The regular meeting of the East Alton Public Library District board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Sally Hierman at the library. Those in attendance were C. Wiegand, B. Werts, and M. Funke. Eileen Long, Van Long, and J. Podesva were not present. Also present was the Director, Richard Chartrand. 4 present, 3 absent. Quorum established.

Roger Werts was also in attendance. Chelsea Camerer and Drew Verdun came into the meeting at 7:28 pm.

Note: There was no November meeting.

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            Motion: Werts       Second: Wiegand                            Approve the minutes of the October 16, 2014 board meeting.          Roll call vote: Werts, aye; Wiegand, aye; Funke, aye; Hierman, aye. 4 ayes, no nays, 3 absent. Motion carried.

Bev Werts will be sending a Christmas and anniversary gift to the Podesva’s on behalf of the library.

            Motion: Funke          Second: Werts                               Approve wage and expenditures as presented for November and December 2014.                                                                                          Roll call vote: Funke, aye; Werts, aye; Wiegand, aye; Hierman, aye. 4 ayes, no nays, 3 absent. Motion carried.                                

November

1) The new roof is getting finished. Work should be completed by

     board meeting.          

2) 260 people now “like us” on Facebook. Natalie has been

    posting more and more information as usage continues to

    increase.

                                                                                              
3) Jason Bricker’s East Alton History display, now at the village

    hall, will be moving here. Through the years, Jason has

    continually collected East Alton history information.

4) Fred Spence will be having another art exhibit. The promotional

    flyer is included in the board packet. Natalie designed the flyer.                

5) As has become our tradition, we are participating in the annual

    “Community Christmas” drive. It is gratifying to see the box

     become filled.       
    
6) Darlene has completed the arrangements for the Christmas

    Soiree with Chef Bob. Since Bev is providing the desserts, I

    asked Darlene to add a ½ vat of chicken marsala.

7) One of our part time employees was released from employment

    as of the 15^th. He could not retain the training. Cameron agreed

    to pick up the extra hours. This is on the agenda under “new

    business.”      
     
8) Once again, we will have income tax service starting in

     February. No exact dates, so far.

9) We received a large donation of Christian Fiction books (mostly

     Amish). Maury and Kevin worked hard to get them ready for

     circulation.

10) The book club has very good things to say about Cameron.

December

1) Our thoughts and prayers are with Jerry Podesva and his family.

     It is unlikely Jerry will be attending future board meetings.          

2) We have two E-Rate reimbursements in the amount of

     $5,202.67. This is for 2013.

                                                                                              
3) The roof is finished except for touch-ups and alcoves.

4) I am requesting that the library be closed on December 26^th due

     to a major upgrade to the library system software. We will have

     no automated services that day and it will completely disrupt

     service and make for unhappy and frustrated patrons.               

5) Reminder that election documents need to be filed from

    December 15-22, 2014.       
    
6) Natalie, Charlotte, Bev, Judy and Sally have been busy

    decorating the building.

7) The book club selection for December is “Museum of

     Extraordinary Things” by Alice Hoffman.      
     
8) A replacement tax check for $4,036.32 was disbursed on

    December 10, 2014.

9) It was very heartening to see the Community Christmas box

    overflowing. The food barrel is also well on the way to being

    filled.

10) Board meeting will be held in the Youth Services area until we

      are summoned to the meeting room for dinner.

YOUTH SERVICES REPORT

NOVEMBER

Family movie night for October had 12 in attendance.  The movie shown was “Hocus Pocus”.  Halloween snacks and candy were provided.  The kids (and parents too) seemed to enjoy this movie and the holiday treats!  Next month I will be showing the new DVD release “How to Train Your Dragon”.

Story time themes for October were fire safety, all about fall/autumn, pumpkins, and Halloween.  Coordinating crafts were making “paper” firefighters & fire engines.  I utilized Sparky the firedog handouts to teach matching and opposites.   Our fall posters that were decorated with foam leaves, apples, and pumpkins were quite decorative.  We decorated mini pumpkins and pumpkin handouts.  Our Halloween party was small, but the children enjoyed wearing their costumes and, of course, eating cookies, popcorn, and other treats brought and shared.

SWAYS for October was held at Six Mile Regional Library in Granite City.  Our performers showcase will be January 24 at the Fairview Heights Library.  We also shared promotional ideas of library events and what works for our libraries.  Most of us use facebook, library websites, flyers, posters, bookmarks, and handouts.  Some other libraries have marquees and in-house large-screen monitors to display upcoming events.  Some use city newsletters and local newspapers.  Next month’s SWAYS meeting will be in Wood River.

I have added a few more lego sets.  Submitted by Maury Reynolds.

DECEMBER

Family movie night for November had 12 in attendance.  That seems to be my average number of viewers.  The movie shown was “How to Train Your Dragon 2”.  Snacks are always enjoyed.  I furnished popcorn and flavored drinks.  Next month I will be showing the new Ninja Turtles release.  That should bring a good turnout since I seem to have a lot of little ninjas!

Story time themes for November were owls, apples, Johnny Appleseed, and Thanksgiving.    Coordinating crafts were making owl magnets and pins, charming apple designs, paper face crafts of Johnny Appleseed, colorful turkeys, and delightful Turkey visors. Delicious apples were tasted, and all of the children were excited that Thanksgiving was coming.

SWAYS for November was held at the Wood River Public Library.  Presentations were given and summer reading ideas were expressed not only for the 2015 summer reading program, but ideas were shared for the 2016 summer reading theme too.  The theme for 2016 will be “Read for the Win”.  We are gearing up for our annual performers showcase.  It seems we will be having 5 or 6 new performers that specialize in music.  Next month’s meeting will be in Edwardsville.

Looking for craft ideas and small prizes for the music/rhythm theme.  I’m having Bev be on the lookout for me as well.   Submitted by Maury Reynolds.

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