Even with the library’s increased membership and circulation many city residents are unaware of the library.

Balance as of 11/19: $5,149.06.

The library’s policy committee, consisting of Charlie Diamond, Cori Spain and Kevin Moran — presented its proposal to the Board of Trustees in September. The Board voted on the recommendations which included:

Fines: Keeping the fines at the current rate of books, $.10; Videos, audios and DVDs, $1 per day; Maximum fine for all items $5. Patrons may pay a fine in Watervliet for an library; material replacement costs must be forwarded to the owning library. The Board of Trustees voted against the Educators request to allow teachers to borrow items for as long as needed. Teachers may borrow items, but must renew or pay late fees. Patrons who owe $1 or more may not use computers; Patrons who allow $1 or more may not borrow items; Patrons who owe $1 or more may not reserve items.

Borrowing Items: Books — adults may borrow up to 8; children may borrow up to 6. DVDs — 3 DVDs for 3 days. DVDs may be borrowed by adults over 18.

Library Cards: City residents must show proof of residency. A first library card is presented free of charge. There is a $1 fee to replace lost cards. Children entering kindergarten or 5-year-old patrons are eligible for library cards.

Computers: Adults need to sign their child’s card for permission to use the computers. Patrons who owe the library fines do not have access to the computers. Library computers will not have filters, however, there is a zero-policy regarding pornography. Patrons abusing this policy will lose their library priviledges.

Kids Count will donate $1,000 to the library to help cover the cost of the Summer Reading Program.

The City of Watervliet will cover 65% to go along with 35% covered by the Upper Hudson Library System to turn two existing bathrooms into one unisex, handicapped bathroom. The cost of the project is $9,800. Retallick presented the winning bid. The City of Watervliet is the applicant. Bob Far is the construction manager. Construction cannot start until January 2009.

Oktoberfest raised $3,087. The library will hold another Oktoberfest in 2009. The Tom Healey Band will again be the entertainment; decorations went over well and should be continued; continue the German beer. Changes discussed were having another option other than bratwurst; combining the price of admission and food into one ticket; adding dessert, maybe a chocolate fountain with cake and fruit; and coffeee; more flexibility with the time if the band wants to play longer.

The volunteers Christmas Dinner is set for Dec. 9 at Valenti’s Restaurant. Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m.

By-law Committee consists of Beth Capitula; Mary Clinton and Dave Wheatley. The committee will make its recommendation for updates/changes.

The third annual I Love My Library Dinner is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6, at the Watervliet Elks Club.

Board of Trustees

Minutes for Meeting of October 8, 2008

Present: Mary Clinton, Ginny Boisvert, Ginger Hewitt, Beth Capitula, Pam Lamb, Charlie Diamond, Dave Wheatley, Cori Spain, Kevin Moran

Absent: Bob Fahr

Meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by Dave Wheatley. Seconded by Cori Spain.

Director’s Report:

The Fit For Life Grant originally to be valued at $800 has been reduced to $500 because of cuts to the New York State budget. The classes will be held twice per month, a total for three hours per month for five months.

The Meet the Teacher Night on Sept. 25 was a success, however, because of the large turnout the Watervliet School District will use a larger venue in the future.

Bill Bissell will hold a Texas Hold-em Tournament at the AOH. Proceeds will benefit the library.

Financial Report:

Balance as of 9/17: Not available

New Business

Oktoberfest fund raiser. Tom Healey Band confirmed the event. DeCrescente’s Distributors donated two types of German Beer. Rolf’s Pork Store handled the catering. Tickets were purchased for the various food and beverage options. Dinner plate is priced $8, Brat $4, Beer and wine $3, Beer and soda $1. $50-50 raffle tickets will be available. The entire event will be held inside Senior Center.

The policy committee, Charles Diamond, Cori Spain and Kevin Moran, completed their study. The recommendations were submitted to the Board of Trustees, and tabled for the November meeting.

Old Business:

Former president Pam Lamb sent a letter to Kids Count asking for a donation to help cover the cost of the Summer Reading Program, which this summer awarded prizes consisting of an IPod nano; skateboard; razor scooter and gift certificates from Toys R Us; Hoffman’s Playland; FYE; Barnes & Noble and Colonie Regal Cinema. At this time we have not received correspondence from Kids Count.

