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Friends of the Libraries of Towns County Meeting Minutes

August 3rd, 2010


President Marilyn Pierce called the meeting to order at 10:35. There were 15 members present. (list attached) Marilyn introduced and welcomed Jim Reynolds who has volunteered to be our Treasurer.

The minutes of June 1, 2010, were read and approved. Discussion concerning presentation of an award in December was tabled until our October meeting. From now on, Meeting Minutes will be sent to Marilyn who will forward them to members. They will also be posted on the Library website thus saving the time of reading them aloud at the next business meeting.

Treasurer Jane Manuszak reported a balance of $4,803.90. (Treasurer's Report attached) $200 will be given to the Library to reimburse the cost of shelving. A $50 donation was received which will be used to purchase children's books in memory of Grace Selby.

Jim Reynolds was nominated to replace Jane Manuszak as Treasurer. The vote was unanimous to elect Jim to this position. Meeting Minutes showing this vote will be presented to the bank so that Jim's name can be added to the signature card of our account.

Committee Reports

Correspondence: Two thank you notes from staff members were read.

Membership: There are 142 active members and 63 lapsed members. The membership list was divided so that volunteers can call local members to remind them of the Book & Bake Sale, to ask them to bake for the sale, and to request their email addresses.

Book Bunch: Barbara Hale reported that attendance was down at the last discussion. The September selection is "Third Time Around" by George Burns with Steve Howell leading the discussion. Sandi Vaughn will be organizing an adult reading program next year.

Publicity: Donna read a press release that she wrote describing the work of FOLTC. (copy attached) John Roberts has asked Peter Johnson to update the FOL website of the Mountain Regional Library System. Posters and bookmarks have been made to advertise the Book and Bake Sale. There are several small signs, which will be painted with "Book Sale Today" to be posted on the days of the sale. The large sign will be erected tomorrow, August 4.

Library Report by Director Donna Howell

  • Donna thanked the Friends for their support. The budget is about $14,000 for the four libraries in the system. She has just been notified that there will be a 4% cut to all state monies. She also thanked us for paying for the portable shelves that will have many uses.
  • Construction on the Union County Library will begin in September instead of July as previously reported.
  • Computer wireless use in the libraries increased 40% from June to July. We were thanked for providing computer hardware.
  • Sandi Vaughn has been named the new branch manager in Young Harris. Donna gave special thanks to the members who have volunteered their time this summer during a period of staff shortages.
  • The Strategic Plan is finished and will be voted on this coming Friday, August 6. Writing of the Action Plan has begun. Donna is serving on the Towns County Strategic Planning Committee, which will include Library planning. Commissioner Kendall is putting a SPLOST for local matching funds on the September 12 ballot.
  • Curtis Spiva has been hired as a temporary worker until he finds a permanent position in another library.
  • There is an open meeting tonight at the Union County Library for public input concerning a $50,000 USDA grant

Old Business

Jan Roberts provided the following information on the Book & Bake Sale.

  • Advertising flyers were distributed for members to post.
  • Room set-up has begun and there is a need for volunteers to help sort books.
  • Golf shirt orders are still being taken.
  • Baked goods may be brought to the Library as early as Thursday. Each member present was asked to provide a dozen cookies for the Thursday evening reception.
  • Donated books will be accepted anytime.
  • The Lanns are interested again in taking the remaining books after the sale and will reimburse us for 50% of the price they receive selling them online.

New Business

Jane Manuszak has written out a detailed description of our 501C3 status.

Linda Dye requested articles for the next newsletter by August 20-25 if possible. She is planning to have it ready for printing by September 1st. She will add a place for "Phone Number" to the Membership Form.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:45.