An energized Kennett Public Library Board of Trustees acknowledged that to avoid making past mistakes, some of them must be revisited.
At its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at the Market at Liberty Place in Kennett Square, the board faced several thorny issues – ranging from what it should be called to how it can avoid deficit spending – and it voted on a strategy to begin resolving those problems.
After a presentation by Carl Francis, chief strategist for Envisian, a Malvern-based strategic advisory firm, the board discussed the pros and cons of enlisting the firm’s services. Board member Betsy Del Vecchio said it was helpful that board members received materials from Francis to review before the meeting.
Francis, who assisted the Easttown Library in its new building initiative, said he specializes in “difficult situations.” He said it was important for the library board to invest some time in looking at the big picture, focusing on where it wants to go and how to get there. He said his job would be to gather facts and analyze options.
Several board members questioned the cost. Board President Tom Swett, who has worked with Francis on other projects, said Francis, who charges $225 an hour, agreed to accept a retainer of $17,500 rather than his usual $35,000. If the library exceeds the nearly 78 hours the retainer covers, it would be billed at the hourly rate.
“It is expensive, but we need the help,” said Karen Ammon, the longest-serving board member. “We’ve proven that.”
Board member Stan Allen agreed. “It sounds reasonable to me,” he said, citing the benefits.
After noting that the contract could be terminated at any time, the board voted unanimously to hire Francis. One of the first issues that he will tackle involves the name change from the Bayard Taylor Memorial Library to the Kennett Public Library – a decision that incurred the wrath of some patrons and donors when it was announced in April.
In her parting remarks in January, Susan Mackey-Kallis, the former board president, said the board erred in not soliciting more input from library stakeholders.
Jeff Yetter, the board’s vice-president, said quandaries with the name have surfaced in various ways. The building still bears Bayard Taylor’s moniker, and library records and documentation are now inconsistent. Yetter said the board is eager to produce an annual report. “What name do we put on it?” he asked. “We don’t need to add to any confusion.”
Yetter said he had discussed the name conundrum with Francis during an initial interview. “I can tell you that he is on neither side,” said Yetter, pointing out that Francis would be recommending a procedure to address the issue that would involve all interested parties. The library serves residents in East Marlborough, Newlin, New Garden, Kennett, Pennsbury, Pocopson and West Marlborough townships and Kennett Square Borough.
In other business, the board voted unanimously to approve the 2016 budget. Board Treasurer Bill McLachlan said the library needs $95,000 in donations and grants – $30,000 more than it received in 2015. Even with that increase, the budget shows a $75,000 deficit, money that may need to come from investment income.
McLachlan said the board is continuing to explore ways to trim costs, and he noted that “more support” is definitely needed to keep the adult literacy program running.
In her report, Library Director Donna Murray explained that the board contributes to one of the themed baskets that are raffled during the popular Home & Garden Day Tour, which is scheduled for June 4.
Murray said the staff is preparing a chocolate basket, and the board typically assembles a wine and spirits basket. Board members were asked to donate two bottles each by the next board meeting so the baskets can be displayed before the event.
The board welcomed two new members. Dr. Loren Pearson described herself as “semi-retired” after nearly 30 years as a psychologist with the Kennett Area Consolidated School District and a strong proponent of community libraries. Swett interjected that in today’s world, semi-retired equates to “ restructuring.” Pearson was appointed by Newlin Township.
Taking Swett’s cue, Brenda Williams Mercomes, a former college administrator who relocated from Boston to be closer to family, said, “I restructured.” She added that she welcomed the opportunity to serve the library and will represent the Borough of Kennett Square.
Swett said a two-hour “retreat” would be held for the board on March 12. He said Francis would also attend. He ended the meeting by leading the board in song after explaining that it was Murray’s birthday.
The next board meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, on the lower level of the Market at Liberty Place complex on West State Street in Kennett Square.
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