Hamburg Township Library
10411 Merrill Rd.  PO Box 247
Hamburg, MI 48189
810.231.1771

November 21, 2023 @ 7:00pm

Present: Matthew Assenmacher, Jodie Colone, Mary Evergreen, Richelle Hocking
Absent: Bridget Rosek & Crystal Walter
Also Present: Holly Hentz, Christine Weber

Call to Order and Pledge to the Flag:
This regular meeting of the Hamburg Township Library Board of Trustees was called to order by Richelle Hocking at 7:00pm in the Patricia Waters Community Room.

Approval Of:

• Motion to approve Agenda as presented made by Colone; Seconded by Evergreen; Motion carried.
• Motion to approve the minutes from October 17, 2023 as presented made by Colone; Seconded by Evergreen; Motion carried.

Call to the Public: Kim Roberts

Financial

• Motion to approve October 2023 Financial Report as presented made by Evergreen; Seconded by Colone; Motion carried.
• Motion to approve Library Voucher #644 in the amount of $85,302.40 made by Evergreen; Seconded by Colone; Motion carried.
• Motion to open a new 6 month CD for $500,000 @ 5.40% interest at CIBC Bank made by Evergreen; Seconded by Assenmacher; Motion carried.

Librarian’s Report

• In-house Statistics: 4,222 Patrons Served; 244 New Patrons; 5880 Item Check-outs, 134 computer uses.
• Online Statistics: 2,255 Libby; 53 PressReader; 223 Zinio; 32 Fold3; 0 Heritage Quest; 25 TumbleBooks; 1 Niche Academy.
• Other News: Eagle Scout project (7 little free libraries) is complete. 
• Upcoming Programs

• November Holiday Gifts for Shelter Animals. Kits available at the front desk  
• 11/20 Toys for Tots begins  
• 11/21 Spice Club, 1:00pm 
• 11/28 Ornament Making for ages 5 and under @ 6:30pm  
• 11/29 Ornament Making for ages 6+ @ 6:30pm 
• December Mitten Tree  
• 12/2 Write Club @ 1:00pm  
• 12/4 Felt Christmas Tree Centerpiece  
• 12/5 Drop-in Genealogy @ 1:00pm  
• 12/5 Hounds of History: Yooper Dogs at Work and Play (v) @ 6:30pm  
• 12/6 Jackie’s Book Club: The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston @ 1:00pm  
• 12/6 Santa Claus Visit @ 6:30pm  
• 12/8 Hare and Tortoise: A Play for ages 2-7 @ 1:30pm  
• 12/9 Ann Arbor Symphony Holiday Brass @ 1:00pm  
• 12/11 Great Decisions @ 1:00pm  
• 12/12 Lego Club @ 3:00pm  
• 12/19 Spice Club @ 1:00pm

Correspondence
1)  None

Old Business

• Hentz reported that the sidewalk has been completed.  Table/Stools/Planters will be delivered next week.
• Hentz reported the renovations are scheduled to begin 12/11/23, no closure is required. She stated that ceiling repairs are needed around skylight area can be done at the same time.  Motion to approve $10,660 for skylight ceiling area drywall repairs made by Evergreen; seconded by Assenmacher; Motion carried.

New Business

• Assenmacher brought to attention the library’s website.  He impressed upon the board that the website is the ‘face’ of the library and needs careful consideration to reflect the library’s mission and purpose.  After discussion, it is asked that all board members take the month to review other library websites and make note of likes and dislikes.  Assenmacher will sit down with Strandt to talk about current website.  Branding the library with a professional graphic designer/marketing firm was also discussed and met with general approval.  Hentz will investigate area marketing businesses.

Friends Report

• Fundraising = Fall Book Sale $2,614.86 + Rummage Sale $2,000 + FOML Grant $400 (for Lucky Day program) + October Gift Shop $295.75!
• Rummage Sale huge success - line the length of the building when doors were opened and they kept coming all day and said “see you next year” when they left!
• Friends will fund $1,200.00 for upcoming “Cooking Demo Series” - 4 events/30 seats each.
• Gardens are done until Spring.
• Joan Sanders (Treasurer) has been in contact with a new Friends member that can assist with Friends Financial Audit.
• Membership Update - currently 140 individual members!
• Kroger Community Points - doubled the membership count and rewards in the 2nd qtr!

Relevant Board Issues
1)   Hand out an updated board contact list and emergency contact list.

 Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Evergreen; seconded by Assenmacher; Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. 

Next Meeting:  December 19, 2023 @ 7:00pm