FRIENDS OF THE KEYSTONE-LAGRANGE COMMUNITY LIBRARY
MEETING MINUTES – FEBRUARY 19, 2015
I. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Mary Gress. Members in attendance were Mary Gress, Linda Chapin, Marcia DeJonge, Celeste Brlas, Lyn Crouse, Cindy Klinect, Paula Pietch, Marilyn Offenberg, and Eileen French.
II. A motion was made by Cindy Klinect and seconded by Marilyn Offenberg to approve the minutes of the January 15th meeting. The minutes were approved as written.
III. Treasurer’s Report – Linda Chapin stated that a donation of $50.00 was made by Shirley French’s sister to the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Community Library in memory of Shirley French. Linda sent a “thank you” note to Evelyn Wick. Linda stated that, thus far, she has received $245.00 in membership dues. We paid $38.00 for plastic containers to hold items for the Author’s Brunch, and we paid $20.00 in postage. We currently have $228.00.
IV. Director’s Report – Lyn Crouse stated that the LaGrange Township has finished the survey of the land to be used for the addition to the library. The Township will deed one and a half acres for this project. A variance is needed for the remaining parcels. The intent is to leave the existing pavilion in its present location. The playground equipment may be moved to another site. Architects have until March 27th to submit plans to the Elyria Public Library Board. The Board will then begin to interview architects and make a selection. A drawing of the new facility will need to be created before fundraising for the project can begin. The construction may be in phases, retaining the existing library as part of the facility. Lyn also stated that we will need to form focus groups to promote fundraising and to find resources for the new construction.
V. Old Business – We will be able to use the old fire station’s office area and former ambulance bay for book storage and sorting. Hopefully, work to prepare these areas for book storage will begin in a week or two. It was suggested that we continue to place book donation boxes at the LaGrange IGA and at First Merit Bank. We will look into placing book donation boxes at the Methodist Church and at the Friendship store. Linda asked if it would be better to continue having book donations dropped off at the library rather than at the fire station and Celeste said that continuing to have book donations dropped off at the library is beneficial.
We will table the “Membership” invitation letter for now, while we find other examples of letters from various “Friends” organizations. Examples should be brought to our March meeting.
VI. New Business – Mary Gress has looked into fundraising through Amazon. We need to apply for this type of fundraising and Linda will take care of the application.
Mary also discussed the possibility of volunteering to work at the Lorain County Fair for a donation to the Friends. Celeste stated that she has participated in this type of fundraiser to aid other organizations. She informed us of the places that groups may be assigned to work, such as the ticket booth, and the types of work shifts. The assigned shifts are generally for 4-5 hours at a time, each day of the fair. She stated that this type of activity is worthwhile and enjoyable.
VII. Author’s Brunch Update – Cindy has sent out eight invitations to authors and has received confirmations from four of those invitations: Elizabeth Bishop – author of religious/inspirational novels; Robert Moore – author of fiction; Wendy Zwaduk - author of romance novels; Pete Rondan – author of adventure novels. Linda stated that, thus far, there hasn’t been much response from members for brunch donations yet. She is still collecting donations of kitchen utensils that we can use for all of our events that incorporate the serving of food. Marry Gress and Linda Chapin have donated utensils, and Celeste Brlas said that she may have some to donate as well. Lyn Crouse has had the brunch tickets printed and gave them to Marilyn Offenberg who will distribute them and collect the proceeds. A “Brunch Donation List” was circulated at the meeting. Eileen stated that several members gathered at Mary Gress’ house to create wreaths from old books. These wreaths will be used as table decorations for the brunch and then will be given away as door prizes. Mary Gress would like to order the printing of fliers once we have a definite list of the authors who will present their work at the brunch. She would like to investigate drawing people to attend the brunch such as trying to encourage Keystone faculty and staff to attend since their former colleague, Elizabeth Bishop, will be one of the author presenters. “Word of Mouth” appears to be the best way to encourage people to purchase tickets for the event. Therefore, we are encouraged to talk about the upcoming Author’s Brunch to members of our book clubs, retiree lunch groups, and etc. By a unanimous vote, it was decided to give each author presenter a Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Community Library book bag and to sell book bags to members of the audience who wish to purchase them.
VIII. A Lorain County “Friends” Idea Exchange Workshop will be held at the West River branch of the Elyria Public Library on Saturday, May 2nd from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The format will be a “World Café” which is a “speed” exchange of ideas and answers to questions that “Friends” groups in Lorain County will share.
IX. Membership – Paula and Cindy stated that membership forms and dues are coming in. Paula wondered if we have or could begin to create a membership book that would state the name of each member and the date of his or her joining the organization. The information would be useful for the creation of leaves for the membership tree. We need to match up the current membership list (including lifetime members) and dues collected.
X. Linda sent a “Thank you” note to Ken, Ray’s brother-in-law, and a donation to the Appalachian Mountain Children’s Fund in recognition of Ken’s work all year in donating his time to help the Friends move books, tables, chairs, and etc. for the Friends’ fundraising events such as the Book Sale, the Mystery Dinner Theatre, and book storage. The suggestion was made to begin a Clothing Box Drive for the children affected by the Appalachian Mountain Children’s Fund.
XI. Discussion of creating an “Honorary Member” category that correlates with our existing bylaws was tabled until members can research how other organizations accomplish this recognition of persons who have donated their time and energy to the organization.
XII. A motion was made by Marilyn Offenberg and seconded by Paula Pietch to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.
*The next meeting of the Friends will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Keystone-LaGrange Community Library.
Respectfully submitted by,
Eileen French