Village of Red Hook Red Hook Public Library Monthly Report July 2023
The Red Hook Public Library (RHPL) held their regular board meeting on July 20 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 on July 21 to review the Board meeting and Library activities.
Board Developments
There are several changes to the Library Board. Treasurer Josh Bardfield’s term ended at the end of June and he did not seek to renew. Board Vice President Sally Dwyer-McNulty has resigned her position on the Board as of the end of July. Amy Husten has stepped down as Secretary, effective immediately. She was approved as Treasurer. Sarah DeVeer was approved as Secretary.
The Board will be hiring an independent Treasurer as a paid position. The Board Treasurer will become Financial Officer – actual title to be confirmed at a later date.
There are currently 3 applicants for Board positions, possibly a 4[th] . The Board will review and make their recommendations to the Village Board following their process.
Personnel
Alex Geller was formally approved as Library Manager. Trish Scully has had a title change from Library Clerk to Library Assistant. Dawn Jardine resigned her position as consultant as of 6/23/23. Toby Teiger resigned his position as Interim Library Manager as of 6/29/23.
The hiring process for aa Assistant Library Manager includes several upcoming interviews. The first week of August is the target for a decision. Any further staff requirements will be reviewed in the coming months.
Policy
A Public Display Policy was reviewed and approved. The Policy says no political flyers, yes to all local programs free and open to the public. The new procedure is for any flyer to be handed in at the circulation desk to be reviewed and stamped by the Library Manager. Then displayed if there is room available. A Grievance Policy was reviewed and approved. This includes a form and standards for grievances.
Finance
The spending is starting to level out with the settling of the staff and making up purchases that had been delayed waiting for the new Manager. The budget process for 2024 will begin soon. The Board is discussing increasing their mortgage payments due to savings availability.
Programs
Program attendance is down due to less programs, however per program attendance is up vs year ago. Foot traffic into the Library is also up. The Board approved using the generous donation in memory of Catherine Dangnes to go toward creating a more usable space outside of the conference room on the third floor – to be called “Catherine’s Corner”. Alex is also looking to use the Main Floor more efficiently and to create a more welcoming space. He will also be reviewing the regular hours for the Library.
Summer reading is going well. Patty Bowman generously donated coupons for kids who finish the summer reading requirements. Spanish as a Second Language will return at the end of July. The Library plans to do a survey regarding programs soon.
Grants
Alex is in the process of applying for 4 grants. One to help with the cost of repairing the stucco on the outside of the building, one to support renovating the porch, and two smaller program grants.
Building & Grounds
A new sign for out front of the Library has been ordered.
The Landscaper has been working on redoing the garden beds including the ones in front of the Library, under the sign, and the children’s garden.
Communications/Website
The website calendar is being changed to a different format – ASSAABT which will simplify the process of signing up for programs and general communication regarding those programs.
Special Project
Alex is investigating the possibility of having all RHCSD children automatically get a library card. He is in discussions with the School District and with Tivoli Library to see what might be possible. Likely to start with one class in Middle School.
Respectfully submitted, Karen Smythe