Meeting Information

Nov. 17, 2025 Meeting called to order by Kathy Capabianco at 600PM

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)

Diana Silveira, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Elizabeth Lombardo, Carol Mercier, Matthew David, Donna Witkin, Anne Bartels, Kathy Capabianco, Cathy Wos

Not in Attendance: Donna Witkin

Minutes:

1. Motion to approve Minutes from October meeting by Anne Bartels, seconded by Sharon Sandoval, approved unanimously
2. Treasurer’s Report:
   1. October was a good month
   2. Last Gift certificate was redeemed in book store
   3. Excel budget report to be used
3. Director’s report
   1. Susan Broward, a local artist donated a stained-glass art piece to PHL, it now hangs in the conference
   2. PHL held its annual costume swap, over 100 costumes were checked out/ swapped
   3. 2 Intro to Robotics sessions held 10/7 and 10/21 average 34 in attendance
   4. Halloween themed Let Us Cook had 31 in attendance in 10/14
   5. Part time Library Assistant position in Circulation
   6. Front entrance with sliding glass door repair to start 10/17, will take more time due to code adherence
   7. PHL annual Call to Artists now open, contact is Marisa Steuer ( marisa@phlib.org) for questions, applications due 12/5/25
   8. Annual Palm Harbor Craft Festival will be held11/22/25 to 11/23/25 10am to 5pm
   9. Annual artPHL Evening event, tickets go on sale 12/2/25, deadline for event sponsors 12/5/25
   10. 1/23/26 doors open at 6:30 for artPHL event
   11. PHL will be closed 11/27/25 and 11/28/25 for Thanksgiving
   12. 10/30 PHL Director presented on a Florida Library Assoc. Webinar panel on management / leadership
4. Old Business:
   None discussed
5. New Business:
   Women’s History Month awards are coming up in February 2 local women would be awarded 250 dollars each to give to a charity of their choice, would friends care to sponsor this or be a back up if funds not available Sharon Sandoval made a motion for the Friends to be a backup with funds up to 500 dollars if the library not able to obtain donations for this amount, seconded by Elizabeth Lombardo, motion carried unanimously.
6. Concerns and Announcements
   None at this time
7. Committee Reports:
   1. Bookstore: Carol Easter reported 4073 dollars in sales for month, square has worked out well
   2. Communications: website continues to be updated
   3. Baskets: 389 this month
   4. Literacy: 2 new tutors
   5. Membership: 2 new lifetime members, 208 lifetime members and 22 annuals currently
8. Adjourned 6:34

Next meeting January 12

Oct 20th 2025 Meeting called to order by Kathy Capabianco at 6:00PM

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)

Diana Silveira, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Elizabeth Lombardo, Carol Mercier, Matthew David, Donna Witkin, Anne Bartels

Not in Attendance:

Minutes:

Motion to approve Minutes from August meeting by Diana Silveira, seconded by Sharon Sandoval, approved unanimously

Treasurer’s Report:

EOY Balance $206,539.78

The Bette Sachs Memorial fund is at $650 dollars

We will need to find a new CPA, Matthew will contact the CPA the library uses, and Sharon will speak with Natalie Close (previous treasurer) for possible contacts

Liz Glushko, cellist, gave us a demonstration of her work, she will be giving a concert in the library at a future date

Director’s Report

Matthew showed us the color for the new shelves, a nice shade of green

September was National Library Card Signup Month, PHL signed up 220 new members, a 39% increase from last year

Intro to Robotics had a total of 88 participants over two sessions

On 09/19/25 the Friends of the Palm Harbor Library held their annual meeting with 25 in attendance

Annual budgets for PPLC and PHCSA were approved unanimously by the BOCC

The county will replace the front entrance, including the sliding glass doors starting the week of Nov.10

Palm Harbor Museum and Sunken Gardens have been added to the Museum Pass program

Kids and families are invited to trick-or-treat at the library from 3:00PM till 5:00PM on Oct.31^st.

