Friends of the Deering Library
Minutes, October 24, 2003
Present were Pia Sunderland, Bev Yeaple, Polly Pierce, Roberta Walmsley, Kiah Walker, Diane Deluka, Don Johnson and Jean Johnson. The Friends enthusiastically welcomed Polly Pierce and Roberta Walmsley, two new members.
The minutes were distributed and accepted.
Library Hours at the Town Hall: Jean Johnson reported on the library at the Town Hall on Thursdays from 3:00 to 7:00 pm during the office hours of the Town Clerk/Tax collector. Judy Wood, who has been running this program, reported that some of the people coming to see the Town Clerk have shown an interest in the books on display and the activities of the library. It was decided to continue this effort so that townspeople can take out books. To relieve Judy when necessary and ensure that someone is always at the Town Hall during the library hours on Thursdays, members of the Friends volunteered to be a back-up for Judy and share the work at the Town Hall: 10/30 Holly Pierce; 11/6 -; 11/13 Pia Sunderland; 11/20 Roberta Walmsley; 12/4 Don Johnson; 12/11- Bev Yeaple.
Culling the Collection: Don Johnson reported on progress culling the library collection. Don, Tom Copadis and Susan Bartlett spent one day going through the non-fiction sections and culling out old, musty and out-of-date books. Tom Copadis agreed to dispose of those that are in very poor condition or are inaccurate and no longer accurate. The Friends reaffirmed that effort should be made to send the other withdrawn books to groups such as “Hands across the Waters” or “Cast Away Treasures.” It was decided to have another culling session in the early spring.
Recent Acquisitions: Jean Johnson shared the list of recently acquired books, both purchased and gifts. These include Robert Dallek. An Unfinished Life John Kennedy 1917 1963; Doris Kearns Goodwin. No Ordinary Time; Katharine Graham. Personal History; Caroline Alexander. The Endurance Shackleton s Legendary Antarctic Expedition. Robert Baer. Sleeping with the Devil How Washington Sold Our Soul for Saudi Crude. (Gift); *Donald Hall. Willow Temple. Joshua Hammer. A Season in Bethlehem Unholy War is a Sacred Place. (Gift) Haynes Johnson. The Best of Times; John Newhouse. Imperial America The Bush Assault on the World Order. (Gift); Elaine Pagels. Beyond Belief The Secret Gospel of Thomas; Desmond Tutu. No Future without Forgiveness.; Larry Zuckerman. Potato How the Humble Spud Rescued the Western World; Michael Cunningham. The Hours; Leif Engler. Peace Like a River; Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus. The Nanny Diaries ; Diane Johnson. Le Divorce; Toni Morrison. Sula; Arundhati Roy.
The God of Small Things (Gift); and Laurence Yep. The Serpent s Children and Dragon s Gate. (Gifts)
In an effort to ensure variety in the new acquisitions, each member of the Friends is to make of list ten books they feel the library should buy and forward that list to Jean by November 24th. Categories include: biography, fiction especially works set in New England or by New England authors; children s books; politics; mysteries; nature including birding, hiking, gardening; and how-to books. At the next meeting, the Friends will decide on which books to buy and which to ask people in the community to contribute.
Books for shut ins: Bev Yeaple volunteered to put announcements in the Deering Connection, the Deering Church Newsletter and the Villager asking for names of people who cannot get to the library but who might want to take out books. The names are to be sent to Pia Sunderland or Bev Yeaple. Several members of the Friends said they are willing to deliver books once we know who might want them. Reading to shut-ins was also discussed. It was decided to ask the staff at Hillsboro House if there are individuals there who might like to be read to.
Library Funds: The Library has approximately $1400. The Friends recommended more effort be made to purchase new books and any other materials needed. It was recommended that the library obtain a library cart in which books can be displayed at the Town Hall. Jean Johnson is to contact Chris Hague to see if any other library might have one to donate. If not, the library will purchase a cart.
Community Facilities: Judy Wood and Jean went before the selectmen to ask if the library could be open in the Town Hall on Thursdays. The response was very positive. They also shared the Friends hope of being able to move the library to the Hotel Lot. Jean then reported on the first meeting of the Community Facilities subcommittee of Master Plan that is considering all the town facilities including renovations of the Town Hall that would include a library/meeting room on the second floor. It was decided to enthusiastically support the Town Hall renovation plan as our first priority.
The Friends discussed the need for facilities in West Deering, particularly at or near Longwood. There was support for the idea of the Town acquiring one of the trailers and converting it into a multipurpose center which would include a library and other services and activities. It was decided to convey our discussion to the next meeting of the Facilities subcommittee and also to ask Judy Wood to see if we can contact several people at Longwood to get their input about the idea.
Officers for Friends: It was decided for the immediate future to continue to share responsibilities and to rotate the job of secretary. Diane Deluka agreed to contact everyone about the next meeting which will be held on Tuesday, December 2nd at Bev Yeaple s home.
Wallace Wood Video: The Friends were very impressed with the quality of the video of the “Conversation on the Porch” with Wallace Wood that Stephanie and Jeffery Brown made. It is hoped we can share that video and future videos with the community.
Respectfully submitted:
Jean Johnson
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