Magnolia Springs Library Board Minutes from Friday, May 5, 2017
The following Board Members were present - Mrs. Lolly Turner, Mrs. Alida Given, Ms. Grace Mattox, Mrs. Frances Cleverdon, and Library Director, Mrs. Melanie O'Donnell. Dr. Berengher Brechtel called right before the meeting sharing that he was ill and unable to attend. Also present were Mrs., Dotty Johnson, Council woman, and Mrs. Jane Sauer. Individuals read the minutes from the past meeting. They were seconded and approved.
A current copy of the finances provided by The Friends of the Library was distributed to each person.
Vandalism was a real concern. Our book drop had been damaged so badly it could not be used for quite some time. The neighbor across the street said she has seen kids outside the library around midnight. The deputy said he could not do anything unless called at the time. Just the previous Saturday, the librarian found all sorts of hair dying materials outside the library. They were strewn everywhere, and she had quite a time cleaning up the mess. There is still residual hair dye at the front door. The librarian took pictures, which she showed the board, and she had immediately contacted the landlord who was to speak to the town deputy. Fortunately, Rodney Hubble, free of charge, fixed the book drop. Rod Koberg
has kindly offered to install a security camera, and it is hoped this will help.
The grants received by the Friends of the Magnolia Springs Library from The Snook Foundation and The Mapp Family Foundation were shared. These were for children's books. The Snook Foundation's $500 grant was for "Cinderella Books from around the World", sand The Mapp Family Foundation's $500 grant was for "Animals Galore!" Books. It was noted that Mrs. Given took these book to MagnoliaSchool to share with 4th and 5th grade classes. Also, Mrs. Kathy Weeks will be doing a summer program called "Cinderella and her Fellow" to introduce the new Cinderella books. A "Pet Extravagant" with Ms. Gayle Guthrie is planned with the animal books shared.
There was discussion about the Volunteer Waiver. The librarian had had every volunteer sign the form the insurance company requested. The town council asked that another be done with their letterhead, so the librarian is fulfilling that request. The librarian's time sheet used to be handed in on every other Friday. Since the town clerk will not be working on Fridays for the summer, it is now being submitted on Thursdays.
The Fairhope Piggly Wiggly stores (manager, Mr. Danny Manning) is now a sponsor of the library, assisting the library in acquiring new books. It was pointed our that the United Bank has supported the library every year. The Friends of the Magnolia Springs Library discussed fundraisers in the library's future. The plan is to have at least four fundraisers a year. A concern was pointed out that the town's website shows money paid for the library each month. Council Woman Johnson explained that the current month is not on the website, which we now understand. However, it is not known when a bill is paid, and the library board would like to know that for their records and peace of mind.
A new policy is being written requiring all young volunteers to be at least fifteen years old. The library has had younger volunteers in the past that have been excellent. However, for safety concerns this police is necessary.
There was no other discussion so the meeting was adjourned.