Village of Red Hook Red Hook Public Library Monthly Report August 2023
The Red Hook Public Library (RHPL) held their regular board meeting on August 17 at the Library in the third-floor conference room.
I was not able to attend the board meeting, but Library Manager Alex Geller met with me at the Library on August 22 to review the Board meeting and Library activities.
Board Developments
The board decided to leave the Treasurer position as a Board Member. They are working with their accountants to ensure proper financial oversight.
The Board has continued to interview potential board members and has recommended one to the Village Board for their review and approval.
Personnel
Lori Burns was hired as the Assistant Manager. She’s local to Red Hook. Previous work experience includes 15 years as a librarian at Marist College in Poughkeepsie.
Several people resigned to return to school including the two college interns. The library is interviewing for a new intern from Bard for outreach and marketing.
The committee is working with the HR firm to present a draft of their report at the next board meeting.
Fundraising
June 2023 was the Red Hook Library’s 125 birthday. They are working on a celebration for the end of the year. A committee has been formed.
A bequest has been received from Kenneth & Marcella Appell. This bequest is unrestricted.
Finance/Budget
Board member Amy Husted and Assistant Manager Alex Geller met with the accountants to review budgets and spending. 2023 looks to be on track.
The finance committee is looking at recommending creating reserve investment accounts to preserve the library’s financial health.
They will be revisiting their Fixed Asset policy regarding how depreciation gets accounted for.
Programs/Events
Program attendance is down due to less programs than last year. Foot traffic is up 25% vs last month. Circulation is also up across the board. Physical circulation is up 5%.
Touch-a-Truck will take place on Aug 30 in the Village Parking Lot with support from the Village Highway & Police Departments, the Red Hook Fire Company and several area businesses who are bringing trucks of all shapes and sizes.
ESL will return in the Fall. Home bound deliveries are returning.
Red Hook Stationary added to the gifts for the summer reading programs.
They are reworking their Wi-Fi hotspot rules to ensure the program meets the original intentions.
On Hardscrabble Day, the Library will have tables out front along with Bard CCE.
Teen usage has gone down significantly. They will be hosting focus groups to plan out adult and teen space.
Grants
The grant to replace the stucco on the outside of the building has been submitted.
A grant for rehabilitating the porch has also been approved.
Communications/Website
The website calendar format has been changed. The new system allows for RSVP for programs to happen online and more efficiently collects information.
Special Project
They are currently weeding out the adult collection to make more efficient use of space in the Library. Anything not checked out in 3 years is being reviewed for removal.
Upcoming Meetings
Policy & Fundraising Committee to meet Sept. 28 at 6pm
Next Board Meeting is Sept. 21 at 6:30pm
Respectfully submitted, Karen Smythe