Library Board of Trustees
James A. Tuttle Library Trustee Meeting Minutes
Date: June 9, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM
Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM by Jenine Rubin.
Attendance
Jenine Rubin, Rick Wood, Nancy Blair, Tamasine Wood-Creighton, Tim Morehouse, Jennifer Adams, Sue Conklin, and Melissa Lawless.
Public Comment
No public comments.
Approval of Agenda
Tamasine Wood-Creighton moved to approve the agenda as amended. Rick Wood seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Rick Wood moved to approve the April meeting minutes. Tamasine Wood-Creighton seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Correspondence
No correspondence was received.
New Business
Sue Conklin presented a proposal from the Friends of the Library to purchase two replacement benches. The benches will be made of recycled plastic wood, approximately 48 inches wide and weighing 35–40 pounds. Tim Morehouse will secure the benches to prevent them from being displaced by wind. Existing benches will be modified to match the new benches once the Friends select a color.
Tamasine Wood-Creighton moved to approve the purchase. Rick Wood seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Tim Morehouse will ask Linda to share the bench options with the Friends so a color can be selected and the order placed.
Treasurer's Report
Rick Wood reported that town expenses are currently at 37.34% of the annual budget. An HVAC invoice has been submitted and paid. He will review maintenance, repair, and cleaning expenses for May.
The railing near the ADA parking spaces has been replaced. Trustee expenses are approximately 30% of budgeted expenditures, including some June expenses. The library has also received several donations, and the annual report has been submitted to the Attorney General.
Tim Morehouse moved to accept the Treasurer's Report. Tamasine Wood-Creighton seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
The mini-split project is the only completed project currently listed in the CIP and exceeded the original estimate by approximately four times. The 2022 CIP continues to be reviewed.
The HVAC contractor advised that all equipment is functioning properly and that no major replacements are necessary at this time.
Director's Report
Melissa Lawless reported that 84% of survey respondents supported the proposed new operating hours.
Tamasine Wood-Creighton moved to adopt the new hours permanently without a specified end date. Rick Wood seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
The exterior wooden sign will need updating to reflect the new hours. Tim Morehouse will remove the sign and explore options for updating it.
The Summer Reading Program kickoff party is scheduled for July 27, 2026.
Friends of the Library Report
Tim Morehouse reported that the Friends met the previous Saturday.
The Friends decided to hold a bake sale during the Midterm Election but not during the Primary Election due to lower attendance. The organization has successfully applied for participation in NH Gives and is now eligible to receive donations through the program, including matching funds opportunities.
Rick Wood volunteered to share donation links through Facebook pages he manages.
A staff appreciation luncheon, coordinated by Sue Conklin, will be scheduled separately from the annual retreat. The Friends will also provide food for the Summer Reading Program kickoff.
Planning has begun for the Home & Harvest event on September 12. The Friends will provide raffle baskets and may again receive a donated cord of firewood. Trustees are encouraged to help promote the Friends during the event.
QR codes created by Shelly are now active and operational.
Building and Grounds Report
Rick Wood reported that the Town has received the $1,200 fire protection assessment invoice.
Tim Morehouse upgraded the first-floor restroom to improve ADA accessibility and oversaw replacement of the ADA parking area railing.
Water intrusion has been observed through the stone foundation into the drainage trench. Rick Wood will inspect the issue during the next rainfall.
An electrical issue exists in the original library building, where four circuits share a single breaker. If more than two circuits are heavily used simultaneously, the breaker trips. Tim Morehouse will consult Joe regarding replacement.
Bathroom rug edges are fraying, creating maintenance concerns. Tim Morehouse will secure the corners to determine whether this resolves the issue.
Rolling desk chairs are causing wear on wood flooring. Jenine Rubin and Tamasine Wood-Creighton recommended protective floor mats. Staff will be consulted regarding preferred options.
The raised transition area between the old and new sections of the building may require professional evaluation because of movement-related structural concerns.
Jenine Rubin will ask Cindy to investigate replacing inadequate first-floor fans.
Community Education – Seniors
Tamasine Wood-Creighton reported that the puzzle swap was successful and Mahjong activities continue.
Tim Morehouse is working toward recertification to drive the Town bus. Once complete, Tamasine Wood-Creighton will explore senior field trip opportunities.
Rick Wood reminded trustees that the Elizabeth Dunlap Fund is available to support senior programming.
Community Education – Youth
Nancy Blair reported that a presentation about the Washington, D.C. trip is still needed.
Principal Adam suggested holding the presentation in September; however, trustees expressed concern that the timing would be too late because participants will have entered ninth grade. The Lions Club may be a more suitable venue due to greater capacity.
Nancy Blair and Tim Morehouse will continue discussions and report back with recommendations.
Nancy also spoke with MaryAnne Cullinan regarding increased Honor Society involvement with library activities.
Inspired by a successful multi-station event organized by Steve Ullman at Town Hall, Nancy will explore opportunities for a similar program.
Old Business
Rick Wood will investigate discrepancies in NHLTA membership dues and encouraged trustees to attend regional meetings. The next meeting will be held at the new library in Mount Vernon.
Nancy Blair reported that NHLTA discussions included alternative energy initiatives. She and Rick Wood will continue researching available options.
Tabled Business
No tabled business.
Additional New Business
Trustee Bank Account Signatories
The trustees discussed removing Susan Bartle as a signer on the trustee checking account and adding Jenine Rubin.
Tim Morehouse moved to proceed with the change. Tamasine Wood-Creighton seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Susan Bartle, Jenine Rubin, and Rick Wood will meet at Bank of New Hampshire after reopening to complete the process. Rick Wood will coordinate arrangements.
NHLTA Conference Recap
Trustees shared observations from the recent NHLTA conference.
Tim Morehouse expressed concern regarding a presentation that inaccurately represented four New Hampshire legislative bills affecting small libraries.
Rick Wood was interested in a secure patron book pickup lockbox system using one-time access codes for after-hours pickup. Melissa Lawless will investigate costs and options with Cindy.
Nancy Blair noted that vendor noise near meeting rooms negatively impacted conference presentations.
Rick Wood suggested online AI training opportunities for Christopher and provided vendor information for Cindy's review.
Jenine Rubin will discuss RSA contract requirements with Cindy and begin gathering information on furniture replacement costs from vendors.
Strategic Planning
Jenine Rubin proposed scheduling a separate two- to three-hour strategic planning session focused on improving library operations and services.
Cindy will research NHLTA planning resources and examples from other libraries.
Announcements
Potential changes to trustee assignments will be discussed during the July meeting.
Next Meeting
The next Trustee Meeting will be held on July 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Adjournment
Tim Morehouse moved to adjourn the meeting. Tamasine Wood-Creighton seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.