Annual Report
Friends of Leverett Library
ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2022 TO JUNE 30, 2023
The Friends of Leverett Library support the town library in ways that fall outside of the purview of the town and state funding. As of July 1, 2022, the following served on the board: Leslie Fisette-president; Leah Larkey-membershipcoordinator; Peggy Brownell-treasurer, Kathy Weller-secretary, Gerald McFarland, Carolyn Anderson, Marilyn London Ewing, Richard Godsey and Georgie Schmid -members-at large.
Hannah Paessel is our library director. Hannah has been instrumental in keeping the Friends of the Library informed of the progress of the library. Thank you, Hannah, for a job well done!
Thanks also to Sue Laclaire for attending the Friends meetings as library liaison and Jill Palmer for helpful suggestions throughout the year.
During the October 2022 annual Friends of the Leverett Library meeting, Dale Monette presented “The Quabbin: Then and Now.” His slide presentation of archival photographs was a fascinating history of the towns that were demolished during the construction of the reservoir.
The Friends raise money through memberships, special events and donations. By June 30,2023, we had 264 members, including 159 lifetime members. In fall 2022, we organized the on-line auction of holiday baskets prepared and donated by members of the Friends board, library staff, and the community. The used book and DVD sale in the library vestibule continues.
In May 2023 the Friends organized a 20th anniversary celebration of the library building.
A poster and map highlighted the history and various locations of the library from 1891.
A slide show of the initial 2003 construction, past programs and friends old and new ran continuously during the afternoon. Leah Larkey prepared a digital copy of the slide show and had hard copy books created for the library. We introduced limited edition denim ballcap featuring “Leverett Library 20: 2003-2023” embroidered on the front. The caps are for sale at the library.
The Friends provide funds to the Library Director for programming expenses. We provided funds for the summer reading program prizes. We had original artwork by children’s author Micha Archer framed for display in the children’s room. We continue to support Dawn Marvin Ward’s maintenance of the patio garden. Patron passes to local attractions are kept current. Available passes are listed on the library website and posted on the bulletin board across from the circulation desk.
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
As approved May 15, 1990: as amended October 28, 1992; as amended October 23, 2011, as amended October 7, 2016
Article I
Name
The name of this association shall be Friends of Leverett Library.
Article II
Purpose
It is recognized that the administration of the Leverett Library is vested in the Board of Library Trustees, Friends being distinct and separate from the Trustees.
The purpose of this organization shall be to maintain an association of persons interested in books and libraries and to focus public attention on library services, facilities, and needs: Friends’ project to be undertaken only with the full knowledge and approval of the Library Director and the Board of Library Trustees.
Article III
Membership
Section 1 Membership in this organization shall be open to all individuals in sympathy with its purposes.
Section 2 Each member shall be entitled to one vote.
Article IV
Officers and Committees
Section 1 The Board of Directors shall consist of nine Members: a President, Membership Chairman, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and five at-large members.
Section 2 This Board of Directors shall serve as the governing body of this association and shall meet at the call of the President.
Section 3 The direction of affairs of this association shall rest with the Board of Directors, the President serving as Chairman. A majority of the members of this Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Section 4 Committees shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board as the need arises.
Section 5 The nine Board Members shall be elected at Annual Meetings by a majority vote of those present. Nominations from the floor shall be invited; no one shall be nominated without his/her consent. At each Annual Meeting either five or four members shall be elected to a two-year term.
Section 6 Vacancies arising on the Board shall be filled by appointment made by the remaining Board members.
Section 7 No Library Trustee or Library Staff Member may hold office in this association.
Article V
Meetings
Section 1 This association shall hold its annual meeting each Fall for the purpose of election of Officers, to receive various reports, and to enact any other business. A written/email notice shall be sent to each member in advance.
Section 2 A special meeting may be held as directed by the President, provided the membership is notified by mail/email (with the business to be transacted stated) at least two weeks prior to the proposed date.
Article VI
Dues
Section 1 The annual dues shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
Section 2 The fiscal year of this organization shall begin on May 1 of each year and end on April 30 of the following year. The membership year shall be the calendar year.
Article VII
Funds
Section 1 Adequate books of accounts shall be maintained by the Treasurer, who shall be responsible therefor.
Section 2 All monies received by the association are to be deposited in the existing checking account and from there may be transferred to an interest-bearing account and/or paid out.
Section 3 No funds shall be disbursed without a vote of the Board of Directors. Checks may be signed by the President or the Treasurer.
Article VIII
Amendments
The Bylaws may be amended at any annual meeting of this association by two–thirds of the members present, provided that notice of the proposed amendment shall have been mailed/emailed to all members at least two weeks before the said meeting.
Article IX
Parliamentary Authority
All meetings shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised except when in conflict with these Bylaws.
Article X
Dissolution
In the event of dissolution of this association, all of the net assets remaining after payment of any liabilities shall be paid over and distributed to the Town of Leverett, Massachusetts, to establish a fund for the benefit of the Leverett Library.
Last updated 10-7-2016
