Text Description automatically generated Minutes of Meeting of the Board of Trustees Highland Public Library 14 Elting Place; Highland, NY 12528 Date: May 22, 2025 Attending: Mark McPeck, 1st Vice President; Jacqueline Burke, 2nd Vice President; Phyllis Freeman, Trustee; Sarah Navins, Trustee; Eric Norberg, Corresponding Secretary; Julie Dempsey, Library Director; Lisa Gill, Assistant Library Director; Sharon Battershall, Treasurer Excused: Elaine Rivera, President Absent: Patrick Mason, Finance Officer; Melissa Burdash, Friends Liaison The meeting was called to order at 5:25 p.m. by Mark McPeck The members recited the Pledge of Allegiance. E. Norberg moved to accept the minutes of the April, 2025 meeting. P. Freeman seconded. All were in favor. P. Freeman moved to accept the minutes of the Special Meeting April 22, 2025. E. Norberg seconded. All were in favor. Financial Report: E. Norberg moved as follows: Be it resolved to approve the warrants attached for operating expenses for the month of May, 2025. S. Navins seconded. All were in favor. P. Freeman moved as follows: Be it resolved to accept the April 2025 financial report as prepared by Rose Woodworth, Accountant. E. Norberg seconded. All were in favor. Agenda Items: As follows: Director’s Report: J. Dempsey reports: There is a new Mid Hudson Library System app (which can be downloaded for I-Phone or Android platforms). Staff and patrons can use the app to find their local library, enter their barcode, and do many library functions. A few bugs in the new system were discussed, but these are being addressed. The MHLS Board of Trustees met and toured Highland Library last week. J Dempsey ordered the plaque for the Music Garden; there will be an unveiling for the garden once it arrives. There was a reception for Highland Central School District Art Show, which was very successful and well attended (over 200 people!) The art is currently displayed in the library. The Civil Service has a HELP program (Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement) which temporarily removes the requirement for competitive exams for certain positions, if they have been approved. Librarian 1 and Library Assistants no longer have to take the test. They are permanent employees without having to be provisional while waiting for results of the test. Reading Bear- The Bear has been traveling all around Europe and getting pictures taken of him in different libraries. J. Dempsey has asked Donna, who has other written children’s books, to write a book about the adventures of the Reading Bear, which we would then like to sell in the Library as a fundraiser. MHLS Roadmap -MHLS is trying to get everyone to visit each library in the system. Each library has its own unique stamp, and when you go to each library you will get that library’s stamp. There are prizes for visiting increasing numbers of MHLS libraries. This program will start June 6 and run through October 18. IMLS update- There is a court injunction now, which means the State is supposed to get their funding, which has already been approved but was in jeopardy. The staff are back to work and administering grants to local libraries, which is good news for us for this year. J. Dempsey thanked the Trustees for their support reaching out to our Representatives at the State to secure funding for our libraries. There is a 2% increase in the amount of aid with the new budget. Things to look out for in the coming legislative year are: Open Shelves Act (which protects access to materials in the face of censorship and book-banning) and E-Book Licensing Reform (E-Books have been very expensive for libraries). Old Business: Results of the vote for Board Members: P. Freeman will serve a 5-year term. S. Navins will serve a 3-year term. Facilities: The HVAC seems to finally be fixed! Friends Report: The recent Jewelry Sale was very successful and remains in our plans for the future. The Vendor Fair (Christmas in July) will be July 26; there are already five vendors registered for it, and there are still tables available. Those interested can contact M. Burdash or J. Dempsey. Public Comment, and Trustee Comment: N/A this month M. McPeck states: The next meeting of the Board will be on June 26, 2025. P. Freeman moved to adjourn, E. Norberg seconded. The meeting adjourned at 5:46 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Sharon Battershall, Secretary