Brandon Free Public Library
4 Franklin Street
Brandon, VT 05733
AGENDA
February 17th, 2021
Time: 4:30pm
Location:
Brandon Free Public Library
4 Franklin Street
Brandon, VT 05733
**And remotely: email infoPbrandonpubliclibrary.org for link to remote meeting
I.
Call to Order
(Agenda will be adjusted to accommodate discussion with guests)
II.
Approval & Review of the Minutes
Ill.
Approval of Reports
a.
Librarian
b. Treasurer/Finance Committee
c.
Building & Maintenance
IV. New Business
a.
Friends update
b.
Town Meeting
c.
VP Nomination candidates
V.
Old Business
a.
Policy Review
VI. Comments and Announcements
VII..
Executive Session, as needed
- Library Renovation
- Endowment/Restricted funds
- Apartments
VIII.
Adjourn
Next meeting date: March 17th, 2021
Brandon Free Public Library
4 Franklin Street, Brandon, Vt 05733
Board of Trustees Meeting
January 20, 2021
4:30 pm
Call to order at 4:30 pm.
Present: Phoebe Chestna, Stephanie Choma, Molly Kennedy, Bruce Ness, David Roberts, Beate-lense44,
Carol Fjeld, Stacey Ducette, Sue Gage, John Peterson, Bobbie Torstensen, Cristy Harding
Election of President
David Roberts nomination has been forwarded by the nominating committee. Stephanie made
a motion to accept David Roberts as President of BFPL Board. Bruce seconded. Passed.
David thanked Phoebe for her work over the previous year.
Election of Secretary and Treasurer
The Nomination Committee forwarded Carol Fjeld as secretary and Cristy Harding as treasurer.
Phoebe made the motion and Stephanie seconded to accept this slate. Passed.
Approval of minutes
Stephanie made motion and Cristy seconded motion to approve minutes. Bobbie made
clarification that Friends will meet in April of 2021 for approval of contribution of 2022. Passed.
Actions:
We need to look at by laws and consider policy changes to add a vice president. Bruce will finish
the update on by laws and get them out to the Board members regarding vice president. By
laws update would then be worked on.
David will contact the Reporter to introduce himself.
Approval of Reports
Treasurer's Report: David made Treasurer's report. Finance committee met and talked about
finding an accountant to do 'a deep dive' into the budget and clarifying how the budgeted money is
being used. The Balance sheet, budget vs actuals, shows a net overage of $28,000. This overage will be
included into 2021 Equity section of the balance sheet. Sue reported calculated growth in investments:
Willard fund 9.2%, Capital Campaign .17%, Farr Fund 12.79% and Endowment Fund 12.5%. We received
$5,000 from a Vt Library Council grant — any expense from this year that was marked 'apply to COVID' is
applied to this grant. Cristy will go through paperwork to identify. Bruce mentioned that payroll taxes
and unemployment are appearing 'All accounts' but not on 'Operating Budget'. Sue Gage said she
would fix that. Stephanie made motion to approve, Phoebe seconded. Passed
Librarian's Report: Molly reported that programming is in full swing. Open by appointment.
We are doing baking contests with Olivia's Croutons. Half of the items lent were curbside. We are
advertising for a part time position. Bruce made motion to approve library report, Sue seconded.
Passed
Actions:
The Board will identify an accountant to review budget.
Cristy will go through paperwork to identify expenses that will be applied to Vt Library Council
grant.
Sue will fix payroll and unemployment taxes on reports.
New Business
Finance Committee: comprised of David, Bruce, Cristy, Sue and Molly. Changing the meeting
time to after 5pm. Open for new members.
Board Approval for bank signers: Phoebe made a motion for Cristy Harding, Sue Gage and David
Roberts to be approved as having authority to sign checks on behalf of the Brandon Free Public Library.
Stephanie seconded. Passed. This will remove June Bohler from the signing list.
