Bylaws

Standard #3. Community Report. 2020

Throughout 2020, the Red Creek Free Library has made improvements in the print collection and building.

The print collection has been ‘weeded’ (sorted, organized with some disposal), in both the adult and children’s areas. At the present time RCFL houses over 10,000 pieces of reading material! Not bad for a small library!!

A physical renovation has been completed, with the entire interior having been painted. A new vinyl plank floor has been layed  in the reading room area. Behind the circulation desk is a new chalkboard area for the children and new leaves have been added to the treehouse. The public bathroom has been completely renovated, providing a more compliant handicap area. A child’s changing table has been added for the younger patrons and caregivers. A generous donation was given for the purchase of new furniture in the reading area. This purchase will have to wait for COVID to ease before choosing pieces. This renovation was made possible through a NYS Library Construction Grant at 60% of the project. Unfortunately a public unveiling has not been possible. We look forward to that happening in the future.

A Board of Trustee office has been established on the second floor of the building. This provides a meeting area for Library business during operating hours, as well as a conference area for staff. Beginning steps have been taken to clean and clear the upstairs for future possibilities.

A very successful Summer Reading Program.  Involving 73 children took place. Even a few adults participated. Because of the virus restrictions, the program adjusted to weekly kits and reading materials for pickup. This program was free to all who participated.

COVID brought a complete shutdown in March. Presently, the Library is operating at approximately 20 hours per week. Operating hours continue to be monitored and flexible. Patrons can email, Facebook or call the Library to reserve materials. Patrons can logon to the OWLL website to reserve books. Or just stop in. Our staff is quarantining all materials for 72 hours before releasing them again. PPE and sanitizer have been donated, so the expense of supplies has been minimal.

The staff has been able to offer some virtual activities and programs - painting class, recommending books. The positive Response has been greatly appreciated.

The Board of  Trustees has been able to hold regular meetings, although mostly virtual. Two new Trustees have joined the Board this year. Anyone interested in joining the Board needs to express their interest.

The BOT was able to hire an on-call handyman. Previously, Lance Powell donated his time and energy, and he is missed. Great effort is made to maintain the building.

New NYS Library Standards have been instituted. Standards are now required to be on the Libraray website. The posting of these Standards allows anyone to read the policies and procedures of the Library. It has been a very concerted effort to accomplish this task. A new RCFL website will be available at the start of the year 2021.

In the new year, 2021, the RCFL will be conducting a community survey. Through the survey, one can express Library interests and concerns. This is a new large-scale undertaking for the BOT. Please do take a moment to respond when you receive your survey.

Last, but not least, is a huge Thank You to this community. Our patrons and neighbors have been a positive support in being able to maintain the Red Creek Free Library. Without your ongoing generosity, there would be no Library. Thank you again.

Current staff and Board of Trustees:

Director - Belinda Welcher.           Clerk - Patti Alexander

                                                                Cleaner - Liz Hadcock

                                                                Handyman - Wayne

Chairperson - Valerie Manning

Vice Chair - Bonnie Hall

Secretary - Jane Stevenson

Treasurer - Virginia Kachurak

Trustees: Terry Uruburu

                    Tina Johnson

                    Heidi Dates