FOML Meeting Minutes March 2, 2026

 FRIENDS OF THE MEDWAY PUBLIC LIBRARY 

March 2, 2026, 5:30-7 Maker Space

Attendance: Mary Allen co-President, Karyl Wong co-President, Karyl Lew Treasurer, Ivana Aguilar Library Director, Sam Wallace Youth Services Director, Naomi Price Trustee, Tara Rice, Susan Alessandri, Larry Rockoff, Dennis Crowley, Ken Masterson, Lauren Guagenty, Marilyn Schiaroli, Eileen Kalukin, Kate Taylor

1. Approval of the minutes January 14, 2026

2. Welcome to new members

3. Treasurer’s Report-Karyl Lew

• Thank you to Corinne Fahey for her support with transitioning leadership. 

• Treasurer’s report for January deposits $4100 (largely from Par-Tee sponsorships). Expenses $1100 for programming, supplies, administration needs. February deposits $5500 (87% Par Tee sales and sponsorships), remaining deposits from donations, book cart, Friends membership. Expenses $1100 of which 25% general expense, $240 event insurance. Par Tee has raised $11,000 with a net profit of $5500 exclusive of any ticket sales. 

• Square terminal: library staff has been trained and patrons may now pay for event tickets, merchandise, donations and memberships. Patrons can also opt to pay the Square fee enabling the Friends to receive the full payment amount. A separate bank account was created for Square funds but this account will now be closed and added to the general money funds account with interest.

• Membership list has 114 current in dues, 40 expired in 2025, but many do not remember when membership expires. After the book sale, we will come up with a renewal plan. The email list includes current + those expired in 2025.

 

4. Library Director’s Report and Requests-Ivana Aguilar and Sam Wallace 

• Programming and Outreach librarian, Fallon Maloney, started 2 weeks ago with many popular programming ideas with a waitlist. 

• Circulation Supervision, Sadie Pettigrew starts Monday

• Maker space part time position is next to be filled

• Multiple community members are interested in volunteering

• Meeting space is at a premium and people will not be allowed to book more than one month in advance. 

• Staff is brainstorming and booking for summer programs. 

• Programming: Two concerts in Jan and Feb were well attended despite the snowstorm and blizzard. The second concert moved upstairs, creating a coffee house atmosphere as the acoustics in the Cole room was not ideal. All programs recognize the Friends funding and inform participants about membership, Par Tee fundraiser and book sales. 

• Kaye Kelly, a Berkeley graduate with a singing and writing background will be hosting a talk/writing workshop as a creative career after life changes April 30, 6-7:30

• Music at Medway Library by Dan Rice on 3/31, 8-9pm

• Wingmaster Owl program in partnership with Parks and Rec, had 60 people families, adults, all inclusive 

• Lori Brownell floral arranging program in partnership with Luna’s Flower Shop

• James Baldwin, a scholar from Suffolk in partnership with Medway Marches 

• $1000 additional funds requested until June for supplies for programming. The town budgets $3000 for programming but the library has spent $7000 using other funds, not including the Friends money. Maker Space inventory has been also used for supplies. APPROVED: Funding additional $1000 for programming supplies approved unanimously

5. Trustee Liaison Report-Naomi Price-Children's story room mural is nearly complete, Friends brochure is updated with some newer photos provided by Ivana. 500 copies will be printed at ADPrint. Memorandum of Understanding presented by Ivana in January will be discussed in the Trustee Meeting tomorrow. 

6. Friends Insurance-Karyl Lew: Fortunately we have had no claims to date. The Friends are purchasing General Liability, Volunteer Accident and Director and Officer from Mt. Vernon Fire Insurance for $1500

7. Mini Golf Fundraiser-Karyl Wong: Ticket sales for the 21+ are slowly trickling in but we are planning for 50 in attendance. 19 holes will be set up on the main floor along with kids crafts in the children’s area while waiting to tee on Saturday. The 18th hole will wind down the stairs and lead people to the buffet on Friday night and on Saturday, face painting and snacks. 4 high tops and 4 tables on Thursday from the Thayer House (Dennis). White and red wine, assorted beer and non alcoholic beverages along with food will be served by Mary, Dennis A. and Kate per Health Inspector. Trophy will be awarded. Per Chief Kingsbury, IDs checked at the door. Signs posted for Art Walk to Larry Rockoff Art Exhibit and the Story Room mural 

8. March Book Sale-Mary Allen: teens avail, publicity: Susan (share Canva)

March 18 Wed 10am Set up 

March 19 Thurs           10 am Set Up

March 20 Fri     6:00 - 8:00     Friends Sale

March 21 Saturday   10:00 - 2:00 General Sale

            March 28 Saturday   10:00 - 2:00 $5 Bag Sale with Breakdown until 3:30

9. Publicity Team: Interest in designing new friends logo, posting on blog spot or FOM, items like bookmarks to give away at events, gift certificates, new Friends banner etc, aprons

10. Benefits of joining the Friends ideas: appreciation event during Friends Week In October,  friends only events

11. Recruitment of new volunteers to help with fund-raising, membership drive, outreach, and library programs as needed. Opportunities to volunteer during bingo, summer lunches

12. Other Business- Ebay? Involves personal account, work of shipping, cost insuring  Possibly outsource to 3rd party

Meeting adjourned at 6:45 pm