Friends update: Had a meeting on January 19, 2021 for introductions with the new Board
President. Bobbie reported that they are considering having Annual Meeting in April and considering
opening book sale in May.
Actions:
-
David will get the completed resolution to secretary to be signed and given to bank.
Old business
Review of minutes/actions: Stephanie offered to contact the 65 donors who that donated in
2019 that did not vote in 2020. We had 48 new donors in 2020.
Actions:
Stacey will write a letter to thank our donors and give information about the mailing. We will
give to Bernie for Chamber newsletter and put a copy on the circulation desk for patrons to
review.
Library Renovations
Update for new Board members on what has happened in the past. David gave overview of where we
are currently at. Dumont and Asso. will give us a feasibility report in April that we can base our decision
to go ahead or not. First part of raising money will be quiet. In the fall the Board will start the public
part of campaign.
$875,000 is our goal to complete total project. Statement of Need is being developed
for Board review. On January 21, the subcommittee will be meeting with Isaac Wagner on funding, etc.
Molly shared the graphic that will be used in Statement of Need. Then showed Nancy Leary's drawing.
The Board is interested in creating a Renovation Committee. Bruce and David have offered to be on this
committee.
Actions:
-
Statement of Need and graphics will be disseminated to the Board.
Committees
Sue suggested that everyone look at committees that we want to staff.
Renovation
Facilities — committee vs point of contact?
Fundraising
Capital Campaign
Reopening/hiring
Apartments
Do we need a management company? Bruce will talk to Molly about what the apartments have
required over year. Bruce offered to be on Molly's call list for when things need to be done.
Comments and Announcements
Kaitlyn suggested that we need to get diversity on the Board. David suggested that we add this as an
agenda item for the next meeting.
Action:
Add this item to the agenda.
David will bring some resources to be considered.
Discuss a Strategic Planning meeting.
Sue made motion to adjourn, Phoebe seconded. Adjourned at 6:17 pm
Next meeting on February 17, 2021 at 4:30 pm
Librarian's Report
January 2021
Circulation:
Adult: 821
Juvenile: 424
Young Adult: 35
Computer: 12
WIFI: 116
E-lending: 269
General: 27
Catalog visits:
1406
Interlibrary Loan
BFPL Borrowed: 25
BFPL Loaned: 34
Meeting Room: 34
Door Count: 396
Curbside deliveries: 116
Programming:
Meditation weekly: 2
Virtual Trivia is in full swing, with between 7-12 teams of 6 every Saturday night.
Great Brandon Bake-Off baking contest monthly December — April. January challenge is chocolate cake.
Lisa Fennimore won December's Stuffing challenge.
Take & Make kits: 29
General:
In January we offered visits by appointment Tuesday-Friday 9-5. Curbside was still available during those days/
times as well.
Groups were allowed to make appointments to use the meeting room on Tuesday-Friday.
Interviewed 5 candidates for the Outreach/Circ position.
Next steps:
Expand to evening and Saturday hours
Find someone to shovel
In January:
New accounts: 8
Home deliveries: 5
Upcoming:
-Partnership with Rec Dept and Olivia's Croutons for monthly baking contest "Great Brandon Bake-Off" (Dec-
March).
-Partnership with Rec Dept for virtual Quiz Night starting again (to run through Jan/Feb/Mar).
-TAG trivia night.
- Hour change beginning Feb. 1 - Tuesday — Friday 10am-6pm, Saturdays/evenings pending until new staff are
trained
Open hours will be (extended evenings and Saturdays tentatively scheduled for March start):
Tues/Wed 10am-7pm
Thurs/Fri 10ann-6pm
Saturday 10am-4pm
Joni and Molly will work 9am-6pm Tuesday-Friday, PT staff will cover later (to 7pm) and weekend hours.
Preliminary Statement of Need
DRAFT: Dec 22, 2020
lir
7
elders, community groups, local schools, artists, and
BRANDON
more. A complete list of Library programs during
FREE PUBLIC
regular times as well as the Library's excellent
adaptations and service during the global pandemic
LIBRARY
is available in Appendix A.