PHL Director received a free consultation session by the firm Gresham Smith while attending the Library Journal Design Institute

The book vendor Baker and Taylor, has been facing financial difficulty, PHL will use other resources as needed

Old Business:

Kathy thanked everyone for their help at the annual meeting held in September which was attended by 25 members, at which Kathy reviewed the programs the Friends support, Donna set up lunch which was served and enjoyed

New Business:

Reviewed plan to have Library staff members meet with Friends for discussion on Friends goals to assist Library and review questions that staff may have on Friends mission

Concerns and Announcements

None at this time

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore – Carol Easter reported $3285 in sales for month
2. Communications – website continues to be updated
3. Baskets near $169 in sales last month
4. Literacy – Carol reported that she has formed a committee to coordinate Literacy program needs, which will consist of 4 members with Carol as overall administrator, this has been reviewed and approved by the Literacy Advisory Board, Carol also reports that 4 new tutors have started, at an increase of 10%, which has exceeded her goal
5. Membership discussion on ways to communicate with annual members on renew date, phone calls, email and possibly postcards discussed

Adjourned 6:52 PM

Next meeting Nov. 17th

August 18th 2025 Meeting called to order by Kathy Capabianco at 600PM

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)

Diana Silveira, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Elizabeth Lombardo, Carol Mercier, Cathy Wos, Matthew David

Not in Attendance:

Anne Bartels, Donna Witkin

Minutes:

Motion to approve Minutes from July meeting by Elizabeth Lombardo, seconded by Sharon Sandoval, approved unanimously

Treasurer’s Report:

Memorial funds for Betty Sachs are now at 530 dollars

The Square credit machine has been used successfully in the bookstore net sales for this month totaled 714.68

CD held at Achieva now stands at 76,720 dollars and will be maturing on August the 25^th, this will then go in a Money Market account

Director’s Report:

251 kids participated in decorating the canvas crew listening station with Starry Night, and other famous paintings to align with summer reading them of “art”

On July 14 and 15 100 people attended each event honoring Palm Harbor’s centennial

Hose Down @ Palm Field had PHL joining PH Fire Rescue Team and other local partners on July 24^th with 365 people attending

Board approval is requested for up to 20,000 dollars (with Palm Harbor Friends of the Library funding the remaining 20,000) for shelving, Blue is the color of choice. These will be more accessible, mobile, and provide a better sightline for safety

Interviews to start for PT circulation positions

The PHL Director met with members of the advisory council, Friends and Foundation to brainstorm new ideas in relation to the strategic plan objective to research future renovation and expansion, and also met with the new BOCC liaison to discuss options

An Afternoon with Marjorie Kinnan Rawlins was held on August 16

The Sounds of Cross Creek- Celebrating Margorie Kinnan Rawlings through Music and Prose will be held on Aug, 30th

Old Business:

Discussion on Hospitality Fund Expenditures, this will include Volunteer and Staff Snack Bar items, if in the future items for meetings are needed it will be addressed at that time

New Business:

Annual Meeting to be held Sept. 20^th, 12-2, Donna Witkin will order food from Publix, Kathy Capabianco will prepare agenda, Diana will get notices out

Concerns and Announcements

None at this time

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore Carol Easter reported 3633 dollars in sales
2. Communications website continues to be updated
3. Baskets near 179 dollars in sales last month
4. Literacy Literacy Manager position not yet filled, Carol reported that she is thinking of forming a committee to divide some responsibilities of this position as she has some individuals who would be willing to do this, she will speak with the Literacy Advisory Board this week regarding this.
5. Membership 1 new lifetime, 2 new annual

Adjourned 6:48PM

Next meeting Oct. 20th

July 20^th 2025 Meeting called to order by Kathy Capabianco at 605PM

In Attendance (Quorum Satisfied)

Kathy Capabianco, Anne Bartels, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Carol Mercier, Cathy Wos, Matthew David

Not In Attendance

Diana Silveira, Elizabeth Lombardo, Donna Witkin

Prior to the meeting, Kristen Wollett, graduate of the Library writing program spoke about how wonderful this program is.  She wrote “As a Last Resort” which is now a best seller.  She will facilitate in the fall with 12 students and a waitlist.

Meeting Minutes

Motion to approve Minutes from June meeting by Sharon Sandoval, seconded Carol Easter, approved unanimously

Treasurer’s Report:

Largest expenditure for month of June was for the Robotics and author consortium

The Square was purchased and Bookstore has a $195.55 charge and our fees were $7.

Tamara Black made a donation to the Friends.

