Untitled - Mark Twain Library

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101st Annual Meeting
of the
Mark Twain Library Association
Agenda
Call To Order
Approval of the Minutes of the 2008 Annual Meeting
Report of the President of the Board of Trustees
Report of the Treasurer
Report of the Library Director
Report of the Nominating Committee
Election of Trustees
Old Business
New Business
Adjournment
________________
A Presentation by Rosamond Bernier
“My Friend Frida Kahlo”
Refreshments
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Mark Twain Library Association
Board of Trustees
Robert Morton, President
Jennifer Wastrom, Vice-President
Anne Andrews, Treasurer
Mary Ann Carman, Secretary
Kristin Benson
Sam Callaway
Suzanne Davies
Jennifer Estabrook
Madeline Leslie
Janice Meehan
Robert Moran
Lisa Reese
Matt Robey
Kurt Streams
_________________________
Staff
Student Pages
Pages
Heather C. Morgan, Director
Donna Bielaczyc
Linda Brandler
L.J. Bridwell
Amy Chapman
Debbie Frank
Jill Gallagher
Mary Hoskinson-Dean
Janet Ivaldi
Maureen Jones
Allison Murphy
Kay Reinehr
Jean Taylor
Sarah Andrews
Carolina Caglioni
Russell Davey
Charlotte Funnell
Olivia Hurwitz
Natalie Jorgensen
Clara Lowenburg
Olivia Lowenburg
Fallon Murphy
Patrick Murphy
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Remarks from the President
Welcome to the 101st Annual Meeting of the Mark Twain Library Association. It seems
like just yesterday that Sam Clemens himself stood nearby and said: “I am glad to help this
library. We get our morals from books. I didn’t get mine from books, but I know that
morals do come from books— theoretically at least.” He'd be gratified to know just how
much his library is helping his town in these difficult times. Library use nationwide has had
a significant spike since the economic downturn, and we are no different. It has been an
increasingly busy year at Mark Twain's Library.
Last year we observed the 100th birthday of the Library – founded on October 11, 1908, to
be exact. The activities surrounding our Centennial year-long celebration were many and
diverse, from the gala “Arrival” on Memorial Day weekend to the town-wide reading of the
classic novel, Huckleberry Finn. The library and the Redding Reads program distributed
more than 900 copies of the book and held four seminars at which the story and its author
were thoroughly discussed. And we were very gratified that many other Redding
organizations, including the Garden Club, the Commission on Aging, the Historical
Society, New Pond Farm, The Boys & Girls Club, The Girl Scouts, and all 3 schools joined
our efforts to celebrate 100 years of the Mark Twain Library. Jen Wastrom, Sheila Corr,
and Heather Morgan directed the Centennial overall – and admit to having as much fun
planning it as they did celebrating with all of us.
The festivities ended in December, which is right about when we entered the annual
budgeting process. In what we all knew were lean times, thank goodness we were
wonderfully supported by our First Selectman Natalie Ketchum. With great appreciation of
the library’s value to the town, she and the other selectmen, Don Takacs and Tina Miller,
along with the Board of Finance, approved a town grant that will supply just over 63% of
our operating expenses. You voters ratified that budget at last month’s referendum and we
give great thanks to all for this recognition of the library’s place in our community.
These are lean times, indeed, but you have noticed, we hope, that some adroit juggling of
library hours by Director Heather Morgan has resulted in our being able to open again on
Sundays—with no increase in our budgeted expenses. We’re closed, of course, on summer
Sundays but will open again in September.
There has been gratifying response to our recent Annual Appeal campaign, surely
prompted by the attractive mailing and its message – “You Need Us – And We Need You!
“ prepared by chairman Mary Ann Carman. Thanks to those of you who hosted signs
around town asking for support: they really helped. We rely heavily on the response to this
yearly town-wide “shout out,” and have been much cheered by the increased understanding
by you Friends of the library, and many others who recognize that the 27% shortfall
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between the town grant and our running costs, some $220,000, is a heavy burden for this
Board of Trustees.