The construction grant was turned in to Phil Ritter by July 10. The matching grant is to cover the cost of turning two bathrooms into one handicapped unisex bathroom. The library accepted three bids, which came in at $9,800; $12,000 and $13,500. Retallick turned in the lowest bid and was awarded the contract. The UHLS grant requested $4,900 and the City of Watervliet would match the grant. Since that time we’ve heard from Phil Ritter that the grant would match only 35% of the request ($3,430), leaving the Library responsible for the remaining $6,370. The City of Watervliet, through a municipal building fund, was originally going to match 50% of the construction cost. A letter has been forwarded to Mayor Michael Manning to see if the city could increase its match from 50% to 65%. The library has yet to receive a response from Mayor Manning. The Watervliet Library is the applicant. Bob Far is the construction manager. Construction cannot start until January 2009.

The Board is extremely displeased with UHLS decision to cover only 35 percent of Watervliet’s request, while matching 50 percent of two other library requests. This is the first time Watervliet has requested a matching grant, which is needed make a handicapped restroom available to patrons. UHLS, rather than choosing libraries that have not applied for grants in the past or looking at the importance of each project, decided to appease all applicants with various percentages for their grant requests.

Unfinished Business:

By-law Committee consists of Beth Capitula; Mary Clinton and Dave Wheatley. The committee will make its recommendation for updates/changes in September.

Operating Policy Committee consists of Charlie Diamond, Cory Spain and Kevin Moran. The committee will make its recommendation for updates/changes in September. The committee turned its recommendations on Sept. 17, and they will be viewed and voted upon in October.

Oktoberfest wrap up.

Voluteers Christmas Party. Pam Lamb was going to check with several establishments for pricing. The date was tentatively set for Dec. 10.

The third annual I Love My Library Dinner is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6, at the Watervliet Elks Club.

Watervliet Public Library

Board of Trustees

Minutes for Meeting of June 25, 2008

Present: Mary Clinton, Ginny Boisvert, Ginger Hewitt, Beth Capitula, Bob Fahr, Pam Lamb, Charlie Diamond, Dave Wheatley, Kevin Moran

Absent: Cori Spain

Meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. by Dave Wheatley. Seconded by Ginny Boisvert

Director’s Report:

May circulation increased 35% and 20% for the year.

The Library received the final payments from the 2007 grants. Paperwork is being completed for 2008 member items

The library has applied for a Fit for Life grant, which will result in a minimum of $2,000 for 10 libraries. The grant is to help the mental and physical health of children and senior citizens. The library would use this money for its Wii and Head Start programs.

The Summer Reading Program begins July 7 and runs through August 22. The program offers prizes of an IPod, skateboard, razor scooter and gift certificates to various area restaurants, movie theatres, amusement parks and book stores. The program works on a scale. When a child finishes his/her book, their name is placed into a hopper. The prize winners will be chosen later in the summer.

ä  The UPHS matching grant to help cover costs to turn the existing two restrooms into one unisex handicapped restroom is due to Phil Ritter by July 11. Two of the three mandatory estimates have been returned. The third is due any day. The city will match the grant to cover the remaining cost.

The library will hold a staff meeting on July 8. Amanda Wilkinson, a senior at the College of St. Rose, will intern at the library this summer.

Financial Report:

Balance as of 6/25: $16,839.68

Unfinished Business:

By-law Committee will consist of Beth Capitula; Mary Clinton and Dave Wheatley. The committee will make its recommendation for updates/changes in September.

Operating Policy Committee will consist of Charlie Diamond, Cori Spain and Kevin Moran. The will make its recommendation for updates/changes in September.

The fall fundraiser will be held Friday, Oct. 17. Time is 6 p.m. at the library. The theme will be Oktoberfest. Beer, wine, Brats, cheese, etc. will be served. The board will meet on July 8 to complete the plans.

President Pam Lamb will write a letter to Kids Count, asking for a donation to help offset the cost of the summer programs for children.

The third annual I Love My Library Dinner is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6, at the Watervliet Elks Club.

New Business:

The Watervliet Library will extend its hours of operation to Saturday, starting Sept 6. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The library’s trustees, to promote the new hours, will have a cookout with hot dogs, drinks, popcorn and ice cream.

Watervliet Public Library

Board of Trustees

Minutes for Meeting of May 21, 2008

Present: Pam Lamb, Charlie Diamond, Bob Fahr, Ginny Boisvert, Mary Clinton, Dave Wheatley, Ginger Hewitt, Cori Spain, Kevin Moran

Absent: Beth Capitula

Meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. by Charlie Diamond. Seconded by Pam Lamb

Director’s Report:

April circulation increased 14% and 17% for the year.

Circulation since 2005 has increased 74%

Time-Warner’s basic cable package has been hooked up to the recently purchased 42-inch flat screen TV.

