Friends of the Portsmouth Public Library, Inc.
October 25, 2024
Biannual Membership Meeting
Board members present: Amanda Taft, Deborah Gallagher, Ellen Franke, Toby Pennell, Mia Taft
Call to Order: The meeting was held at the Churchland Public Library Coleman Room and called to order at 1:20 with 23 members total (including the board). Lunch, beverages and dessert was provided as well as 2 “Banned Books” tote bags to raffle and a DIY bookmark activity.
Minutes: Amanda introduced the board members and reviewed the last 6 months (Portsmouth Behavioral Group event where we had a FOPPL table, final total for Author Expo this year was approx $1600 with estimated 190 visitors, pursuing more marketing events to promote FOPPL, copier situation is over and the city of Portsmouth has assumed the responsibility for them, FOPPL is planning on sponsoring a Little Free Library either at a community health center or elementary school, manning an information table for elementary schools on “Title 1 nights” to hand out free books and to encourage getting library cards)
Correspondence: None
Financial Report by Treasurer: Ellen reported the Operating Account has a balance of $76,163.66. That account has absorbed the Copier Account funds. The city of Portsmouth has accepted the copiers and they are no longer our responsibility. She handed out the proposed budget for 2025. It followed the same margins as previously. It was reviewed, moved, seconded and passed by the membership.
Unfinished Business: We are still soliciting each library for requests and haven’t heard back from any of them since September with any items. Toby explained that FOPPL is trying to attend more community activities as a way to market ourselves. Toby and Allie Smith are doing a “table” at a Title 1 Community Parent Night at Simonsdale Elementary school this coming Tuesday. and hope to do this at each elementary school in the city by next year. Two members (Sue Burton and Miriam Hartman) volunteered to help with that today. We had a large donation (20+ boxes) of children’s, young adult books and teacher resources late this summer. We have been trying to get them out to the schools via sales, school emails and some give-aways with minimal success. We plan on handing out some of those books at the above mentioned elementary school meetings and have been stocking some of the Little Free Libraries at the schools that have them. FOPPL is also hoping to attend more community events such as the “Fall Festival”, “Come Home to Cradock” or “Parents Night Out”, etc. next year.
New Business: Members had the following suggestions. They requested we print out a membership or contact form with some basic information about FOPPL that could be handed out at book sales, particularly at the Book Nook. Also to consider more signage or perhaps an annual list of activities that FOPPL assisted with as a way to promote our organization. Or the use of plaques on donation items. No new officer nominations had been received via email or were given at this meeting. The current slate of officers are willing to run again and this was moved, seconded and approved. Amanda Taft - president. Deborah Gallagher - vice-president. Ellen Franke - treasurer. Toby Pennell - secretary. Mia Taft - media and website administrator.
Library Director’s Report: Todd Elliot was invited but did not attend or submit a report.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:52.
_________________________________________Toby Pennell, Secretary
_________________________________________Amanda Taft, President
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