In addition to the Annual Appeal we, of course, look to our classic fundraisers for
necessary income. As you know hundreds of people work on these vital events, too many to
thank here. But we need to single out several individuals: Sandi O’Reilly serves as the
“shepherdess” of Frog Frolic, she refuses to be called a “Chair” and how she herds frogs I
have no idea. But on May second this year, Sandi and a great crew of workers entertained a
huge crowd of toddlers and schoolkids. You really should come one day to watch the little
ones barreling about the Community Center parking lots as excited, happy, and safe as if it
were their own backyards.
June Myles once again steered a successful Book Fair through Labor Day weekend, helping
the library to sell upward of 40,000 donated books and earning a good chunk of needed
funds. This event just couldn’t happen, of course, without the devoted yearlong back room
support of Mona Dryer and Jean Adler, who manage a hard-working crew of book sorters,
pricers, and packers. News that Mona will be leaving Redding was a blow; her energy and
good humor in the key stages of Book Fair preparation will be greatly missed. Thankfully,
Jeanne Wendschuh, already an experienced Book Fair presence, will join Jean Adler in
running the Back Room.
We also have June Myles to thank for most of the stimulating visual exhibits in the library’s
atrium. A highlight this year, in addition to June’s own hooked rugs, were a hugely
valuable and beautiful exhibition of original and large scale Currier and Ives prints loaned
by Dr. Dorrance Kelly. Later this summer you’ll be treated to a stunning display of Delft
blue-and-white pottery.
The Annual Art Show, with its Gala Champagne opening night—the highlight of Redding’s
social year—was beautifully organized by Janice Meehan and Brenda Johnson, with great
help from a team that sold ads in the journal, managed the acceptance and recording of
artworks, and hosted the party. Special thanks are due to the juror, Charles Ray, and Pam
Reese, Kathy Anderson, and Muci Clemens who work so hard in handling the art and
hanging the show.
A special achievement of the library this year is the launch of the new and completely
redesigned Web site, the accomplishment of many months of hard work by a team led by
Cornelia Hurwitz and Mary Hoskinson Dean, with the aid of Linda Brandler, the design
skills of Sandi O’Reilly, and expert advice from Brent Colley. The new site is not only
much more attractive and fresh looking but has added features that we hope you’re all
taking advantage of.
As always, the Program Committee, headed by Pam Robey, Kristin Benson, and Janet
Harrold, has produced a dozen or so stimulating afternoon and evening events that help to
fulfill Sam Clemens’s notion that a library is important for more than the storage and
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lending of books, but also for entertainment, enlightenment, and sociability. One of the
hits of the year was the 4th annual Open Mic night, when teens take over and have a huge
amount of fun performing.
The Allen and Helen Hermes Art Series Committee and its distinguished Advisory Board
have produced two terrific programs at the library this year. Last December, the noted film
director Barry Levinson shared his personal story in an afternoon session with a packed
house screening of his latest film that evening. And the library rocked to jazz on May 1 as
Mark Hinkley brought a talented group of musicians to jam. Incoming Hermes series chair,
Jeff Fligelman hosted the event.
More music of a different sort was provided by a very generous gift from Martha Korman
and her family, to honor the late Sinclair Korman, a former president this library. Last
October the Brazil Guitar duo serenaded us and later the Synergy Brass Quintet made the
walls resound with superb classical pieces. Under the guidance of Cornelia Hurwitz and
Elise Glynn and with ongoing support of the Kormans, the music will continue.
The Development Committee, ably led by Lisa Reese, has had a bit of a stumble put in its
path by the economic downturn but a tremendous amount of hard work and preparation
has readied the library to begin work, when the timing is right, to build an endowment to
protect and enhance the future. With Lisa’s impending retirement from the Board, we are
looking for experienced assistance in Development and would welcome any helping hands
who may have expertise in this vital area.
