New Berlin Library Board Meeting Minutes
July 31, 2024
Present:
George Anderson, President
Donna Wells, Treasurer
Alan Fairbrother, Trustee
Jill Robinson, Trustee
Abigail Magrath, Secretary
Also Present:
Michelle Priola, Director
Absent:
Angelica Schmidt, Trustee
Darla Smith, Vice President
George Anderson called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
Jill Robinson made a motion to approve the May minutes, seconded by George Anderson.
Motion carries 4-0 (Donna did not vote).
Treasurer’s Report:
Donna Wells distributed the treasurer’s report and balance sheet. She noted that the CD did
well and the balance sheet is up-to-date. When the CD renews in December, George Anderson
will sign, as well as Donna Wells. No concerns were noted.
Director’s Report:
The Community Foundation archival storage exit paperwork is completed. The grant was used
to purchase a bench for the front of the library. The bench has been anchored to a concrete pad
out front and the grass has been reseeded by the village DPW.

Director’s Report:
The Community Foundation archival storage exit paperwork is completed. The grant was used
to purchase a bench for the front of the library. The bench has been anchored to a concrete pad
out front and the grass has been reseeded by the village DPW.
The 4CLS Outreach Grant awarded the library $605 to buy craft supplies for Pathfinder Village
residents to use. The crafts will be stored in the antique filing cabinet in the YA section. They are
labeled by season.
The freewill fundraiser raised over $400. There were issues with two members of the public and
their participation in the event.
The summer art and story program is being paid for by a 4CLS grant and began on July 29, 2024.

There has been a good turnout every day. UVCS serves lunch at the library from
11:30-12. The park program has been bringing their participants down for lunch as well.
The summer reading program had 78 kids register in July.

The Perkins Summer Concert Series acts are booked and signed except for the Utica Zoo,
which will be received at a later date. The acts are:
8/7- Birdy and Ed
8/14- Dirt Road Express Band
8/21- Realtime Dixieland
8/28- Utica Zoomobile
New computers were installed on 7/19/24 and are running well. An old computer will be turned
into the new OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) since the one the library currently has is too
old to operate the program.
Ryan Costin asked permission to photograph the library’s powder horn to use in an article he is
writing for the New York History Journal and it was granted.
Michelle reached out to RCR regarding issues with some of the security cameras in the library.
She is waiting to hear back about when the repairs will be scheduled.
On 8/26/24 the library will host a tie dye party sponsored by the New Berlin Art Forum.
The New Berlin Art Forum has agreed to sponsor a pumpkin painting event in October. Michelle
put a budget together when pumpkin prices are available.
Michelle is currently planning fall/ winter art classes for children and adults. There will be a
Starry Night themed class for adults. For children, there will be a Bluey inspired class as well as
a Picasso self portrait class.
George Anderson motioned to close the meeting at 6:20 PM, Jill Robinson seconded the
motion. Motion carried 4-0.