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  • Record of Proceedings Relating to Howell Carnegie Library Howell, Michigan Pages 054-055

    Howell Carnegie Library board minutes and ledger entries approved by the board.

    Howell, Michigan, April 12, 1952

    A meeting of the Howell library board was called at 2:30. Present: Theodor Krieger, chairman, Mrs. H.L. Williams and Leslie B. Merritt.

    The board was asked by the Garden Club for permission to plant on the library lawn a nut tree in memory of the late Clarence Reed, Howell citizen who had become prominent for development of nut trees while serving with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. There were no objections and the project was approved.

    There was a discussion of janitorial duties and an outline of them as prepared by the board was adopted.

    It was agreed that regular members of the library staff and the janitor should have one week's vacation with pay each year.

    It was agreed to follow the schedule of summer library hours in effect in 1951. This would put in effect closing all day on Wednesdays and also on Saturday nights during July and August.

    Salaries were discussed. It was agreed to ask the City Council to approve a salary of $120 per four weeks pay period for the head librarian working approximately 26 hours a week $65 for the assistant librarian working approximately 18 hours a week and $100 for the janitor with clerical help paid at 75 cents an hour. These salaries are inline with what other city employees receive.

    The board approved a bid of approximately $65 from Wilber Davis to paint the floor of the library stack room, walls and ceiling of the library office, and refinishing eight table tops in the reading room. This wrk is to be accomplished during the summer months.

    Mrs. Ina Hight, librarian, reported Mrs. Lannen, who had been offered the assistant librarian's job, had made a counter proposal to that given by the board. She agreed to an 18 hour work week at a pay rate of $65 for the four weeks period. This was agreeable to the board and she is to begin May 1 as assistant librarian (see page 52 minutes of February 13 board meeting).

    Mr. Shindorf reported several building repair matters which were approved. These included refinishing of the front doors, new wiring for post lights, a new pipe from the furnace to the chimney, overhauling for toilets, some pathing for the roof, mason work on the steps, puttying windows and other items.

    The matter of improvements during the summer to the library floor was discussed. Bids ar eto be asked for resanding and refinishing also for good quality floor overing.

    Mrs. Hight reported a district meeting for the State Library Association would be held here May 1.

    No further business being presented the meeting adjourned. Leslie B. Merritt Secretary.

    Ruth Bennett, Grace Lannen, Theo Shindorf, Ina Hight
  • Record of Proceedings Relating to Howell Carnegie Library Howell, Michigan Pages 052-053

    Howell Carnegie Library board minutes and ledger entries approved by the board.

    library officials point out Ruth Bennett is deficient in educational qualifications for assistant librarian. At the salary offered she is not inclined to make up these deficiencies. Consequently she was not recommended for promotion from clerk to assistant librarian.

    Moved by Mrs. Williams that Mrs. Grace Lannen be employed as assistant librarian at $65 for the four weeks payroll periods to work 25 hours per week. The effective date of this appointment is to be at the discretion of the head librarian. Mrs. Lannen was reported to have the qualifications recommended by the state library authorities Motion carried.

    Moved by Mrs. Williams that Ruth Bennett be released as library clerk at the time the appointment of Mrs. Lannen becomes effective, but Miss Bennett may be retained as a part time clerk at the discretion of the head librarian. Motion carried.

    The board agreed that the pay of Theo. Shindorf as janitor for January and February should be pro rated, deducting the time for which a substitute had been employed at city expense. Illness in his family has required Mr. Shindorf's absence. Substitute help was reported not satisfactory.

    The librarian requested the board to prepare a list of routine duties of the janitor, this to include hours of duty and a policy regarding vacation. It was agreed to take this under advisement.

    The board asked its chairman to consult with the city council in regard to salaries paid all library personnel in view of present economic conditions and see if city authorities could bring such pay in line with other city workers. It was reported all city employees are now under social security as of January 1, 1952. The council s also to be consulted regarding such matters as redecorating the library office, refinishing reading tables, improvements to some of the floors, and some improvements to the library grounds.

    The matter of a book deposit box was discussed but no action taken at present. This meeting adjourned at 9:45PM Leslie B. Merritt, Secretary

    Ruth Bennett, G. Lannen, Ina Hight, Detroit Edison, Hillsdale School Supply Michigan Bell, Detroit News, Herrman's Store, Jas. Field, Community Elevator & Fuel Co, Sutton Hardware, T. Shindorf
  • Record of Proceedings Relating to Howell Carnegie Library Howell, Michigan Pages 072-073

    Howell Carnegie Library board minutes and ledger entries approved by the board.

    that this board considers its previous action in regard to the adopted policy for club room use as fair and proper. Seconded by Mrs. Williams Motion carried unanimously.

