Thursday, April 24, 2008

Present:  Amy Hughes, Terry Reynolds, Don Durfee, Karen Hubbard, Eloise Haller, Faith Morrison, Phyllis Johnson, Patricia Van Pelt, George Love

Absent:  Gail Mroz, Dee Vincent, Sue DesRochers, Dick Rupley, Dana Richter, Mary Marchaterre

Co-Chairman Faith Morrison called the meeting to order at 4:05 pm. 

The minutes of the March 6, 2008 meeting were reviewed and approved.
 

Terry Reynolds handed out a report of the FVPL book sale history which included the final numbers for the 2008 FVPL book sale.  2008 was our most successful sale yet, with a total revenue amount of $4,203.11.  This figure includes $590.00 in membership sales.  No treasurer’s report was submitted, because our next meeting is coming up soon.  Terry will provide the May treasurer’s report for our May 8, 2008 meeting. 

A.  Fiber-art proposal for Library Reading room

      Phyllis Fredendall, fiber artist, explained to the board her vision of a fiber art piece for the library reading room.  She showed us two examples of her felted wool work: a map of the Portage and Hancock, and one of her mine shaft series.  She also showed us photos of more of her fiber art and passed around the published booklet about her and her work.  She gave us a copy of her vitae.  We asked her questions about her concept and about such practical issues such as moths and how to hang the piece properly.

      We thanked Phyllis Fredendall for her presentation.  After Phyllis Fredendall left, we decided that we all needed time to consider the proposal and we will make a decision about the project at the May 8, 2008 meeting.  Faith will inform Phyllis of our plans.

B.  Persephone Books

      Patricia told us that Nicola Beauman, owner of Persephone Books Ltd, of London, emailed to tell us that the Persephone Collection of books would cost 675 English pounds plus 125 English pounds for delivery.  Patricia said that with today’s exchange rate, that would be about $1,600 US dollars.  The FVPL board had approved spending $700 for the Persephone Collection of books at the May 3, 2006 meeting.  Jennifer Slack was the original requestor for the acquisition of this collection.  Terry moved that we cancel the purchase of these books, seconded by Eloise.  The motion was approved.  Faith will contact Jennifer Slack to let her know of the decision.  We will reconsider purchasing this collection again in the future when the exchange rate is more in our favor. 

C. Board resignations

      Faith informed us that Gail Mroz has resigned from the FVPL board.  The board accepts Gail’s resignation with regret and understanding.

      Brian Geiger has also resigned from the FVPL board because he has graduated from Michigan Tech.

      The board wishes to express their gratitude for the service that Gail and Brian provided to the FVPL.

D. New board members

      We now have two open board seats, which the board can fill by appointment at any time.  We discussed possible candidates for the board and the history and potential issues of library staff serving as board members.

E.  Art from Max Seel

      Max Seel had dropped off three of his art pieces at the library to be considered for purchase for the library art collection.  Patricia moved that we thank Max for bringing the art for our consideration but that we let him know that our art budget for this year has been fully committed.  The motion was seconded, and was approved.

The meeting adjourned at 5:30 pm.

The next meeting will be Thursday, May 8, 2008  at 4:00 pm.

Submitted by Amy Hughes Friday, April 25, 2008.