MINUTES OF THE LA GRANGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
DONATIONS, FUNDRAISING and GRANTS COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Present: Becky Spratford, Jane Byczek, Mary Nelson, Caroline Coryell
Absent: None
Other Board Members: None
Staff: Peg Blasage
Visitors: None
Meeting opened by Chairman Becky Spratford at 7:30 p.m.
Peg Blasage showed the form she had made up for BRICK DONATIONS. They are very clear and professional looking. At this time she has no company chosen to do the bricks as BCA has given her no information on this.
Becky, Peg, and Mary Nelson intend to go to the August LGBA meeting to offer the bricks to business owners.
The Friends of the Library had suggested a "Brick Party" to be sponsored by five or so couples and Caroline Dillon of the Friends has offered her home for it. The idea is for each sponsor to invite a number of people from all over La Grange to enjoy a "ritzy" party and have an opportunity to purchase bricks, leaves, and (possibly) chairs for the Library.
The friends would also like to sponsor an opening party just for donors.
The "bookcase" donor wall was discussed. One suggestion was to put the donation year on the "Book Spines", so if someone gave, say $1,500.00 in 2008 and $1,000.00 in 2009, they would have two books of the appropriate colors with their name and the date on them. Or someone pledging a certain amount over a period of a year or so would, after fulfilling the pledge, have a book showing the name and date. No amounts, of course, would be on the books; the amount would be designated by the color of the book spine.
Laurel Gallagher (former Board member) would like to name one of the study rooms after her late mother.
The Lion’s club wishes to donate Large Print books in their name.
It was suggested that donors be named in the "Book Report".
Chairs could have plates affixed to them with the sponsor’s name on them (Note: since this was suggested, Jodi Heifner has informed us that doing so will negate the guarantee from the manufacturer. Peg will check with Agati about a solution.)
The group discussed that as nice as it is to have donors and sponsors, the citizens of La Grange are already paying for the Library with their taxes for the bonds to build the new building.
A proposed list for possible donors was discussed:
$ 500.00 to $ 999.00 Supporter
$ 1,000.00 to $ 4,999.00 Sponsor
$ 5,000.00 to $ 9,999.00 Donor
$10,000.00 to $14,999.00 Associate
$15,000.00 to $20,000.00 Benefactor
There was some discussion that these amounts may be too high and prevent some people from giving, as smaller amounts would not be acknowledged. This will be discussed again.
Peg suggested giving those donors who are buying room naming rights a copy of the plaque used to designate the various rooms.
Groups and individuals who may wish to donate were discussed. Such groups as Kiwanis, Rotary, Newcomer, and Local Corporations were suggested.
It was proposed that various Board members could approach people and groups they are familiar with in La Grange. For instance Mary could talk to Jerry Burjan; Jane Byczek could speak to the Newcomers, and Joan Smothers, etc.
Giving opportunities for leaves and bricks could be suggested; Birthdays, Anniversaries, new baby, etc.
It was decided to talk up the ideas suggested and for Peg to update the giving brochures as required. The newspapers might do some articles on the gift giving and help get the community involved.
If letters and brochures were to be mailed out to groups or individuals Becky offered to have an envelope stuffing meeting.
It was announced that Mary and Becky would be meeting with Nancy Hardisty concerning the move from Shawmut.
Meeting adjourned at 9:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Caroline Coryell
Trustee
