Village of Red Hook Red Hook Public Library Monthly Report August 2024
The Red Hook Public Library (RHPL) held their regular board meeting on Thursday, August 15[th] .
The board members in attendance were Anna Greig, President, Martha Tepepa, Vice President, Amy Husten, Treasurer, Sarah DeVeer, Secretary, Gareth Davies, Leigh Bahnatka. Grace Kachigian was absent. Alex Geller, the Library’s Executive Director, was present. I was the only guest.
Policy Committee
The Policy Committee has been reviewing their Personnel Policy. One item discussed was paid Maternity/Paternity leave for full time employees. 12 weeks paid is proposed by the Policy Committee. The board agreed to review and compare to other Library offerings. Policies are to be translated into Spanish by board member Martha Tepepa.
Treasurer’s Report
Expenses are at 58.4% of the budget through the end of July – which is 58.3% of the year so this is on target. Income is at 53% of budget – remembering that the fundraising appeal happens in December so there is a slight skew to year end. Programs are 86% spent. Alex indicated this was due to grants.
There were some unexplained changes in the Balance Sheet that Treasurer Husten will confirm with the accountant. The accountant was not available before this meeting. There was discussion around the ongoing process of “cleaning up the books” that the outside accounting firm has been doing since they were hired in early 2023.
Board of Directors
The Board was reminded that there will be a vacancy with the departure of Amy Husten at the end of the year. Everyone is encouraged to think of good candidates and encourage anyone interested to apply.
Strategic Planning Committee
This committee reported that they have a few more focus groups scheduled in September.
Executive Director’s Report
Alex reported that the library has been having a great summer and programs have been well attended. Foot traffic has been good. Alex talked about using space in novel ways, “immersive library experiences” to activate the entire library.
The contractor for the Stucco & Porch projects is MCT. Work will begin after contracts are signed.
You can find his full report and all reports provided on the library’s website HERE or see details below.
Respectfully submitted, Karen Smythe
Board documents can be accessed on the Library Website: www.redhooklibrary.org/board-of-trustees/. The link to the board packet is imbedded in the text toward the bottom of the page.
Upcoming Meetings/Events Next Board Meeting Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 6:30pm Committee meeting schedule is on the library calendar on the website.