FOPPL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: October 25, 2025

Friends of the Portsmouth Public Library, Inc.

October 25, 2025

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 Main Library basement open area and called to order at 3:00 with 19 members (including the board) and 3 non-members.

Minutes:  Amanda introduced the board members and reviewed the last 6 months (new event supplies for Main Library, school events, local author signing, Portsmouth Behavioral Youth Expo, Youth Outreach event, Back to School event, sponsored 2 library contests, supporting a Little Free Library at Fisher Point Health Center).

Correspondence:  None

Financial Report by Treasurer:  Ellen reported the Operating Account has a balance of $87,573.55 as of 9/30/25. She handed out the proposed budget for 2026 (see attached sheet). It follows essentially the same margins (with slight increases for inflation) as previously. Members mentioned they were interested in donating annually to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. We discussed that we would like to do that but that wasn’t included in this proposed budget but would be discussed by the board to come up with an amount we felt was sustainable. The proposed budget was reviewed, moved, seconded and passed by the membership.

Unfinished Business:  We had our meal first and then the presentation.

New Business:  Yvonne Dodson and Susan Hoover presented the information (via power point and pamphlets) about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The Portsmouth community sponsor is:  Chainbreakers, Inc. They are attempting to raise $30,000 to get it started. Essentially, parents sign up each child 0-5 in age and they get a free book mailed to their house (age-appropriate) for each child signed up every month. This breaks down to $1.30 per child per month, $15.50 per child per year OR $130 for 100 children, $1,550 per year OR $1,300 for 1000 children, $15,500 per year. The members all voiced strong approval for this project and would like us to consider an annual donation. Board members agreed, saying we will review the budget and vote on a recommendation. Susan and Yvonne also handed out a pamphlet on Chainbreakers and shared the 4 days a week phonic reading instruction at school, Sat. family events and “Nourish the Meal” activities they provide in Portsmouth. Money can be donated to either organization anytime. Once the Imagination Library program is funded and set up, flyers will be posted with a QR code to scan to donate. Registration forms will be placed in various sites to get parents to sign up (ex. doctor offices, libraries, schools, etc.). Ellen also asked for assistance to gather boxes of book donations after the Centenary United Methodist Fall Bazaar on 11/825 at 1:00. Several members volunteered so she is covered. Toby volunteered to coordinate them all with directions and phone text reminders. We also reminded members we are always looking for more junior volunteers (16 years or older). The members were invited to tour the FOPPL book sale area at Main, which is significantly bigger than the Book Nook but only open once a week.

Library Director’s Report:  None, he was not present. 

Meeting was adjourned at 4:10.

________________________________________Toby Pennell, secretary

________________________________________Amanda Taft, president