As always, special thanks go to library director Heather Morgan, who has implemented new
and sophisticated programs this year to serve our audience better and who directs the staff
and their in-house programs so well. In addition to sharing her deep admiration for our
illustrious founder with Twain fans near and far, the Library Director here also means
being a museum curator of sorts and Heather also shares the responsibility of mounting
occasional exhibits.
As I think you all know, the Board Members of this library are elected because they bring
particular skills to bear. This is a working board and when members serve out their terms
we are at a loss. This is particularly true this year as Lisa Reese and Anne Andrews are
departing. Lisa, most recently head of Development, has also run the Art Show and been a
president of this board in the past. She was the indomitable leader of the Capital
Campaign for the library’s renovation and addition of the children’s wing, completed in
2000. Needless to say, her ten plus years of experience, guidance and very hard work will be
greatly missed. As she is not leaving town, we expect to be knocking on her door quite
often for advice and counsel. Anne Andrews, not a financier by profession, has
nevertheless taken on the role of Treasurer and filled it with great distinction, guiding us
through the budget process and presentations to the town that accomplished all our goals.
We thank them both for their steadfast and devoted service.
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I have now the great pleasure to announce a wonderful gift. Mark Twain is returning here!
The handsome bronze sculpture of Twain, Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher at a bench
that many of you will remember from last year was only on loan. We could not afford to
buy it. Now, however, Mr. Grady Jensen of Meadow Ridge has given it to the library in
honor of his late wife Maggie, who particularly loved seeing Mark Twain here. This
munificent gift will be installed soon and will delight visitors to our front door for many
years. Thank you Grady, and your children Timothy, Eliza, and Caroline.
Finally, thanks to you Friends. We couldn’t do it without you; your understanding—of our
needs and our situation—is critical to our survival, not just growth, but our very existence.
That, and the volunteer work that many of you contribute in addition to needed funds,
make this library the special place that it is.
With deep gratitude,
Robert Morton
President
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About Rosamond Bernier
Born in Philadelphia, of an American father and an English mother, Rosamond Bernier
was educated in France, England and at Sarah Lawrence College. She then lived for some
years in Mexico, where she knew the distinguished artists of the day Diego Rivera, Frida
Kahlo, José Clemente Orozco and others.
After World War II she spent more than twenty years in Paris, initially as European
features editor for Vogue magazine. She became friends with Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse,
Georges Braque, Fernand Léger, Joan Miró, Max Ernst, and Alberto Giacometti and knew
them as few foreigners did. When she founded the art magazine L'OEIL in 1955 they all
helped her.
L'OEIL soon established itself as an international review of the highest
quality, and many cases Rosamond Bernier was herself the first writer to
publish new achievements in art that have since acquired landmark status.
Among these were the Matisse chapel in Venice and the ensemble of
paintings by Picasso in the Château d'Antibes.
A keen observer of the Paris couture scene she knew all the great designers, from Chanel
and Givenchy to Karl Lagerfeld. She has donated numerous items from her personal
wardrobe to the Costume Collection of the Metropolitan Museum and has been named
for life to the International Best-Dressed List.
Not long after returning to the United States in 1971 she began a new career as a lecturer,
speaking to audiences throughout the United States and abroad. It was immediately clear
that she had exceptional gifts as a speaker. Leonard Bernstein wrote that "Madame Bernier
has the gift of instant communication to a degree which I have rarely encountered.”
At the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where she has lectured more than 200
times, her bi-annual series was routinely sold out months in advance. In France, she has
spoken at the Grand Palais, the Louvre and the Pompidou Center. As a guest of the Indian
government she has lectured in New Delhi and Bombay. The government of Israel as well
invited her to speak at the Jerusalem Museum of Fine Arts.