The Brandon Free Public Library (BFPL):
Amplified Services During Covid
Community Cornerstone
Throughout
2020, BFPL remained open and
Since 1827 when local resident and inventor Thomas
responded to the Covid pandemic with amplified
Davenport urged the residents of Brandon to invest
services to the community. The high degree of
in a library for the community, the Brandon Free
library use during this challenging time attests to the
Public Library has been a vibrant and vital hub and
central role the Library plays for area residents. From
resource center for people of all ages. Supported
free and expanded Wi-Fi to the distribution of bread
through annual appropriations from four local towns
and masks to area residents, BFPL has responded to
as well as private donations, the
a wide variety of needs.
Library sees 50,000 visits a year and
has a collection of approximately
BFPL's Historic Building Inadequate
to Meet Community and Patron Needs
28,000 items.
Despite the vital role the Library plays in
Its mission is to provide a friendly
serving thousands of patrons, its notable
and safe atmosphere in which
building in Brandon's lovely historic
patrons of all ages may enrich their
L
ae
downtown has not seen any significant
lives through the benefit and
,,F004
updates since the
1960s. Brandon, the
pleasure of learning and discovery.
it,A10441tit
broader community, and the world at
The BFPL pledges quality service
large are experiencing tech changes and
demonstrating respect
for the
new paradigms. Library users need and
individual and the community. Its
Note of appreciation from a patron.
expect services and space beyond the
friendly and helpful librarians make
Library's current footprint. The area's
it a welcoming space for families and community
elder
population is growing, more children and
members to gather, for children to be introduced to
families are engaging with Library services and
the joy of reading, for people of all ages to have
programs, and the Library offers one of the only
access to research, free technology, community
spaces for community gatherings.
gathering, and more.
Unfortunately, the Library, including its public
Collections,
Connections,
and
Community
bathroom, is not ADA compliant. Shelves, spaces,
Support for the 21st Century
and upper levels are the library are not accessible.
There is inadequate space for meetings, tutoring, and
BFPL is one of the only free cultural institutions in
this community that provides opportunities for
educational programming.
Systems and
educational growth and personal development to all
infrastructure have outlived their lifespan by 20-30
ages. Myriad services and resources are accessible to
years, Library stacks are full, and the building has no
all, and the Library has significantly expanded its
quiet study spaces or protective space for important
historical archives. The aging structure is not energy
programming in recent years to become a dynamic
information and community center. No longer just
efficient, nor does it offer space to fully
about collections, the Library offers a support
accommodate an expansion of technology and
programming.
network for the 21st century, serving children, teens,
Library Leaders Envision Investment in Accessibility and Expansion
Library leadership, buoyed by community relationships, obvious needs, and fiscal strength, envision renovations
and upgrades to provide accessibility for all to all Library spaces. The plans will enable expanded programming
to meet growing demand and create a more energy-efficient structure. Library leaders propose extensive and
necessary improvements to the facility while maintaining the historic character of the building that is highly
valued by area residents.
Library Trustees and staff are exploring the feasibility of raising approximately $850,000 through grants, private
donations, and in-kind contributions to fulfill this plan. Fundraising consulting firm Demont & Associates has
been selected to conduct a planning study to enlist the opinions of key donors, volunteers, and users in determining
the level of their commitment to this project. Local building firm Naylor & Breen has provided initial schematics
and cost estimates, and local design firm Vermont Integrated Architecture has
provided input.
"Without libraries what
have we? We have no past
The goal is to break ground in Spring 2022 when funding has been secured, with an
and no future."
estimated project completion in late 2022. The Library will remain open during this
— Ray Bradbury
time, continuing to serve and provide access for patrons with minimal disruption.
