Library Board Minutes
Union Free Public Library Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
May 3rd, 2023 In Person At The Library
Members Present: Ellen Silbermann, Karen Calabrese, Ed Capomacchio,Cheryl
D’Amico, Erin Kate Grabel-Forziati and Library Director Cailin Rae.
The meeting was called to order at 7:08pm
Secretary’s Report: Minutes were read and reviewed. Ellen made a motion to approve
the previous meeting minutes with the following amendments, “FY 23/24” to “FY 23/24
Budget”, “Mobility and Screening Education with author talk” to “Mobility and Screening
Education by Danielle Kneeland and talk by Julie Rumrill, author of Finding Mary on
Sunday, April 30th”,”Field date” to “Field Day”,”FY 21/23 budget” to “FY 23/24 budget”,
“Geneva Rumrill” to “Genevieve Rumrill” and “Maria Celski’s donated art pieces to the
library from the Union Library’s checking account” to “Maria Solecki’s donated art pieces
from the Union Library’s checking account”. Karen seconded and the motion
unanimously passed at 7:09pm.
Old Business:
● Author Talk with Mobility and Screening Education: This program event was well
received and the Library Board will look into offering future adult programming.
● FY23/24 Budget: Town voting is on Monday, May 8th, will discuss the outcome
at the next meeting.
New Business:
● Field Day: The Library will co-sponsor the entertainment with the Union School
Association for field day on June 2nd. The library board will donate and prepare
fruit for field day. Ellen made a motion to substitute the June 7th meeting with a
special meeting on May 31st at 7pm at the town hall to prepare the fruit. Cheryl
seconded and the motion unanimously passed at 7:57pm.
● OldHomeDay: Possible children activities were discussed.
● SummerReading Programs: Cailin is finalizing the details on the summer
reading programs. Karen made a motion to send out summer reading programs
to town residents. Ellen seconded and the motion unanimously passed at
7:41pm.
● Plant Sale: Plant sale will start May/June, board will look into contacting local
growers.
Treasurer’s Report: Cailin discussed the updated budget expense report.
The next meeting will be held in person on Wednesday, May 31st, at 7:00pm at the town
hall.
Cheryl made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:11pm. Ellen seconded and the motion
unanimously passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:11pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Kate Grabel-Forziati
Union Free Public Library Board of Directors Special Meeting Minutes
April 5th, 2023 In-person at the library at 6:30pm
Members Present: Ed Capomacchio, Karen Calabrese, Erin Kate Grabel-Forziati,
Cheryl D’Amico, Danielle Kneeland and Library Director Cailin Rae
The meeting was called to order at 7:08pm
Secretary’s Report: Minutes were read and reviewed. Cheryl made a motion to approve the
minutes. Karen seconded and the motion unanimously passed at 7:11pm.
Old Business:
● Memorials: The board will continue to work on the memorial garden plans.
● FY 2023/2024 Budget Proposal: Board of Finance will present the proposed FY 23/24 to
the town at budget meeting on Tuesday, April 18th at 7pm.
● Adult Programming: Finalized the details on the Mobility and Screening Education with
author talk on Sunday, April 30th.
● New Equipment: A new print system and computer were discussed with a printing
policy for patrons.
New Business:
● Juvenile Programming: School visits for pk-4th on a rotating schedule. The board
discussed possible summer reading program ideas.
● Field Day: The field date for 22/23 school year is on June 2nd. The board discussed how
the library is going to participate in this year’s field day.
Treasurer’s Report:
Cailin discussed our current spendage for our FY 21/22 budget. Erin motion to
reimburse Geneva Rumrill for materials used to frame Maria Celski’s donated art pieces to the
library from the Union Library’s checking account. Cheryl seconded and the motion
unanimously passed at 8:15pm.
The next meeting will be held in person at the library on Wednesday, May 3rd at 7:00pm.
Cheryl made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:19pm. Danielle seconded and the motion
unanimously passed at 8:19pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Kate Grabel-Forziat
Union Free Public Library Board of Directors Special Meeting Minutes
March 7th, 2023 In-person at the library/virtual via zoom at 6:30pm
Members Present: Ed Capomacchio, Karen Calabrese, Erin Kate Grabel-Forziati, Cheryl D’Amico and
Library Director Cailin Rae
The meeting was called to order at 7:03pm
Secretary’s Report: Minutes were read and reviewed. Ed made a motion to approve minutes. Cheryl
seconded and the motion unanimously passed at 7:05pm.