A practiced television performer, she conducted numerous interviews during the 1970s
and 1980s with important artists and art world figures, including Max Ernst, Paul Mellon,
Joseph Hirshhorn, Henry Moore and Philip Johnson. She also narrated scripts written by
her late husband, John Russell, chief art critic of the New York Times, and made programs
on aspects of the Louvre and on the Pompidou Center, the latter of which won the coveted
Peabody Award.
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In recognition of her contributions to French culture, she was decorated by the French
government in 1980 and again in 1999 when she received the title of Chevalier de la
Légion d'Honneur. She has also been awarded the highest Spanish honor, the Order of
Isabel la Católica.
In 1991 Alfred A. Knopf Inc. published her book Matisse, Picasso, Miró--As I Knew Them. In
that same year she received the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Trinity
College, Hartford, Connecticut, and was named a Fellow of the Pierpont Morgan Library.
Numerous other honors followed: from Albert Einstein Medical College, the National
Academy of Fine Arts, the St. Louis Art Museum, the National Arts Club, and most
recently the Landmark Preservation Society of New York. In 2004 her alma mater Sarah
Lawrence College, honored her for "Lifetime Achievement," and she was recognized as
"National Treasure" along with her husband, John Russell, by the Municipal Art Society
that same year.
In March 2008, just before what was billed as her last lecture at the Met, Calvin Tompkins
in The New Yorker called her “the world’s most glamorous lecturer on art and high culture.”
And in that article she revealed how she had met two great Mexican artists during a college
vacation trip. Attending a Mexico City rehearsal of Aaron Copland’s piano concerto, two
other guests were Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. They said, ‘Come on, kid, you’ll go with
us tonight.’ I was dressed in my best outfit, and Frida said, ‘That will never do.’ She fixed
me up in a Mexican skirt, and did my hair in bows and ribbons, and off we went to a
nightclub. What a way to begin!”
Rosamond Bernier and John Russell lived in Redding, on Poverty Hollow Road, for many
years.
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Director’s
Director’s Report 2009
This past year has been the year of growth. The library has grown, advanced, and
improved. As Mark Twain said, “What is the most rigorous law of our being? Growth”.
It has also been a year in which we have discovered how many very good friends we have.
Through a year of centennial celebration, we found many, many other community
organizations willing to participate in our celebrations – the Boys and Girls Club, New
Pond Farm, the Historical Society, the Commission on Aging, the Garden Club, the
schools and many other groups. I do not think there is anyone in this town who did not
know we were celebrating the first 100 years of Mark Twain’s Library. We made many
new friends, and they have been instrumental in helping the library grow.
There were too many wonderful events and programs last year for me to mention them
all. But, an unexpected favorite, was the display of the best books of the century, from
1908 to 2008. People are still reading from that list! Memorial Day was memorable for
the library as the first time we joined the parade, and as the second time “Mark Twain”
arrived in Redding. Enthusiastic crowds waited outside the library to see the great man
(played by Dan Cruson) arrive in a beautiful antique car (driven by Dick King).
And with thanks to Redding Education Foundation for their help, the library held its
first town-wide read. Nine hundred copies of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn were
given away, read (hopefully), and then discussed at various book groups. It was a
wonderful year of lasting memories.
It was not a good year for everyone. The fall in the economy hit hard. However, in
times of economic stress, libraries come into their own, and this library has been no
exception. The number of people visiting the library has increased, the circulation of
materials has increased, computer use has increased, and program attendance has
increased. The library is here for everyone - with new books you may no longer wish to
buy, with magazines and newspapers that you may have canceled, and with a fast
internet service to databases you may need for research, and to help with job searches.
Plus, we are a friendly place to gather to meet with friends and colleagues.
The proof of the pudding?
Our circulation now stands at a grand 121,715 – a 9.5% increase from last year.
Our card holders now number 6,023.
Through our consortium, Bibliomation, we have loaned 3,842 items to fellow member
libraries for their patrons, and borrowed 4,411 items from member libraries, for our
patrons. We have also borrowed 847 items through the State request system. That is a
high number of items flowing in and out of our doors.