The library is teaming up with Project Strive this summer. Children involved with Project Strive have the opportunity to  earn reward points, which would allow them time to use the Wii system.

ä  Stewart’s Holiday Match Grant ($500) is earmarked for the Summer Reading Program. Librarian Ginger Hewitt asked for suggestions how to increase the number of participants in the Summer Reading Program. Suggestions included having the participants give an oral report or answering questions about the book. If the participant successfully answered questions, their name would be entered into a possible grand-prized drawing at the end of the summer. An I-Pod was suggested as the grand-prize, as were gift certificates to local restaurants and events.

Purchasing laptop computers with grant money was discussed. The six computer stations are in constant use and laptops would give patrons more options. A valid driver’s license would be needed to use the laptops. Patrons need to be in good standing to use the laptops. Children may not use the laptops.

Three contractors must submit bids for the UPHS matching grant that would enable that library to turn its existing two restrooms into one unisex handicap restroom. The grant, with the bid submitted for the work, is due to Phil Ritter on July 11.

The Children’s Room has a new mascot, named Charlie.

The UHLS has a Fit for Life Grant of $25,000 available, approximately $2,000 for each library in the system. The Watervliet Library would use this grant for its Wii for Seniors and Head Start programs.

Financial Report:

Balance as of 4/22: $20,554.88

Unfinished Business:

By-law Committee will consist of Beth Capitula; Mary Clinton and Dave Wheatley. The committee will make its recommendation for updates/changes in September.

Operating Policy Committee will consist of Charlie Diamond, Cori Spain and Kevin Moran. The will make its recommendation for updates/changes in September.

The September fundraiser, is tentatively set for Friday, Sept. 10. The attempt to possibly hold the event on the Captain J.P. is cost prohibitive. Other options are a meet-and-greet aboard the Rusty Anchor; an Oktoberfest or a wine-and-cheese party on the library grounds.

A family fun-day on the library grounds, which would consist of a barbeque, ice cream, and games for children. The event would be a good-will gesture for the community, rather than a fundraiser. The date is TBA.

Watervliet Public Library

Board of Trustees

Minutes for Meeting of April 30, 2008

Present: Pam Lamb, Charlie Diamond, Bob Fahr, Ginny Boisvert, Mary Clinton, Dave Wheatley, Ginger Hewitt, Kevin Moran

Absent: Beth Capitula, Cori Spain

Meeting was called to order at 6:37 p.m. by Dave Wheatley. Seconded by Kevin Moran

Director’s Report:

March circulation increased 19% and 16% for the year.

Albany County Legislative Funding ($5,000/Bob Beston) was used to purchase public access computers with headsets and a laser printer. A Thank you letter was sent to Assemblyman Beston.

The UHLS Mimi-Grant ($2,315) was used to purchase a 42-inch, flat screen TV, a Nintendo Wii gaming system, high def recorder, DVR games for the Wii, battery charger, etc. Gaming for the seniors began 4/30.

  Stewart’s Holiday Match Grant ($500) is earmarked for the Summer Reading Program

New York State Senator Neil Breslin will meet with his Watervliet constituents in July at the library.

The Riveryway Storytelling festival drew 55 patrons

The Master Garden program drew 20 patrons

The Friends of the Library recently purchased a double-sided DVD rack to house the library’s expanding DVD collection. The cost was $800. The Friends are also selling a DVD, which features a slide show of old Watervliet, as a fundraiser.

Financial Report:

Balance as of 4/30: $24,136.30

Unfinished Business:

By-law Committee will consist of Beth Capitula; Mary Clinton and Dave Wheatley. The committee will make its recommendation for updates/changes in September.

Operating Policy Committee will consist of Charlie Diamond, Cori Spain and Kevin Moran. The will make its recommendation for updates/changes in September.

The possibility of adding hours of operation on Saturday, which may start in September.

Daktronics did a work-up about a possible digital sign for the library, which would be mounted on the front of the building. The sign would be seen from I-787 and Rte. 32. The library is waiting for the written estimate.

The September fundraiser, which is tentatively set for Friday, Sept. 10. The attempt to possibly hold the event on the Captain J.P. is cost prohibitive. Other options are a meet-and-greet aboard the Rusty Anchor; an Oktoberfest or a wine-and-cheese party on the library grounds.