Old Business:
● Memorials: The master gardener submitted the plan to Karen. Karen will submit the plan to the
library board members for further discussion at the next meeting.
● FY 2023/2024 Budget Proposal: Cailin submitted the FY 2023/2024 budget proposal on 03/07/23 to
the Board of Fiance.
New Business:
● Adult Programming: The Mobility and Screening Education with author date was set with a possible
backup date. Further information will be finalized at the next meeting.
● Juvenile Programming: Cailin is working on some ideas for juvenile programming.
● New Equipment: Cailin is looking into a new printing system for the library staff and patrons.
Board discussed possible printing policy. Will discuss further at the next meeting.
● Board Of Education Event: Board of Education and Union School staff is holding a communication
meeting with Union residents on March 3oth.
Treasurer’s Report:
Cailin discussed the costs of circulation from our virtual lending library Hoopla each month. Erin
made the motion to decrease Hoopla circulation from 10 to 7 per month effective
April 1st, 2023. Ed seconded and the motion unanimously passed at 8:05pm.
The next meeting will be held in person at the library/virtual via Zoom on Wednesday, April 5th
at 7:00pm.
Cherly made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:07pm. Ed seconded and the motion unanimously
passed at 8:08pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Kate Grabel-Forziati
Union Free Public Library Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
February 1st, 2022 In-person at Traveler Restaurant at 6:30pm
Members Present: Ellen Silbermann, Ed Capomacchio, Karen Calabrese, Erin Kate Grabel-Forziati,
Danielle Kneeland, Cheryl D’Amico and Library Director Cailin Rae
The meeting was called to order at 6:58pm
Secretary’s Report: Minutes were read and reviewed. Ellen made a motion to approve minutes. Cheryl
seconded and the motion unanimously passed at 7:00pm.
Old Business:
● Memorials: The master gardener is working on plans for the memorial garden.
● 2023 School Year: Union School students are attending the library via bus on a rotating schedule.
● FY 2023/2024 Budget Proposal: Cailin presented the proposed FY 2023/2024 budget to the Board of
Finance. Cailin will address the questions by the Board of Finance and resubmit the proposed FY
2023/2024 budget.
New Business:
● Adult Programming: Danielle emailed pamphlets on the Mobility Screening and Education program to
the board members for review. Two tentative dates were proposed for the screening with an author
talk. More details will be discussed at the next board meeting.
Treasurer’s Report:
Cailin will resubmit the proposed FY 2023/2024 budget to the Board of Finance. Cailin gave an
update on memorial donations.
The next meeting will be held in person at the library/virtual via Zoom on Wednesday, March 1st at
7:00pm.
Ellen made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:49pm. Danielle seconded and the motion
unanimously passed at 7:50pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Kate Grabel-Forziati
Union Free Public Library Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
January 4th, 2022 In-person at the library/ virtual meeting via zoom at 7:00pm
Members Present: Ellen Silbermann, Ed Capomacchio, Karen Calabrese, Erin Kate Grabel-Forziati,
Danielle Kneeland, Cheryl D’Amico and Library Director Cailin Rae
The meeting was called to order at 7:06pm
Secretary’s Report: Minutes were read and reviewed. Ellen made a motion to approve minutes.
Danielle seconded and the motion unanimously passed at 7:08pm
Old Business:
● Memorials: Location site is finalized and start to collect more information to move forward with
design.
● Adult Programming: Cailin and Danielle will work on a proposal for the Mobility Screening and
Education with an author talk to be further discussed.
● 2023 School Year: Cailin is meeting with Mr. J (Superintendent/Principal) on Monday, January 9th.
Cailin will give updates at the next board meeting.
● Lending DVD player: DVD has been purchased, not yet in circulation.
New Business:
● FY 2023/2024 Budget Proposal: Ellen made a motion to approve the adjusted FY 2023/2024 budget
proposal to be submitted to the board of finances for approval. Cheryl seconded the motion and the
motion was unanimously passed at 7:49pm.