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And the number of people who walked through our doors last year rose to a startling
73,356
We continue to improve our services. Did you know that you may check your own
library account from home, renew materials from home, and place holds from home?
Did you know that through our new web site you may link to “Wowbrary” to discover
lists of the latest new books available in the Mark Twain Library and place a hold on any
of them? You may also click to purchase a title from Amazon, and 3% will be donated to
the library.
And our big achievement of the year has been the installation of our new web site,
www.marktwainlibrary.org. This has been a mammoth in-house project, made possible
by a team of staff members, Mary Dean, Jean Taylor and Linda Brandler, board member
Cornelia Hurwitz, graphic designer Sandi O’Reilly, and web designer Brent Colley.
Please go to the site and enjoy perusing through a storm of information.
As the use of the library has grown, year by year, we have discovered a pressing need for
more storage space. After some board discussion, it was proposed to clean out and revamp the small shed at the edge of the parking lot to make a dry, protected storage area.
At the annual meeting of the Library Association, eighty-six years ago, on June 18th
1923 a similar motion was made. I quote: “Motion that the House Committee be
empowered to remove two sections of the horse sheds, and that Mr. A. L .Day be
allowed to fix up three other sections of a garage, with the understanding that he shall
eliminate all the objectionable features of a garage, and pay a reasonable rent for the
premises; the committee to dispose of the remainder of the building.”
It remains for me to thank, most sincerely, everyone who is here this afternoon, for your
continued support. To thank the fine corps of volunteers who make our programs and
fundraisers possible. To thank the hardworking members of the library board for their
dedication - and endurance! And to thank my wonderful staff who work with me to
ensure we give the best possible library service.
Thank you.
Heather Morgan, Library Director.
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Financial Report Unaudited
2007-2008
2008-2009
332,800
2,830
12,500
51,394
38,316
68,339
19,847
3,459
361,312
2,390
14,548
44,276
40,836
79,421
17,910
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OPERATING REVENUES
Grants
Town of Redding
State
Other
Art Show
Book Fair
Annual Appeal
Frog Frolic
Special Events
Library Operations
45,759
$ 575,244
Total Revenue
39,482
$ 600,201
OPERATING EXPENSES
Personnel
Books and Materials
Technology
Maintenance and Services
Utilities
Administration
353,869
77,710
19,875
39,628
42,499
346,072
79,782
21,351
62,286
53,061
39,449
602,001
(1,800)
Total Expenses
$
42,888
576,469
TOTAL NET INCOME
$
(1,225)
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Library Use & Collection Statistics
2007-2008
2008-2009
25,738
16,989
42,727
26,771
17,395
44,166
5,177
5,943
37,316
34,066
71,382
43,104
34,958
78,062
33,224
6,478
39,702
35,251
8,402
43,653
111,084
121,715
3,747
3,120
423
230
421
145
653
566
Book Collection
Adult
Juvenile
TOTAL
Audio-Visual Collection
Book Circulation
Adult
Juvenile
TOTAL
Audio-Visual Circulation
Adult
Juvenile
TOTAL
TOTAL CIRCULATION
Reference Questions
New Library Users
Adult
Children
TOTAL
Programs (2008-2009)
Adult
Number
68
Children (includes Story Times)
Chess*
*Chess lessons ran from June 2008- November 2009
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234
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Attendance
2,526
2,829
79
Programs June 20082008-May 2009
June 18, 2008 Annual Meeting- Brent Colley guest speaker
September 27, 2008 Richard Clark- Mark Twain Impersonator
October 11, 2008 One Hundred Anniversary Celebration- Don Cruson presented