A family fun-day on the library grounds, which would consist of a barbeque, ice cream, games for children and an outdoor movie shown on the library wall. The event would be a good-will gesture for the community, rather than a fundraiser. The date is TBA

New Business:

2008 Member Items

Establish Committees

Wine and Cheese Fundraiser

Other fundraising events and suggestions

Watervliet Public Library
Board of Trustees
Minutes for Meeting of March 19, 2008

Present: Bob Fahr, Dave Wheatley, Ginger Hewitt, Pam Lamb, Cori Spain, Beth Capitula, Charlie Diamond
Absent: Ginny Boisvert, Mary Clinton.
Meeting was called to order at 6:39 p.m. by Dave Wheatley. Seconded by Beth Capitula.

Director’s Report:
February circulation increased 16% and 14% for the year.
New computers and a color laser printer were ordered. The order also included head sets and six access desks. This is funded by the Albany County Legislative $5,000 grant.
Phil Ritter of UPHS inquired about a matching $2,500 construction grant. The board is looking into this opportunity to turn the two rest rooms into one unisex, handicapped rest room. Presently, there isn’t a handicapped restroom for library patrons. The board will seek an architect to do a structural to see if this is feasible. The library’s match toward the grant could come from a city municipal building fund.
The Riverway Storytelling Festival is set for April at the Senior Center.
The UH mini grant will be used for a Wii system. The library is having trouble purchasing the system because of supply/demand issues
Library policies — fines, borrowing items, etc. — need to be updated and possibly revised
New York State Senator Chuck Schumer through the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), in collaboration with the America Library Association (ALA) is accepting applications for Picturing America, a new initiative of the NEH We the People program. Picture America is designed to promote teaching, study and understanding of American history and culture in K-12 schools and public libraries through the use of America’s art treasures. Public, private, parochial and charter schools as well as public libraries are eligible to apply. Successful applicants will receive a set of 20 laminated posters with reproduction art work on each side as well as a teacher resource book. Deadline to apply is April 15, 2008.

Financial Report:
Balance as of 3/19: $24,950.08

Unfinished Business:
By-law Committee will consist of Beth Capitula; Mary Clinton and Dave Wheatley
Operating Policy will consist of Charlie Diamond and Kevin Moran
A report by library director Ginger Hewitt pertaining to the feasibility of adding hours of operation on Saturday.

New Business:
The September fund raiser. A date and theme need to be selected. Several ideas discussed at the March meeting were a themed wine and cheese party; an Octoberfest or a possible fall cruise on the Captain J.P. in Troy.

---- "Lamb wrote:
> Dear Board Members:
>
> 
>
> Please note that our next Board meeting is Wednesday, May 21, 6:30 p.m.
> Please put this date on your calendars and, as it gets closer to the
> date, let me or Ginger know if you can attend.

Watervliet Public Library
Board of Trustees
Minutes for Meeting of March 5, 2008

Present: Ginny Boisvert, Beth Capitula, Charlie Diamond, Mary Clinton, Bob Fahr, Pam Lamb, Kevin Moran.
Absent: Dave Wheatley, Cori Spain
Note: The Feb. 13 meeting was postponed until Feb. 20 because of weather. The Feb. 20 meeting was not official because a quorum was not present, hence the meeting being shifted to March 5.
Meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by Pam Lamb. Seconded by Kevin Moran.

Director’s Report:
  - January circulation showed an increase of 12%
- The UHLAN contract and the City of Watervliet contract for 2008 needs to be approved
  - UHLS is offering a LSTA River Grant, Explore Your Shore. Total amount of the grant is $11,000.
  - The UHLS Mini-grant was approved for $2,300. The library will use this to purchase a Wii gaming system, games and a 42-inch TV. This will be used for golf and bowling leagues to give senior citizens an opportunity to exercise as well as draw them to the library.
  - FS 25 Member Item forms were submitted for $7,500.
  - Member Item 2008 was presented to Ron Canestrari for $15,000 to replace aging public access computers.
- Member Item 2008 was presented to Mike Breslin for $15,000 for programming to run with the public access computers
  - Computer donations from IRS/Tom Kane
  - A Riverview Storytelling program, featuring Bill Cliff and Marnie Gillard, is scheduled for April 21 at 11 a.m. The program is geared toward senior citizens. Fliers have been printed.
  - Fundraising: Bob Beston, our representative in the Albany County Legislature, helped raise $16,000 for the library in the past 13 months with a $5,000 grant from the county, two dinners that raised a combined $10,000 and tickets for the Hannah Montana raffle that raised  - $1,000. Mary Clinton and Samantha Snyder also need to be recognized for helping procure $1,100 worth of merchandise for raffle baskets at the I Love My Library Dinner.
- Staffing: Karen Bauer resigned. Amy Reddy, a Library Science major, is working her hours while covering the night shift.
Finance Report:
Balance as of March 8, 2008: $27,730.39