Director’s Report

The 3^rd annual photography contest held, 24 in attedance

Old Business

Motion to approve the Budget by Anne Bartels, seconded by Carol Mercier, approved unanimously

Motion to approve the shelving for the Library by Carol Mercier, seconded by Sharon Sandoval, approve unanimously

New Business

None at this time

Concerns and Announcements

None noted

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore 3732 total last month, progressing well
2. Communications no report
3. Baskets made last week, one sold for $25
4. Literacy a replacement for the Literacy Director was interviewed, waiting to hear back
5. Membership 2 new annual, 1 lifetime

Adjourned 655 PM

Next meeting August 18

May 19th 2025 ,Meeting called to order by Anne Bartels at 601PM

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)
Diana Silveira, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Elizabeth Lombardo, Carol Mercier, Cathy Wos, Matthew David, Natalie Close, Anne Bartels, Donna Witkin, Cathy Koutsoumbaris

Not in Attendance: Kathy Capabianco

Minutes:

Motion to approve Minutes from April meeting by Diana Silveira, seconded by Carol Easter, approved unanimously

Treasurer’s Report:

Largest expenditure last month @ 500 dollars was for the Volunteer Gala 
Discussion on need for another signature on FPHL accounts, motion by Carol Easter, seconded by Elizabeth Lombardo to have President, Vice President and Treasurer to be on the accounts, carried unanimously

Sharon S. will take care of renewal for Solicitation of Donations for Bookstore

Director’s Report

Build a Bot an introduction to Robotics was hosted on April 1,15,29 th , and May13 with an attendance of110

April 11 an Oscar themed Gala in appreciation of Library Volunteers was held and enjoyed by all

Our Robotics team had a great time at the World Competition even though Taiwan won Closed on Monday the 26th for Memorial Day
Saturday, May 31st, Summer Registration Day for summer events

Cathy Koutsoumbaris. reported that she will submitting receipts monthly for items reimbursed from Friends, Summer Reading will be billed the end of the season and Robotics will be billed one time. Credit card payments will no longer be taken for gift baskets at the front desk in the library.

Old Business
None

New Business
Discussion on using other options in the bookstore, more people are not using cash, could we increase our sales in books, baskets if we had another option? Would the volunteers in the book store adjust to card use? After discussion on different options available motion made by Diana Silveira, seconded by Natalie Close for 299 dollars plus tax to obtain Square, a wireless countertop terminal for use in the Bookstore with Library staff support if needed, motion carried unanimously.

Matthew submitted Budget Requests for 2025-2026 Budget to the Friends, and reviewed a onetime request to the Friends for 20,000 dollars to replace shelving in the center of the Library, the Library would also contribute 15,000 dollars, this will create more floor space for PHL evening fundraiser and other big events, discussion will continue on this, no motion made at this time.

The Lending Library has been discontinued, due to difficulty in obtaining reliable mechanical support, decreased use, availability to Lucky Day materials (aka “Redbox”) DVDs, books, and Large Print will be available under Adult Services

Concerns and Announcements

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore Carol Easter reported a little slower month
2. Communications website updated
3. Baskets made nearly 200 dollars in sales last month
4. Literacy luncheon was held on May 17, 65 people were in attendance
5. Membership 1 new lifetime 212 members in all

Adjourned 7:11 PM
Next meeting June 16th

April 21st 2025 Meeting called to order by Diana Silveria at 6:03PM

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)

Diana Silveria, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Elizabeth Lombardo, Carol Mercier, Cathy Wos, Matthew David, Natalie Close, Marisa Steuer

Not in Attendance:

Kathy Capabianco, Donna Witkin, Anne Bartels

Minutes:

Motion to approve Minutes from March meeting by Sharon Sandoval, seconded by Carol Easter, approved unanimously

Treasurer’s Report

Ace Con largest expenditure last month @ $1000

Director’s Report

March 15th traditional Irish music for Green Grows the Lilacs event sponsored by Palm Harbor Friends of the Library was attended by 92

On March 29th PHL robotics team competed in Robofest taking 1st and 2nd place.  The 1st place team has qualified to attend the Robofest World Championship in Southfield Michigan on 5/17/25

The front entrance including the glass doors will be replaced by the county

The PHCSA entity directors will be presenting their projected budgets to the BOCC on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

Old Business

Motion made by Carol Easter that Sharon Sandoval will take over as interim Treasurer until the new fiscal year, seconded by Elizabeth Lombardo, carried unanimously

New business

Marisa Steuer, Head of Youth Services has requested funding in the amount of 4024 dollars to assist with expenses that the Robotics team will incur going to the World Championship. This will include costs for flights, hotels stay, food stipend for Marisa and Bianca, the Volunteer Robotics Instructor. Car Rental, Worlds T-shirts, hoodies, Science Museum visit and buttons for the team. Motion by Elizabeth Lombardo in the amount of 4024 to fund the trip, seconded by Carol Easter, carried unanimously.

