Macon Reporter

Blue Mound Memorial Library Board met July 27.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Att 6:00 p.m., the Blue Mound Memorial Library Board of Trustees met in accordance with social distancing guidelines in the annex of the Library with two board members seated at opposite ends of 8’ tables, spaced several feet apart. The Blue Mound Memorial Library President, Anne Byard, called to order the Board of Trustees Meeting for July, 2020. 

The Board recited the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Amariah Rauscher, artist from Chatham, was present to talk to the Board about painting a mural on the northwest side of the Library Annex. The Board moved outside to look at the wall and Amariah provided some ideas, including some details on the type and cost of material, durability, design. She had previously offered a sketch of a tree house library and brought another sketch using the building’s original architectural features (windows) as settings for illustrations of four classic books (Secret Garden, Book of Dragons, Alice in Wonderland, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea). Amariah said she had double checked to make sure these were in the public domain to avoid a potential infringement on copyright laws. Nancy Gorden made a motion to proceed with the mural not to exceed $5000 coming from Memorial Money. Amy Brown seconded the motion. The motion carried with all ‘Aye’ votes.

Secretary’s Report: Julie Jones verified that each Board member received the June 22nd minutes that had been emailed. After a little discussion, Anne Byard pointed out an error with the date for the Budget Committee, stated as August 4th, but should be August 24th. The correction was made. Dani Noland made a motion to accept the June minutes with the correction. Julie Chapman seconded the motion. The motion carried with all ‘Aye’ votes.   

Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s report was presented in writing and reviewed by the Board of Trustees. Nancy Gorden asked why the June Salaries ($5274) was so much higher than the average month (at $3678). Alice explained that the June payroll included three pay periods and the July pay period included just one pay period. Amy Brown made a motion to transfer $1686.80 from Corporate Funds to Building & Equipment to correct the negative balance on the Balance Sheet Report. Nancy Gorden made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. Sharon Reynolds seconded the motion. The motion carried with all ‘Aye’ votes. 

Librarian’s Report:   

Library Reopening: Doors reopened for face to face patrons on July 6th with the KONA Ice Truck. There were 165 people who came and enjoyed the treat.

Curt Swigert installed all the new granite bricks in the Memorial Walk on July 7th.

Position for Library Clerk is still open.

Julie has started the IPLAR process.

Julie will be taking a few days off from Aug 3 thru Aug 7 to visit her daughter in SC.

Monica would like the Board to approve getting a deadlock bolt on the door of the Annex. (Dani Noland attempted to ‘break in’ by using a credit card, without success).

Library Activities: 

Summer Reading: 90 children have signed up for Summer Reading. However, in reality, only 45 completed the program. Of course, with the social distancing and not having the face-to-face contact, the lower participation was understandable.

Book Club: is planning to resume the face-to-face meeting in September at a nearby winery with a cookbook as their book of choice.

The Inner Church Council is collecting back packs for children for the upcoming school year and the Library is one of the drop-off points. Up Coming Programs: None due to Covid 19 shutdown and social distancing requirements. New Business: NoneOld Business:

Gutters: Micah Sheppard cleaned the Library gutters finding about ½” of sand from the shingles.  

Clerk Position: still taking applications

Memorial Walk: Curt Swigert installed all the bricks and the result is impressive

Minutes Reviewed Report: Nancy Gorden and Sharon Reynolds reviewed the Minutes for the past 6 months. They discovered that there was a statement in the minutes that the Budget should be taken to their lawyer on alternate years which he will then publish. The Board needs to vote in May of 2021 to take the Budget to the lawyer for his review and for it to get published.

Memorial Ideas:

Sharon’s idea for a dictionary was good, but with the COVID 19 precautions, teachers will be teaching the students how to use a dictionary on their ChromeBooks.

Julie found a statue of a boy and a girl reading a book for $185 and a bench to put the statue on for $105. There is a chance someone could walk off with it or it could be damaged if not secured. There is room in the front flower box for the figures.

The idea to pour a patio area in front of the Library is tabled for now. The lawn (or weeds) is being mowed. Reseeding the lawn is not practical since it would get torn up if/when the Village pours a new sidewalk.

Budget Hearing: Scheduled for August 24th at 6 p.m. Other:Personnel: Motion to adjourn:  With no further business to discuss,  Sharon Reynolds made a motion to adjourn the meeting;  Amy Brown seconded the motion. The motion carried with all ‘Aye’ votes. The meeting adjourned  at 7:15 p.m. 

https://www.bluemoundlibrary.lib.il.us/board-of-trustees/july-2020-board-minutes