    It was reported that janitor services had been divided between Theodore Shindorf who is to receive $60 a month and his brother, Albert Shindorf, who is to receive $40 a month. They are to confer with the librarian on an understanding of who is responsible for the various duties each will perform.

    There was informal discussion on a proposal to increase the library board from three to five members. The State Library Board recommends the five-member plan for Howell. Reference to the city Charter shows this board is to consist of three members but none of this board was of a mind to object to an amendment to provide for the larger number, should city officials desire it. It was suggested one of the new members should be a Councilman to facilitate library board action with City Council policies. Should there be such action it was further recommended any new appointees be for staggered terms at the time of the original appointment. Mrs. Williams voted these matters be voted as the recommendations to the Council from this board. Seconded by Mr. Merritt. Carried unanimously.

    Meeting adjourned. Leslie B. Merritt, Secretary.

    R. Montgomery Printed, Baldwin Hardware, Gilkes & Zizka, Detroit Edison, Michigan Bell, Al Shindorf, Ted Shindorf, Ruth Bennett, Grace Lannen, Ina Hight, Detroit News, A.C. McClurg, Doubleday, H.W. Wilson, Don Phillips, Demco, Will Miner, Livingston County Press, Herrman's
  • Record of Proceedings Relating to Howell Carnegie Library Howell, Michigan Pages 070-071

    Howell Carnegie Library board minutes and ledger entries approved by the board.

    A meeting of the library board was called to order at 7:30PM by Theodore Krieger, chairman. Also present were board members Mrs. Harry L. Williams and Leslie B. Merritt.

    Mrs. Ina Hight, librarian reported plans to observe National Book Week November 15-21. She also sad she asked the child study club if it cared to sponsor continuing the Children's Story Telling Hour a feature started last summer. Miss Crofoot the librarian thought would be glad to continue her service if some organization would pay her travel expenses.

    A letter from Theodore Shindorf was presented in which he informs he is now eligible for Social Security payments and asks if the board will continue his employment as janitor on a part time basis so that his earnings do not jeopardize his Social Security eligibility. He informed his brother Albert Shindorf, who is retired and also a Social Security recipient, would be willing to share the work an pay with him. After discussion it was moved by Mr. Merritt and supported by Mrs. Williams that the Shindorf proposal be accepted in principle but that neither would be eligible for vacation pay while serving on a part time basis. Motion carried.

    Chairman Krieger presented a request from the Presbyterian church that the board consider rental of the library club room for a while Sundays for use of a church school group yet to be organized. In discussion it was noted library hours are not maintained on Sundays, and the matter presented problems of janitor service, heating building supervision and much inconvenience. It was also the opinion the church need was not urgent. The board agreed the proposal was not advisable.

    Adjournment was voted at 8PM Leslie B. Merritt, Secretary

    November 20, 1953

    A meeting of the Howell library board was called to order at 7PM.

    Present were Theodore Krieger, chairman. Mrs. Harry L. Williams and Leslie B. Merritt, board members.

    The chairman explained this meeting was called at the suggestion of Mayor Young who reports representatives of the Howell Woman's Club had objected to the library board's adoption of regulations on use of the club room. It was suggested by the City Council that the library board review its original action.

    A discussion followed on the matter presented. Principal points were that the Howell Woman's Club had created the problem lading to the new policy by prolonging their meetings past regular library hours making it necessary for an attendant to remain on duty for which time she was not paid the fee is not a rental but a service charge and under actual cost for heat, lights, janitor service, et a reference to the city charter showed the library board was in charge of all matters pertaining to the property and its administration - hence it had proper authority to adopt the policy regarding the club room. However, it is the desire of this board to be fair, and it is willing to consider any formal direct protest on any of its actions. Move by Mr. Merritt
  • Record of Proceedings Relating to Howell Carnegie Library Howell, Michigan Pages 068-069

    Howell Carnegie Library board minutes and ledger entries approved by the board.

    Howell, Michigan, August 27, 1953

    A meeting of the Howell Library Board was called to order at 7:15PM by Theodore Krieger, chairman. Also present were board members Mrs. Harry L. Williams and Leslie B. Merritt.

    Mrs. Ina Hight librarian, reported the State Library Board was making inquiries about desirability of establishing a Livingston County library. The board decided to invite information from the state library on its county library plan. It is understood this proposal involves no intention of supplanting the city library.

    A report was given on the summer story hour for children conducted at the library for children by Miss Bess Crofoot of Fowlerville. It was said to be a very successful project. Miss Crofoot was paid only for transportation on a milage basis.

    New binders were authorized for the National Geographic magazines.

    The librarian reported investigation but no progress in a search for a suitable outside light and it was decided to continue this matter.