On Saturday May 31, 2025 PHL will host Summer Registration Day, individuals and families are encouraged to visit onsite and register for summer events and get information on how to participate in PHL’s all ages summer reading initiative

Concerns and Announcements

A good luck and good bye to Natalie Close who did a wonderful job as Treasurer

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore Carol Easter and Carol Mercier will request meeting of all Bookstore cashier volunteers to review use of register
2. Communications website updated
3. Baskets 179 dollars last month, many thanks for donations of supplies and actual baskets
4. Literacy more tutor volunteers, more students are requesting night time hours, since online registration not as many students Literacy Luncheon will be May 17, one student will be published
5. Membership 2 new annual and 1 lifetime

Adjourned 6:43 PM

Next meeting May 19th

March 17^th 2025 Meeting called to order by President Kathy Capabianco at 6 PM

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)

Kathy Capabianco, Cathy Wos, Matthew David, Natalie Close, Diana Silveria, Sharon Sandoval, Carol Mercier, Anne Bartels, Carol Easter, Elizabeth Lombardo

Not in Attendance:

Donna Witkin

Minutes

Motion to approve Minutes from January by Diana Silveria seconded by Sharon Sandoval, minutes approved unanimously

Treasurer’s Report:

Largest expenditure last month on performance arts at 1275 dollars

Hospitality incudes break room treats for volunteers, and due to increased prices, we have been going over budget, motion made by Natalie to increase to 350 dollars a month seconded by Anne Bartels carried unanimously

Discussion on Lending Library which is broken again, should it be replaced, kept or possibly look at other options, possibly lockers? Discussion to continue

Director’s report

Feb. 6 as part of the C.A.B.M. (Career Academy of Business Administration and Management), a student from Palm Harbor University High School shadowed PHL staff and managers.

Feb. 14 PHL collaborated with Palm Harbor Parks and Rec. to host a joint annual staff development and recognition day.  They delivered 116 homemade Valentine’s cards to senior citizens at Bayou Gardens and St. Mark Village.  Florida Elder Affairs also presented information on dementia. Staff enjoyed a meal, received recognition and appreciation and bowled!

Feb. 25 Gulf Coast Dance Theater hosted Cinderella Story Time, 81 in attendance

Front sliding doors will be replaced by the county, PHL in communication with the Pinellas County Facilities

PHL Director sent the annual Budget Submittal Memo to the county OMB liaison on March 14

Fb. 27 PHL hosted Lego Master Builders, 43 attended

March 11 PHL Director participated in Library Legislative Day in Tallahassee with legislators to advocate on the good that libraries contribute to the community and ask for continued support and state funding for public libraries, for context from 2000 to 2024 state aid has decreased by 42% but statewide population has increased by 46%

On Friday April 11 at 4PM PHL will hold a Volunteer Gala appreciation for its volunteers

Old Business

Cataloging your treasures going forward, the program made 374 dollars this year, discussion on if the foundation would like to do this as they are looking for a fundraiser, Matthew has brought it to the foundation meeting, perhaps the foundation and friends could collaborate on this

New Business

Discussion on Treasurer position, Natalie continues in position at this time, discussion on possibly splitting Treasurer duties, at this point Sharon Sandoval may be interested when she retires from present full-time job, we will also put the position on the website and we will continue to look for a Treasurer.

Bookstore Gift Certificate this will no longer be available in the bookstore.

Request from Adult Services to fund performers for a program “Celebrating the Majesty of Cross Creek through Music and Prose”, (Marjorie Kinnen Rawlings Society will assist with this, providing refreshments and speakers for further programs) Adult Services would like 700 which would include 350 for each performer, motion for 700 dollars to fund performers for this by Diana Silveria, seconded by Anne Bartels motion carried unanimously.