Old Business:
A review of the I Love my Library Dinner. The Board discussed options to continue to make the fundraiser one of the best in the City of Watervliet each year. Options included keeping the early set up plan, continue the raffle baskets and post them to the web site in advance, continue to work with County Legislature Representative Bob Beston and chef Bob Farley and to look into hiring several dish washers to help with clean up. Changing the dinner time to 6 p.m. instead of 6:30 p.m. Be more aggressive with ticket sales.
Charlie Diamond said he would speak to Mary Fellows to see if she would reconsider and work with several board members for the LSTA River Grant, Explore Your Shore. Total amount of the grant is $11,000. Mary Fellows, a member of UHLS, said in the past she would only work with the Director/Librarian concerning grants.

New Business:
Charlie Diamond made a motion to accept Mary Clinton as a member of the Board of Trustees for a three-year term, starting on 3/5/8. Seconded by Beth Capitula. Board voted unanimously in favor.
Beth Capitula made a motion to accept Cori Spain as a member of the Board of Trustees for a three-year term, starting on 3/5/8. Seconded by Bob Fahr. Board voted unanimously in favor.
Approved the contract with the City of Watervliet for $98,500. The library received an additional $5,000 from the City, approved by Mayor/former City Councilman Michael Manning, City councilman Charlie Diamond and former Mayor Bob Carlson. Treasurer Bob Fahr told the Board of Trustees that Mayor Manning suggested that Board members attend city budget workshops in September for its 2009 budget. Mayor Manning wants all budget items out in the open.
Approved the UHLAN budget of $123,500. Motion made by Charlie Diamond, seconded by Ginny Boisvert. Passed unanimously.
Changing Article 2, Section 1 of the bylaws to state the Board of Trustees meeting will take place the third Wednesday of each month. Stating time is 6:30 p.m. Motion was made by Charlie Diamond, seconded by Beth Capitula. Passed unanimously.
Charlie Diamond made the motion to increase the librarian’s salary by $1,500, retro to 1/24/08. The increase in salary is based upon Ginger Hewitt’s hard work and continued success of increasing the library’s circulation. Seconded by Pam Lamb. Board voted unanimously in favor.
Pam Lamb made a motion to increase the salary of the library’s part-time workers from $8 to $8.50 per hour and from $8.50 to $9 per hour. Seconded by Charlie Diamond. Five Board members voted in approval, one member abstained.
Several board members and city hall have fielded inquiries about the library possibly adding hours of operation on Saturday. The Board would like librarian Ginger Hewitt to produce a report to see if operating on Saturday would be feasible — hours of operation, staffing, costs.
The board talked about setting up committees — one to look at needed changes in the bylaws and a possible activities committee. The discussion was tabled to meeting in the future.

Beth Capitula made the motion to adjourn, seconded by Charlie Diamond.

Watervliet Public Library
Board of Trustees
Minutes for Meeting of Jan. 14, 2008
Present: Pam Lamb, Ginger Hewitt, Mary Beth Capitula, Ginny Boisvert, Dave Wheatley, Bob Fahr, Charlie Diamond, Kevin Moran.

Meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by Dave Wheatley. Seconded by Mary Beth Capitula.
Director’s Report:
December circulation was down 4%, but the overall circulation for 2007 increased by 14%. The ILL numbers increased 14% and the program attendance increased 159%, mainly because of a partnership between the Librarian Ginger Hewitt and Bill Sheehy of the Watervliet Civic Center.
The December bookfair at Barnes and Noble resulted in $100 for the library.
FS-25 needs to be completed for 2007 member items. Suggested items needed for 2008 are six new patron computer towers with USB ports that are compatible for flash memory drives, zip disks, MP3 players, etc. Also needed are a color laser printer and scanner and toner cartridges. There’s also a need for additional DVD racks and a quality CD holder because the library’s collection continues to expand.
The library and the Watervliet Senior Citizens Center are considering purchasing a wii entertainment system. The revenue would come from a grant. Last year we received $1,200 from an Upper Hudson Library grant. This year we may be eligible for up to $3,000.

Finance Report:
For 2007 there was a balance of $399.14.
The split of the Hannah Montana raffle resulted in $890.70.
The balance as of 1/15 was $30, 268.69 after receiving $31,000 from the City of Watervliet. The library received a $5,000 increase from the city for 2008, and the board wants to acknowledge and extend its gratitude to former mayor Robert Carlson, city councilman Charlie Diamond and former city councilman and mayor Michael Manning for the increased revenue.