Mark Twain in Connecticut
October 25, 2008 Herb Appleman film series- Roman Holiday
November 8, 2008 Herb Appleman film series- A Place in the Sun
November 15, 2008 Herb Appleman film series- Ninotchka
November 22, 2008 June Myles rug hooking presentation. Debut of her new book If
Wool Could Talk- Rug Hooking: A Memoir
January 9, 2009 Robert Newman, owner of Old Print Shop gave a talk on Reddingite
Dr. Dorrance Kelly’s Currier & Ives Collection
February 7, 2009 Baritone Thomas Woodman and his musical accompanists
performed opera
February 26, 2009 Healthy Living Series- The Five Secrets to Looking Younger,
Feeling Younger and Permanent Weight Loss and Natural Solutions to Sleep Problems
March 15, 2009 Under our Skin- film and discussion on Lyme Disease
March 20, 2009 Open Mic Night for 7th through 9th graders
May 17, 2009 Dr. Mona Garcia presented Richard III/Plantagenet program
May 20, 2009 Victor DeMasi- author of Designer Faux Finishing:Ideas and Inspiration
for Sophisticated Surfaces- painting demonstration and book signing
May 29, 2009 Redding resident Cecilia Ruggles and her 2009 Westminster “Best in
Show” winner Stump
Hermes Art Series
Series
December 20th, 2008 - A Day with Barry Levinson: An afternoon talk —"Journey Into
Film" —and evening screening of the director's latest film "What Just Happened"
May 1st, 2009 - A "Jazz Jam Session" featuring the Beauiles Bebop Society: Mark Hinkley,
as Master of Ceremonies and musicians Julian Barry on trumpet; Joe Mato, bass; Kenny
Goldstein, drums; and Harvey Kulawitz, Kathy Anderson, and Hinkley alternating on
piano.
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Children's Programs 2008 - 2009
JuggleJoy
Richard Stillman: "Stories and Songs of the Wild West"
Reading to Rover
Jonathan Jacques: "The Magic of Jonathan Jacques"
Inventions in Mark Twain's Pages
In the Good Ol' Summertime
Halloween Mask Workshop
Marjorie Warner: "Winter Holiday Celebration"
Hanukkah/Christmas Story times
Holiday Ballet program
"Our Abe" storytime
"Chocolate" story time
Princess story time
June 27, 2008
July 7, 2008
July 11, 2008
July 14, 2008
July 23, 2008
July 25, 2008
October 24, 2008
December 6, 2008
December 9, 2008
December 16, 2008
February 12, 2009
April 21, 2009
May 13, 2009
Displays
Displays 2008
2008- 2009
June - July 2008
August - September 2008
October - November 2008
December - January
February
March - April
Redding 100 Years Ago
Mark Twain and his Friends
Mark Twain at Stormfield
Currier & Ives*
Seeing Red, quilts from the Scrapbag Quilters
Ash Can Artists*
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Mark Twain Library Association
ANNUAL MEETING
June 18, 2008
Minutes
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------President Karen Pugliese called the 100th Annual Meeting of the Mark Twain Library
Association to order at 7:31 pm on June 18, 2008 upstairs in the Mark Twain Room in the
Mark Twain Library.
The minutes of the 2007 Annual Meeting were unanimously approved (Morton, Korman).
Treasurer Anne Andrews reported that the library remains in sound financial shape halfway
through our centennial year. She stated that we have entered into a new phase in our
relationship with the town as we have increased the town’s contribution to the operating
budget from 58% to 62.45% for this fiscal year. Anne expressed great appreciation to our
fundraising chairs who have done a wonderful job this year. She also thanked Library Director,
Heather Morgan, for being fiscally responsible in managing library operations. Anne explained
that the endowment suffered a very minor loss this year, which was especially insignificant
considering the financial atmosphere. We successfully negotiated a decrease in the fees paid to
our investments advisors, Olsen Mobeck, and have changed our asset mix as was prudent.