Concerns and Announcements

None noted

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore Carol Reports Bookstore has been thoroughly cleaned
2. Communication Diana reports updating website, member lists
3. Literacy Carol reports decrease in students on waiting list
4. Membership Sharon reports 5 new annual members and 3 new lifetime members since January

Meeting adjourned 6:50

Next meeting April 21st

Date: February 12, 2024

Meeting Called to order by: President Kathy Capabianco at 600PM

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)

Kathy Capabianco, Carol Easter, Elizabeth Lombardo, Natalie Close, Mathew David, Cathy Wos, Donna Witkin, Carol Mercier, Diana Silveira, Peter Cannon

Not in Attendance: Sharon Sandoval, Anne Bartels

November Minutes

Motion to approve January minutes by Kathy Capabianco, seconded by Carol Mercier, approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report

Achieva CD opened for 100,00 dollars, 12 months @5%

Director’s Report

On 1/6/24 Opera for Earth performed Amahl& the Night Visitors: A One-Act Opera that was attended by 78 people

On 1/26/24 artPHL Evening as attended by 171, and raised over 4,200 dollars. Thanks to Deborah G., Erica L., Lois E., Mark S., and Nancy M. for volunteering at the event.

The ABC Reading Club which is held bimonthly at the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art was hosted this month by PHL youth services staff Allison B. To celebrate the book selection, Indivisible by Four: A String Quartet in Pursuit of Harmony by Arnold Steinhardt.  This was attended by 52 people and was followed by a performance from the Meriggiare String Quartet

Interviews are in progress for Community Engagement Librarian position and Youth Services Library Assistant II

On 1/25/24 PHL director, assistant director, and 4 managers attended Pinellas County’s ADA training, team from all 4 entities

March 9^th and 10^th  PHLFriends of the Library and Dove Digital Marketing will sponsor

ACEcon, a convention celebrating comic books, anime, and related interests

PHL ‘s annual open house will be on April 26, local businesses are invited to attend, the first 300 people will receive a goody bag.

PHL director submitted application for the NEA Big Read Grant, if awarded the project will take place in April 2025

PHL assistant director attended Library Legislative Day in Tallahassee, visited state legislators to make a case for continued state funding for library operations

Some of the community events the PHL director attended; East Lake Community Library community service day

Palm Harbor Fire Rescue’s groundbreaking ceremony for station #68

FEAST groundbreaking ceremony

Palm Harbor Museum Annual Meting

Visited the Safety Harbor Library to tour facility

Old Business

Peter Cannon delivered presentation on Library Speakers Consortium as discussed last meeting, a motion made by Kathy Capabianco and seconded by Elizabeth Lombardo for 3,500 dollars to fund this for a year, carried unanimously

Cataloging Your Treasures to be held this Saturday 2/17/24, lunch will be provided to the appraisers, we will be able to take credit cards

New Business

None at this time

Concerns and Announcement,

None noted

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore Carol reports 3,579 for the month of January
2. Communications website continues to be updated
3. Membership no report
4. Literacy no new tutors and some have dropped out, many students waiting, the Literary Celebration has been moved to April 6
5. Fundraising no report

Meeting Adjourned   6:59PM next meeting March 18

January 13^th Meeting called to order by President Kathy Capabianco at 6PM

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)

Kathy Capabianco, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Elizabeth Lombardo, Carol Mercier, Cathy Wos, Natalie Close, Diana Silveria, Donna Witkin, Matthew David, Anne Bartels

Not in Attendance:

Minutes:

Motion to approve minutes from December by Diana Silveria, seconded by Sharon Sandoval minutes approved unanimously

Treasurer’s Report:

• Natalie reports largest expenditure for month was 3,016 for subscriptions
• CD to mature at Achieva on the 20^th, they are offering a rate of 4.5% on 7-month CD, motion by Anne Bartels to place 75,000 in 7-month CD at Achieva, seconded by Carol Easter, carried unanimously
• Debit Card has been obtained

Director’s report

• The library will be closed on Monday Jan. 20^th for MLK day
• On Dec.10^th Intro to Robotics held Battle of Bots Championship, with 84 in attendance
• Request has been made to the County for assistance with maintenance and/or replacement of front sliding doors
• Jan. 24 PHL will hold its annual fundraiser artPHL Evening, which will feature work of 10 local artists, a silent auction, complimentary wine and hors d’ oeuvres, and live music from Voices of Jazz.  Tickets are $25 in advance, $35 at the door

Old Business

none

New Business

Cataloging Your Treasures will be held Feb. 22, 11:00-2:00, Cash only, 5 dollars an item, limit 3 items per person, we will have the same 2 appraisers as last year