    It was reported 100 plastic covers had been ordered for new books.

    Mrs. Hight told local Girl Scouts had volunteered for such work as dusting etc. as a public service in keeping with the aims of the organization.

    Library hours were discussed. It was reported little use is made of library facilities Saturday night. It was moved by Mr. Merritt that library hours be terminated at 5 o'clock Saturday, or the week's schedule 1 to 5 and 7 to 9 Monday through Friday and Saturday 1 to 5 only. Mrs. Williams supported the motion, which was adopted.

    Possibility of getting along under the new schedule without clerk hire was considered. It was the decision of the board to instruct the librarian to continue clerk hire at her discretion.

    Adjournment was voted at 8:30PM Leslie B. Merritt, Secretary

    David Jones, Gilkes & Zizka, Michigan Bell, Detroit Edison, Baldwin Hardware, Demco, Libo Services BroDart, T. Shindorf, Ina Hight, Ruth Bennett, Grace Lannen, A.C. McClurg, Reader's Digest, Composition Products, Herrman's, Holkins & Son
  • Record of Proceedings Relating to Howell Carnegie Library Howell, Michigan Pages 066-067

    Howell Carnegie Library board minutes and ledger entries approved by the board.

    Those using the room are to keep it reasonably free of litter. Supplies, etc. brought in for meetings may be left only with approval of the librarian.

    Smoking is prohibited in the club room as a fire prevention measure.

    At the discretion of a majority of the library board members charges may be waived for groups connected with city government, school, or with a charity objective. The board reserves the right to deny for cause use of the room by a vote of a majority of its members.

    Notices of this action shall be posted in the library club room and be available at the circulation desk.

    Adjournment of board meeting was at 9PM Leslie B. Merritt, Secretary

    Detroit News, Detroit Edison, Michigan Bell, H.W. Wilson Co. Acme Chemical Co, Ina Hight, Ruth Bennett, Grace Lannen, Theo. Shindorf, Boss Roofing, Gilkes & Zizka, Gamole's, Louis Redinger, Holkins Co., City of Howell, McClurg, Purdy & Woodruff, Richards Electric, R. Rathbun
  • Record of Proceedings Relating to Howell Carnegie Library Howell, Michigan Pages 064-065

    Howell Carnegie Library board minutes and ledger entries approved by the board.

    gallons of floor sealer, which was approved.

    A communication from the Livingston County Garden club requested permission to install a plaque at the tree planted last spring in memory of Clarence Reed. The board specified such plaque was to be flush to the ground and at no expense to the library.

    It was agreed to follow the usual practice during July and August of closing the library Wednesday afternoon and evening and also Saturday evening.

    The board approved request of the librarian to display at circulation desk a card informing library facilities may be used by persons outside the city limits at a charge of 50 cents per quarter for such service.

    It was agreed to present to the city council for its information a statement of the policy on use of the library club room and to adopt same if council had no objection.

    It was agreed to have the librarian inquire about a suitable electric light fixture over the outside entrane and have the same installed. As repairs are required on the twin globe lights at the entrance it was decided to take out this installation when the new outside fixture is installed.

    By unanimous consent the follow was adopted:

    Policy Regarding Use of Library Club Room

    Any organization or group using the library club room shall vacate it not later than 15 minutes before the regular closing hour by 4:45 afternoons or 8:45 evenings.

    If use of the room is desired after these hours, advance arrangements must be made with the library staff so that a responsible person can be secured to inspect the room against fire hazard or damage, turn off lights, see that windows are closed, lock doors, etc. Such notice must be given the librarian in sufficient time for her to secure an attendant who will be paid a minimum of $1.00 for such service.

    A fee of $1.00 will be charged for each use of the library club room. If use of the room continues after the times specified above an additional charge of $1.00 will be made for each hour or fractional part thereof but in no case may an afternoon meeting continue later than 6 o'clock, nor an evening meeting later than 10:30. The librarian will collect any fees and is also responsible for paying the attendant. Any difference between the collected fee and the amount paid the attendant will be paid into the library fund. Paying the attendant more than the minimum fee is at the librarian's discretion. It is not intended to employ a special attendant for meetings held during regulation library hours adopted by the board.

    Any group granted use of the library club room is reminded the primary purpose of this building is to serve those who want to read and such patrons are not to be unreasonably disturbed or inconvenienced.
  • Record of Proceedings Relating to Howell Carnegie Library Howell, Michigan Pages 062-063

    Howell Carnegie Library board minutes and ledger entries approved by the board.

    Michigan Bell, Detroit Edison, City of Howell, Gilkes & Zizka, Grac Lannen, Ina Hight, Theo. Shindorf, Ruth Bennett, Detroit News.