Current Library Facility Features Compared with Renovation Plans
LIBRARY ASPECT
CURRENT CONDITIONS
VISION
FUNCTIONAL
Overall Function
Repository of books, limited meeting
Fully accessible and expanded community resource
space, basic technology
center
ADA Accessibility
Inaccessible bathroom, stacks/spaces,
Compliant bathroom, accessible stacks/spaces,
meeting room, 2nd floor/basement
access to all floors via lift
Children's Room
Cramped, out of shelf space, only
Removal of wall between children's area and back
programming space in building making it
room will increase space and accessibility for
off limits to children during programs
programming and shelving. Community Meeting
Space will enable programs to run simultaneously
Community Meeting
Limited seating in small room on
Large multi-media community meeting room and
Space
inaccessible 2nd floor, not equipped with
presentation space on newly refinished 3rd floor,
any technology
accessible by lift, equipped with technology for
presentations/meetings/programming
Tutoring/Group
Tutors/students sit wherever they can
More space available on newly refinished 3rd floor,
Study/Media Spaces
find space, sometimes doubling or
fully accessible by lift
tripling up in any given area
Adult Library
No quiet reading area, limited work/study
Newly created "nooks" for comfortable seating and
seating
quiet spaces built in on 2nd and/or 3rd floors
STRUCTURAL
Energy Efficiencies
Inefficient heating, lighting, entrance area Updated heating/cooling, lighting, insulation
Structural Design
Limited space on main floor, inaccessible
New circulation desk, lower/movable shelving in main
spaces throughout
room to tailor space to needs
System Capacities
Outdated electrical, floor load capacities,
Fully code compliant with updated electrical, floor
life-safety code compliance
loads addressed, fire/life safety compliant stairwell
and lift
Estimated Project Costs*:
Building Accessibility Renovations, incl. Elevator
$725,000
Interior Improvements & Enhancements
(Shelving, furnishings, painting, windows, etc.)
$125,000
$850,000
Estimated Revenue Sources:
Private Donations/Grants/In-kind Contributions
$850,000
*Includes estimated fundraising costs not to exceed 10% of fundraising goal.
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Proposed exterior view featuring new program space, elevator shaft
SEEKING UPDATED RENDERING
and stairwell. Addition would add XX of useable square footage.
Becoming A Library That Truly Meets the Needs of the Community
BFPL's operating budget for staffing and programs is comprised of annual appropriations from four towns, annual
fund donations, and the extraordinary fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Library. However, this proposed
ambitious renovation including space and accessibility upgrades will depend upon significant donations from
individuals and businesses. These investments will help realize the vision for a greatly improved community
resource center fitting for the changing demographics and future of Brandon.
History of the Library Building: Established in 1827, the Library received support from the Brandon Ladies Book
Club, local benefactors, and in 1880, an Act passed by the General Assembly. It was formally named in 1901 under the
leadership of its first librarian Mrs. Fred Kingsley. In 1902, the library rented the first floor of its current location and in
1906 received its first town appropriation of $100. In 1910, founding fathers purchased the current building, provided
funds for renovations, and bequeathed the building to the library. In 1916 they purchased the house next door and
adjoining property, to allow for much-needed expansion. The Library has undergone several major renovations including
connection of two historic structures, rebuilding of the main stairs, and new lighting.
Strong Female Leadership: Over 11 female Head Librarians have guided the Library through expansion of collections,
service and outreach to meet community needs. Stephanie Choma served as Head Librarian from 1991 — 2015. Molly
Kennedy is the Current Head Librarian.
Trustees: Phoebe Chestna (President), Stephanie Choma, Stacey Doucette, Carol Fjeld, Sue Gage, Cristy Harding, Beate
Jensen, Bruce Ness, John Peterson, David Roberts (President-Elect).
Staff: Molly Kennedy, Joni Osterhoudt
Appendix A
Programming at the Brandon Free Public Library
It's So Much More than Books: Library patrons enjoy books, DVDs, periodicals, audio CDs and access to
a wealth of materials through interlibrary loans.