Treasurer’s Report:
Cailin will submit the adjusted FY 2023/2024 budget proposal to the next Board of Finance meeting
on January 17th for approval.
The next meeting will be held in person at Traveler Restaurant on Wednesday, February 1st at
6:30pm.
Ellen made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:56pm. Ed seconded and the motion unanimously passed at 7:56pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Kate Grabel-Forziati
Union Free Public Library Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
December 7th, 2022 In-person at the library/ virtual meeting via zoom
Members Present: Ellen Silbermann, Ed Capomacchio, Karen Calabrese, Erin Kate Grabel-Forziati,
Danielle Kneeland and Library Director Cailin Rae
The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm
Secretary’s Report: Minutes were read and reviewed. Ellen made a motion to approve minutes. Karen
seconded and the motion unanimously passed at 7:03pm
Old Business:
● Memorials: Cailin will give more information of the location to start planning the design of the
garden.
● Adult Programming: Cailin and Danielle will work on a proposal for the Mobility Screening and
Education with an author talk to be further discussed.
● 2023 School Year: Cailin will send to Mr. J (Superintendent/Principal) to discuss field trips to
the library.
● Lending DVD player: Has not been purchased yet.
New Business:
● FY 2023/2024 Budget Proposal: Will finalize and vote on the 2023/2024 fiscal year budget proposal
at the January 4th meeting.
Treasurer’s Report:
Cailin will make the adjustments needed to the fiscal 2023/2024 budget proposal.
The next meeting will be held in person at Traveler Restaurant on Wednesday, January 4th, at
7:00pm.
Ellen made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:57pm. Ed seconded and the motion
unanimously passed at 8:12pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Kate Grabel-Forziati
Union Free Public Library Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
November 2nd, 2022 In-person at the library/ virtual meeting via zoom
Members Present: Ellen Silbermann, Ed Capomacchio, Karen Calabrese, Erin Kate Grabel-Forziati,
Cheryl D’Amico and Library Director Cailin Rae
The meeting was called to order at 7:01pm
Secretary’s Report: Minutes were read and reviewed. Ellen made a motion to approve minutes. Karen
seconded and the motion unanimously passed at 7:08pm
Old Business:
● Summer Reading Program: Future programs will have more marketing and signage.
● Fall Fest with Trunk or Treat: Reviewed and for next year discussed a dedicated library trunk
with signage.
● Memorials: Cailin discussed possible locations with Dave Eaton. Will continue to look into the
garden design and plants.
New Business:
● Adult Programming: Possible programs to be offered include Author Talk, Mobility Screening &
Education and others program ideas.
● Media Items: Cailin discussed library purchasing, a lending dvd player for patrons to borrow.
Ellen made a motion for Calin to purchase a DVD player. Karen seconded the motion and the motion
unanimously passed at 8:06pm.
● Board Meeting Dates: Board meeting dates selected for the 2023 calendar year.
Treasurer’s Report:
Cailin received the Resource Foundation donation. The fiscal year 23/24 budget
proposal will be discussed at the December meeting.
The next meeting will be held virtually via zoom and in person at the library on Wednesday,
December 7th, at 7:00pm.
Ellen made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:12pm. Karen seconded the motion and the motion
unanimously passed at 8:12pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Kate Grabel-Forziati
Union Free Public Library Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
September 7th, 2022 In-person at the library/ virtual meeting via zoom
Members Present: Ellen Silbermann, Ed Capomacchio, Erin Kate Grabel-Forziati, Cheryl D’Amico, Danielle Kneeland and Library Director Cailin Rae
The meeting was called to order at 7:06pm
Secretary’s Report: Cailin made a motion to approve the August 3rd minutes with the following amendment: Foster Farm (Stafford) to Foster Hill Farm (Stafford). Cheryl seconded the motion and the motion unanimously passed at 7:12pm.
Old Business:
- Old Home Day: Justin Mazz the magician, face painting by Karen and the kids crafts were a huge hit with the families. The book sale did well and was a great opportunity to reconnect with the community. Board members were able to talk with patrons and listen to any ideas or suggestions the library can offer in the future. For next year, Cailin will ask for four tables instead of three from the town and will place a tent over the food Will offer iced coffee next year, Ellen will bring her Keurig. Erin will ask the OHD committee to allocate funds to purchase face paint, the tie dye supplies and any other supplies needed for kid activities.