    Howell, Michigan April 29, 1953

    A meeting of the Howell library board was called to order at 7:15PM by Theodore Krieger, chairman. Also present were board members Mrs. H.L. Williams and Leslie B. Merritt.

    Chairman Krieger reported the City Council had refused to accept for the fiscal year the raises in pay voted the librarian and assistant librarian by this board at its January 28 meeting. Inasmuch as the budget for the new year is sufficient for the previously voted salary increases it was moved by Mr. Merritt and accepted that effective with May salaries, the monthly pay of the librarian be at $140.00, that of the assistant librarian be $1.10 per hour and that clerk hire be at 90 cents per hour. The salary of the janitor is to remain at $100 per month, but he may be paid extra for 'out-of-ordinary' services.

    The following budget was proposed for 1953-54:

    Estimated Receipts
    Balance $169.62
    Library Collections 200.00
    City Tax - 1 Mill 4466.00
    State Library Aid 300.00
    3/4 Mill from General Fund 3349.50
    $8485.12

    Estimated Disbursments:
    Librarian Salary 1680
    Asst. Librarian Salary 950
    Clerk Hire 350
    Janitor Salary 1200
    Labor-Lawn Mowing, Extras 200
    Heat, Light, Power 800
    Printing, Stationery, Postage 15
    Library Supplies Book Repairs 75
    Telephone 80
    New Books 900
    Subscriptions 100
    Insurance 330
    Janitor Supplies 50
    Christmas Bonus 25
    Roof repair 300, stone work 300, stoker & furnace 100, general 120 820
    Contingent Reserve 910.12
    $8485.12

    It was agreed to as Mr. Redinger to do the needed repair work to building masonry (pointing) and curbing at an estimated expense of $300.

    It was agreed to contract with Boss Roofing Co. at Ypsilanti for library roof repair at an estimated figure of from $265 to $300.

    The janitor recommended a new smoke stock pipe, certain stoker and furnace repairs and the purchase of 5
  • Record of Proceedings Relating to Howell Carnegie Library Howell, Michigan Pages 060-061

    Howell Carnegie Library board minutes and ledger entries approved by the board.

    of fire, and another exit via the furnace room. The janitor is to be instructed to see that these windows can be opened with reasonable ease.

    The matter of repairs to the library roof was discussed and it was agreed such work be accomplished during the summer if finances were available. It was also recommended pointing of the outside walls and mason work be accomplished during the summer months. Redecorating of the reading room was discussed, but it was felt this should be delayed at least until after roof repairs were made and proved satisfactory.

    The matter of library hours was taken under advisement but no action taken. It has been suggested extending Friday hours from 1 o'clock through 9 o'clock and keeping open the year around on the adopted schedule.

    Consideration was given salaries. It was moved by Mr. Merritt that the salary of the librarian be $140 per month for the time she presently gives to this duty (about 26 hours) and that the assistant librarian be paid $1.10 aan hour (She presently works about an 18 hour week). These pay rates are to be effective with the February salaries. Motion unanimously carried.

    Mrs. Hight informed the Howell library had qualified for state aid on a basis of 4 cents per capita on the 1950 census, or a sum of $174.12.

    The librarian also said the Ann Arbor Civic orchestra might be secured to give a concert here for benefit of the library if she were able to secure a sponsoring Organization. The board members had no objection.


    The librarian requested the board to adopt a policy on charges for the library club room. The board agreed to take the matter under consideration.

    Adjournment was at 9:15PM Leslie B. Merritt, Secretary

    Ruth Bennett, Theo. Shindorf, Grace Lannen, Ina Hight, Gaylord's, Gilkes & Zizka, Hillsdale School Supplies
    Swann's Store, Michigan Bell, Community Elevator, Detroit Edison, Herrman's Store, Detroit News, Beurmann & Clark, Wilcox & Follette, Wagenvoord, Purdy & Woodruff, Devison Co.
  • Record of Proceedings Relating to Howell Carnegie Library Howell, Michigan Pages 084-085

    Howell Carnegie Library board minutes and ledger entries approved by the board.

    should be inspected should this matter later come before the board for serious consideration. Adjournment was at 10PM Leslie B. Merritt, Secretary.

    C.N. Holkins, Gilkes & Zizka, Detroit Edison, Michigan Bell, McClurg, James Field, Demco, Bellman Pub, Rand McNally, Detroit News, Grace Lannen, Ruth Bennett, Al Shindorf, Ted Shindorf, Ina Hight, Joe Grostic, Bouregy & Curl, Herrman's, H.W. Wilson, Bodart, Ottenheimer, Itsell's, Berrien Bindery, Gaylord Bros, Community Elevator, Hillsdale School Supply
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