10.20.25 Library Trustees Meeting Draft Minutes
Guilford Free Library
Trustees In-Person and On-Line Meeting
Guilford, Vermont
Monday, October 20th, 2025 – 6:30 pm
Trustees present: John Shaw, Nika Fotopulos, Laura Lawson Tucker, Meghan Ohrstrom, Judith Serkin, Jeannette Tokarz
Trustees absent: Josh Nelson
Others present: Amber Hunt (Librarian), Davida Bagatelle (Friends)
Meeting began 6:35pm
Accepted minutes from September meeting
Librarian’s Report – Amber
Amber’s monthly report was sent in writing to Trustees for review.
In memory of Jack Neuhauser, we have received over $1000 in donations. Judith will send out thank yous.
18 residents signed up to become new patrons of the Library this month, a record. A big thank you to the Friends for getting the word out.
Ebooks and e-audiobooks are gaining in popularity with our patrons and there will be an increase in the Libby bill based on the amount of active patrons and circulations.
Baker and Taylor is closing and Amber is actively looking for a new Library book supplier, to receive better discounts on new book purchases.
Poetry and sound starts this Wednesday and is full.
Linda Lembke and Carol Hendrickson are leading a workshop on book making, as well as working on the insides of the books, this coming Saturday. There is still room for people to sign up for this workshop.
Co-Chairs report – Laura and Judith
Their monthly meeting focused on the annual Librarian evaluation. Laura will share a synopsis of this feedback about Amber by email to the trustees.
Treasurer’s report – John
The monthly financial report is that we are on track with spendings and expected budget progress.
John is no longer a signer on the Friends bank account. Amber will work with the Friends treasurer and president from here on out.
John has researched the history and provenance of the Friends account and each CD therein. The Friends agreed to pay the bills for this fiscal year. Donations raised through Trustee fundraising efforts will go to Town managed account. The town treasurer will be signing the checks for the Library town account.
Big thank you to Elly from the town office, as well as John and Amber for spending time collaborating and figuring out the details of this transition.
Amber and John are working on the annual budget for fiscal year 2027 and are hoping to bring that to the next meeting for approval.
A conversation has started with Elly about an electronic way to receive donations to the Library town account. Elly shared that this needs to pass through a future selectboard meeting.
Friends of the Library – Davida
After talking with Amber about the upcoming Hallowing event, the Friends are putting together goody bags for kids and craft projects.
Saturday Feb 14th, they will be running a fundraiser at the Vermont Welcome Center.
The Friends are also gearing up to do a Friends membership drive.
There is a possibility that the Friends will offer a book sale on February 7th during the rapid reviews event.
Trustees are very grateful to the Friends for all the programming and work of untangling the Library groups.
Annual Appeal
The annual appeal has been drafted by Judith, Nika and Amber with Lesley’s graphic help, and they welcome feedback. The library will provide stamps for this mailing. Jeannette will help sort and group the printed addresses and printed letters from Amber, with some help from Judith. Hopefully this will all come together in the next couple of weeks, to begin sending them out early November.
New Business
Thank you to me!
Nika has recently moved her place of residence to just across the Guilford border in West Brattleboro. Nika will send her notice of resignation to the town administrator, effective November 16th.
Meghan will act as the new Secretary till March. Thank you Meghan!
We are closing the recording to go in to Executive Session to discuss the appointment or employment or evaluation of a public officer or employee per 1 VSA section 313(a)(3). Motion by Jeannette Seconded by John, all in favor.
Judith made a motion to exit executive session, John seconded it, all in favor.
We are not taking any vote or action at this time.
Meeting adjourned 7:50pm
***Next monthly Trustees meeting: Monday November 17th , 2025 at 6:30pm – In person at the Library/or ONLINE
Minutes by Secretary,
Nika Fotopulos
Meeting Audio Recording: https://guilfordvt.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-10-20-GFL-Trustees-1.m4a