President Karen Pugliese thanked the Redding Garden Club for the most beautiful
centerpieces which they provided for this Annual Meeting. She then introduced Joel Barlow
High School graduate, Zoe Wheeler, who had recently won the library’s Wit and Wisdom
award for her poem, “Portrait of Mark Twain as a Playwright”. Zoe read her excellent poem
which was much appreciated by the audience. Karen then explained that the board had
realized the goals of the Strategic Plan for the past year: the new phase of a relationship with
the town for which Karen thanked the Board of Selectmen; the hiring of a part-time
development professional; an increased, successful effort on Annual Appeal, for which she
thanked Mary Ann Carman and Anne Andrews; and a newly designed website which will be
launched in the fall, thanks to Mary Dean and Cornelia Hurwitz. Karen also thanked the
following people for library “firsts”: Mady Leslie for increasing communication with our
volunteer corps of over 450 people; Sandi O’Reilly for organizing the first ever indoors Frog
Frolic, which was a resounding success; Patsy King and the Redding Education Foundation for
our first-ever town-wide read, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn; and Mary Ann Guitar,
Frank Doelger and Paul Shapiro for creating a moving tribute to the library in a film on DVD.
Karen also thanked the following people and committees for their efforts over the past year:
Jen Wastrom, Sheila Corr and Heather Morgan for all the varied centennial-related activities;
Programming Committee chaired by Janet Harrold, Pam Robey and Kristin Benson; June
Myles for display case exhibits; Fundraising Chairs – Brenda Johnson (Art Show), June Myles
(Book Fair), Sandi O’Reilly (Frog Frolic); Hermes Arts Series Chair, Jill Barberie; Endowment
Campaign Committee chaired by Lisa Reese, supported by Lon and Paula Schwear; and
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dedicated first rate staff directed by Heather Morgan. Karen thanked retiring staff member
Mary Hargan for her thirty years of service to the library. Karen then acknowledged the
following people who are retiring from the Board: George Brooks, Sheila Corr, John Crowley,
Elise Glynn, Cornelia Hurwitz, and Marshall Metzger. Karen then thanked the members of the
Mark Twain Library Association for their continued support of the library.
Library Director, Heather Morgan reminded the audience of the library’s humble beginning in
a small chapel on Umpawaug Road. Mark Twain stated at the time: “We have here at the least
the nucleus of a library and that should be a cause of satisfaction.” Heather thanked the
residents of Redding, the Board of Trustees, library staff and volunteers in continuing Mark
Twain’s dream. Circulation has increased this year to 111,084 and there are 5,331 card
holders. In joining Bibliomation we have become part of a consortium of 62 Connecticut
libraries with access to millions of titles. This year we loaned 1556 items to fellow member
libraries and borrowed 2062 items from fellow member libraries. Patrons are now able to
review online all of the items they have borrowed and can speedily place holds on items.
Heather thanked the Programming Committee and the Hermes Arts Series for the wonderfully
diverse programs at the library. She also thanked the following: Mary Ann Guitar, Frank
Doelger and Paul Shapiro for the DVD about the library; Brent Colley for his research
assistance and grand project to digitize archives; Actors Charles Keating, Colleen and Mark
Pinter and Victoria Wyndham; Sculptors Jimmy Grashow and Marc Mellon; Dick King for
providing a period vehicle for The Arrival; Hugh Karraker for bringing a world class display of
Bakelite to the library; Karen Pugliese for her warmth, enthusiasm and leadership over the last
year; and Mary Hargan for thirty years of dedicated service to the library.
Cornelia Hurwitz, Chairperson of the Nominating Committee, proposed the following slate of
trustees as members of the class of 2011:
Sue Davies – 1st term
Jennifer Estabrook – 2nd term
Mady Leslie – 1st term
Janice Meehan – 1st term
Bob Moran – 1st term
Kurt Streams – 1st term
There being no nominations from the floor, Secretary Elise Glynn cast a unanimous ballot for
the slate.Incoming President, Bob Morton, thanked the retiring board members again and
especially thanked Karen Pugliese for her dedicated service to the library.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm (Morton, Brooks).
Respectfully submitted,
Elise Glynn
Secretary, The Mark Twain Library Board of Trustees
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