- Summer Reading Program: Originally the plan was to offer a pizza party for the students who completed and submitted their summer reading logs, this will be changed to all students. Cailin wants to reconnect with all the students in hopes to encourage students and families to start to come back to the library in person again. Cailin and Erin have talked about tentative Friday night dates for the party. This party will require rsvps and the amount of rsvps will determine if the party will still Will discuss further at the next meeting.
New Business:
- Fall Fest with Trunk or Treat: The official date is Friday, October 14th events start at 6pm. This year there will be a pumpkin derby, 7th/8th grade haunted walk, outdoor movie, trunk or treat and the library’s halloween Erin will give more updates at the next meeting on what the theme is and any other details.
- Memorials: Ed added the memorials to the Ed graciously volunteered to build the Little Free Library. Cailin addressed the board as whether this Little Free Library
meets the needs of the town currently. During the pandemic, this would have been a way to reach out and connect with the community while the library was closed. Now with the library opened, patrons can just come into the library. This free library will need to be maintained and at this time is not necessarily needed. The board will discuss at the next meeting on whether or not to go forward with the Little Free Library. Other memorials such as a picnic table with dragon flies in the back yard for families to enjoy and possibly a fence to keep the younger children from wandering off. A possible memorial garden for Jackie Capomacchio with her favorite flowers and a memorial plaque. Cailin will talk with Dave Eaton to discuss ideal placement where not to interfere with town maintenance and where for the library is most beneifical. Erin will talk with BIll at Garden Sales in Manchester, CT once location is decided in order to see which plants would be best.
Treasurer’s Report:
Library is a few months into this year’s fiscal year budget and Cailin will adjust line items if needed to accommodate the raise in costs in the coming year.
The next meeting will be held virtually via zoom and in person at the library on Wednesday, October 5th,at 7:00pm.
Ellen made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:10pm. Ed seconded the motion and the motion unanimously passed at 8:11pm.
Respectfully submitted, Erin Kate Grabel-Forziati
Union Free Public Library Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
August 3rd, 2022 In-person at the library/ virtual meeting via zoom
Members Present: Ellen Silbermann, Karen Calabrese, Ed Capomacchio, Erin Kate
Grabel-Forziati, Cheryl D’Amico, Danielle Kneeland and Library Director Cailin Rae
The meeting was called to order at 7:03pm
Secretary’s Report: Minutes were read and reviewed. Cheryl made a motion to approve the
minutes. Karen seconded the motion and the motion unanimously passed at 7:07pm.
Old Business:
● Field Day: The cut fruit donated by the library was enjoyed, and Cailin and a few board
members attended as volunteers. The amount of fruit was perfect (5-6 medium
watermelons, 3 bags clementine oranges), and eaten over two meal periods with very
little left over. Cailin sent home summer reading packets and the day was very successful.
● Plant Sale: Donations from Select Seeds (Union), Rock Meadow Farm (Union) and
Foster Farm (Stafford) made a lovely selection for the sale, and sales continued
throughout July. Rock Meadow Farm has been instrumental for many years in making
the plant sale possible and successful, and the library owes David and Janine Heck a great
deal of gratitude for their efforts. Rock Meadow Farm will no longer be raising plants to
sell, but next year the Hecks will still donate what they can, if possible. Erin will talk to
Garden Sales in Manchester to see if a donation for next year is possible.
● Summer Reading Program: Summer Reading logs sent home with the children, with
grade-appropriate book recommendations included. If more logs are needed, the families
may stop by the library to get more logs. The program is in process now, when we get
closer to the end date we will discuss the summer reading program party at the Grove.
Cailin mentioned the foot traffic of families has gone down significantly and will work on
how to get more families back into the library.
● July Baby Story Time: Two families were present with the age group 0-5 with siblings
welcomed. Participants learned songs with hand signs (eg. Itsy Bitsy Spider), read several
books out loud, practiced learning the letter of the day, and worked on coloring pages.
Going forward, story time will be open to a broader age range.
