Bentley Memorial Library reports circulation down about 50%; board hears program updates and donation notice

Loni Hryn, a board member, opened the Bentley Memorial Library Board's regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Feb. 9, 2021 via Zoom. Liz Thornton, the library director, told the board that January circulation was about one-half of the same period last year and reviewed scheduled programs, recent donations and operational items.

Thornton said she had emailed the January 2021 statistical reports to board members and that circulation remained depressed compared with 2020, a point she attributed to ongoing service limitations. She also told the board she had distributed the library budget summary and that the budget was "on track," with the only noted change an increase in the salary line.

Thornton reviewed upcoming and recent programs: an adult book discussion of Saving CeCe Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman led by Trish Brudz is set for Feb. 22 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom; children's Zoom Storytime sessions are scheduled, including a Feb. 11 "Be My Valentine" event for children age eight and under and storytimes on Feb. 18 and Feb. 25. She said a White Tailed Deer program and an Adult Paint Night were well attended and that a joint virtual cooking class with the Bolton Recreation Department and Bolton Senior & Social Services will be held Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m.

The director reported community outreach and donations: 61 blankets were donated in January and the library will accept sock donations during February to be distributed to Cornerstone Shelter in Vernon and Holy Family Home and Shelter in Willimantic. The board recorded receipt of a donation from the estate of Pam Connolly.

On operations, Thornton said curbside pickup and CCar deliveries were continuing on a regular schedule. She said she asked John Butrymovich, Buildings and Grounds Supervisor, to replace the curtain heading upstairs and to address an outside light.

Thornton informed the board that staff member Joshua Kelly will be leaving and that his last day is scheduled for April 9, 2021. She said she would share the library's 2019'2020 statistics with the board and was scheduled to attend a virtual town budget meeting later that evening.

Procedural business included approval of the Jan. 12, 2021 meeting minutes. Polly Silva moved and Claire Fazzina seconded a motion to approve the minutes as presented, with a correction to the meeting date in the heading; the motion passed unanimously. Dot Neil moved and Kelly Goldsnider seconded a motion to adjourn at 4:15 p.m.; that motion also passed unanimously. The board scheduled its next regular meeting for March 9, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.