Committee Reports

1. Bookstore Carol reports great sales $3996.96 for Dec, year total 42,653
2. Communications Diana reports updating website
3. Baskets Betty states we can use donations of baskets
4. Literacy Carol reports another new tutor and she has also been awarded another 500 grant. Just got new computer in office
5. Membership Sharon reports since Nov. 2 new lifetime members and 4 annuals, reminder to be sent to annual members for renewal. Diana to look at prices for membership cards

Concerns and Announcements

None noted

Meeting Adjoined    6:45PM

Next meeting Feb. 10th

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)

Kathy Capabianco, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Elizabeth Lombardo, Anne Bartels, Natalie Close, Diana Silveira, Mathew David, Cathy Wos

Not in Attendance: Donna Witkin, Carol Mercier

Bianca Gittinger-Linzer gave information on a Robotics program she would like to host to teach youth coding using LEGO Spike and iPads.  She requested $8,596 to purchase an initial set of seven iPAD Pros

October Minutes

Motion to approve October minutes by Natalie Close, seconded by Anne Bartels, approved unanimously

Treasurer’s Report

Summer Reading program expense 2,390.04

Director’s Report

• 500-dollar micro grant from Cares foundation put towards Robotics program
• Good attendance numbers for October, over 3800 people
• Gratitude poster at front desk
• Circulation position filled, Youth services library position open
• Meeting with commissioners on the 9^th of November went well
• Dec. 1^st Yoffredo concert series
• Artful evening end of Jan.
• Feb. 17^th 5 dollars per item, appraisers will be here for Antique Roadshow here

Old Business

• Robotics program, motion made by Diana Silveira for seven iPad pros @ 8,596 dollars, seconded by Sharon Sandoval, carried unanimously
• Receipt printers motion made for 2.290 dollars by Abbe Bartels for 10 new receipt printers, seconded by Sharon Sandoval carried unanimously
• Discussion to continue on the feasibility of email receipts
• Membership Brochure looks very good 100 will be ordered

New Business

No new business at this time

 Concerns and Announcements

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore Christmas pricing to be done
2. Communications updating website continuing
3. Membership 1 new lifetime and 1 new annual member, discussion on having something on badges to identify Friends members, no decisions made
4. Literacy no report
5. Fundraising no report

Meeting Adjourned   653PM

Next meeting January 08, 2024

Meeting in February will be on the 12th

Attendees: Kathleen Capabianco, Anne Bartels, Natalie Close, Carol Mercier, Carol Easter, Diana Silvera, Donna Witkin, Matthew David, Cathy Wos, Marissa Steuer, Bianca

1. August Minutes Approved (Carol Mercier Motioned, Anne Bartels seconded)
2. End-of-the-year reports discussed. The annual lending library payment to the library was made.
3. Robotics Program Thank – You
   1. Bianca and Marissa presented on the ongoing success of the Robotic program sponsored by the Friends. They will Spring will be a Robotics Competition Team starting in January. Intro to Robotics will repeat next Fall.
   2. December 10, 6pm is a BattleBots Competition at the library.
4. Matthew submitted a nomination application for the Robotics Program sponsored by Friends to United for Libraries Award for Innovation.
5. Matthew presented a Director’s Report
   1. End of Year Statistics (still working on finalizing numbers)
      1. Overall circulation is down from 2023 but 1.5% up from 2022.
      2. Overall program attendance is up 35.9%!
      3. Library visits increased by 11.3%
6. Old Business
   1. The annual Meeting was a success. Kathy thanked everyone.
   2. A credit card for the Treasurer was approved (Kathy made the motion, and Diana seconded it).
7. New Business
   1. NY Times subscription. A one-year digital New York Times subscription for 5000 passes (accounts) is $3,016. Natalie made a motion to approve, and Kathy seconded it. The motion was approved.
   2. Kathy read a letter from Terry Fortner. She donated her book sales ($86.50) to the Friends of the Library from her recent program.
8. Committee Reports
   1. Bookstore (Carol Easter)
      1. We had a good year, ending with $40,638.18 in sales.
      2. In September, we had just under $3000 in sales (great considering the hurricanes)
   2. Communications (Diana) – Updated website
   3. Literacy (Carol Mercier)
      1. Carol is still looking for a new literacy director.
      2. Literacy currently has the oldest computers in the library. Blake recommended a new computer.
         Anne made a motion for up to $1000 for a new laptop and monitor for Literacy and seconded it to Carol Easter.
   4. Membership (Sharon) – no report
9. Adjourned – The next meeting is November 18th.

Minutes by Diana Silveira