New Business:
● Old Home Day: This year’s schedule for Old Home Day at the library is as follows:
library Open House 9am-2pm with book sale (fill a tote for $5), magician 10-10:45am,
face painting by Karen 11am-1pm, tie dying and bookmarks for craft activities
10am-1pm. Set up will take place the night before and 8am the morning of, with any
library board members that are available to help. Set up includes: two tents, seating, and
extension cord for the magic show in the backyard; book sale on 3 tables out front;
tie-dye and craft on 2 tables out front; refreshments and coffee on 2 tables out front.
Cheryl will bring coolers, ice, a card table, and juice. Danielle will bring cut watermelon
and possibly muffins. Erin will reach out to Mike at Faddy’s to get donuts donated and
will deliver them Saturday morning for the open house. Karen will bring individual
waters and Ellen will provide table cloths, floral arrangement, and extra utensils/serving
ware for refreshments. Cailin will purchase any other supplies needed such as paper
goods, coffee, and craft supplies.
● Fall Anti Bullying Reading Program: The USA and library will work together to discuss
anti-bullying programming at the school. A parent’s suggestion of a laser show will be
considered, with reading tie-ins for each grade.
Treasurer’s Report:
Hoopla (electronic lending materials) went slightly over the projected line item budget,
but we will not curtail use of the platform. Allowed circulation will stay at 10 borrows per
month per patron, due to the popularity of the platform and increased access to materials that it
affords our patrons. Fuel expenses went over budget due to fuel cost increases. Total spending
for the entire year will come in just within our total expense budget. The new fiscal year’s
budget (FY22-23) began July 1 and is increasing (by 3%) for the first time in several years.
The next meeting will be held virtually via zoom and in person at the library on Wednesday,
September 7th at 7:00pm.
Ellen made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:54pm. Erin seconded the motion and the
motion unanimously passed at 7:55pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Kate Grabel-Forziati
Union Free Public Library Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
May 7th, 2022 In-person at the town hall community room
Members Present: Ellen Silbermann, Karen Calabrese, Ed Capomacchio, Erin Kate
Grabel-Forziati, Cheryl D’Amico, and Library Director Cailin Rae
The meeting was called to order at 7:06pm
Secretary’s Report: Meeting minutes from March 2nd are non retrievable due to computer
technical difficulties. Cailin read the April 6th minutes, Cheryl made a motion to approve
the minutes. Karen second the motion and the motion unanimously passed at 7:09pm.
Old Business:
● Town Wide Tag Sale Event: Tag sale set up, coordinated by Cailin, will start at 8am
Saturday May 7 at town hall parking lot and community room. 8 participants have signed
up, plus a library book sale table and 8th Grade class raffle table will be set up. Erin will
donate balloons, Cheryl will donate a 5 gallon jug of fruit punch, Cailin will donate
clementines, and the library will donate coffee. Travelers Restaurant has generously
donated muffins. Refreshments will be provided to shoppers and participants free of
charge. Board members, library staff, and Union School students will cooperate to set up
and clean up the event.
New Business:
● Field Day: Field is on Friday, June 3rd at the school. The library board will donate cut
fruit to the Union School Association for this event. Karen made a motion to approve
the donation. Erin second the motion and the motion unanimously passed at 7:36pm.
The Field Day petting zoo, supplied by Erin, will be a library sponsored field day
station. Cailin may have the summer reading program distributed at field day.
● Baby Story Time: Karen Johnson will be hosting and running a baby storytime outside
at the library at 10am on Saturday, May 14th. This event is open to ages 0-3 years old. If
inclement weather, will move the event inside the lower level of the library.
● Plant Sale: Plant sale will be discussed at the next meeting.
● School Entertainment: Possible future library and USA sponsored fall anti-bullying laser
show at the school. Will discuss further in the future when the 2022-2023 school year
begins.
● End of Year Budget: End of the year budget will be discussed at the next meeting.
Treasurer’s Report: None at this time.
The next meeting will be held virtually via zoom and in person at the town hall community
room on Wednesday, June 1st at 7:00pm.
Ellen made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:54pm . Cheryl second the motion and the
motion unanimously passed at 7:54pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Kate Grabel-Forziati
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