Love of Reading Begins with Kids: BFPL introduces kids
to a love of reading through children's books, story hours,
1,000 Books by Kindergarten, and myriad children's
programs.
Connecting with Teens: The library offers a special area for
teens, strong young adult collections, and engages them even
further through a Teen Advisory Group and Junior Librarian
Program.
From Entertainment to Wellness: Free film screenings
Children participating in A Universe of Stories program.
and a meditation circle are among the programs offered to area adults.
Meet Me at the Library: A wide array of community groups including the Brandon Planning Commission,
DBA, Al-Anon, school tutors, Farmer's Market, Republican/Democratic caucuses, Italian Club, PTO, and
homeschoolers meet at the library. Local artists exhibit in a monthly pop-up gallery. The Library is an outlet
for community service and volunteer opportunities.
Beyond the Library Walls: Outreach to area residents includes delivery of books to 4 residential/senior
buildings, delivery of books (with a story time!) to daycares, and personalized visits to homebound patrons.
Tech to You: BFPL brings technology and digital services users through Free Wi-Fi, on-site computers,
free personalized computer help; tech help and assistance
with job applications, unemployment, insurance
Amplified Services During Covid
applications; and providing free access for patrons to
Increased social media presence; curbside
RBDigital movie streaming, VT Online Library, Listen-
delivery of Library materials; print/copy/fax
Up Vermont e-lending, and Universal Class.
services via email; weekly online story times;
Non-traditional Services: BFPL steps way outside the
weekly Virtual Trivia; free books, puzzles and
boundaries of "traditional" Library services with its Seed
games outside; Friends Sale Cart outdoors; free
Library, offering free seeds and sustainability education;
WiFi, boosted to extend service; free masks
free/reduced-price passes available for area museums and
sewed by library director; distribution of bread
parks; weekly bread distribution for Brandon Food Shelf,
and art kits for Town of Brandon; created and
mitten tree providing free hats and mittens, and
distributed almost
1,200 craft kits; purchased
snowshoes for loan.
Overdrive Advantage to ease wait times for e-
materials; purchased RB digital to provide
Supporting an Aging Population: Extensive Large
access to streaming content; accepted book
Print selection, home delivery for housebound patrons,
returns for Neschobe/Otter Valley schools;
and more.
Interlibrary Loan reestablished; waived patron
out of town fees for 2020; continued ordering
Community Partnerships: Recreation Dept Quiz
of library materials; continued and tightened
night, Trivia League, Spooksville, Harvest Fest, Spring
collaboration with Town Officials; multiple
Swing; Neshobe PTO — Crazy 8s; Neshobe School
wellness
checks
daily;
continued
resource sharing; Brandon Town Hall Masquerade Ball,
planning/grant writing; seed library distributed
Summer Reading Finale; Neshobe SOAR Program, and
over 500 packets of seeds.
Site Visits.
BRANDO\
FREE PUBLIC
LIBRARY
• Make 4 floors ADA accessible by adding an elevator and new stairwell
• Add 1700 sq ft that includes 1400 sq ft of new patron accessible space
• Reconfigure patron accessible space to maximize use and function
• Update all spaces and systems to be fire, life safety and ADA code compliant
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• Remove existing stairs and provide access new stairwell and elevator bank
• Build 100sq ft addition to accommodate new elevator/stairwell shaft
• Remove wall to create larger programming space and childrens area
• Add a new ADA compliance bathroom
• Reconfigure shelving to accommodate new floor layout
• Reconfigured and relocated circulation desk
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• Add 100 sq ft new patron accessible spaceReconfigure shelving to
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• Convert unusable attic space into a 1200 sq ft community room
• Build 100sq feet addition to accommodate new elevator/stairwell shaft
• Add HVAC and update technology and support systems
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•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••■
• Build 100sq feet addition to accommodate new elevator/stairwell shaft
• Reconfigure shelving to accommodate new floor layout
www.brandonpubliclibrary.org