Mark Twain Library Association 109th Annual Meeting June 11th, 2017
Mark Twain at Stormfield Redding, Connecticut, November, 1908 109thAnnual Meeting of the Mark Twain Library Association
Agenda
Call to Order
Approval of the Minutes of the 2016 Annual Meeting
Report of the President of the Board of Trustees
Report of the Treasurer
Report of the Library Director
Report of the Nominating Committee
Election of Trustees
Old Business
New Business
Adjournment
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VISIONS OF TWAIN:
The Unveiling of 2 Masterpieces
Presented by Kenneth Crook & Susan B. Durkee
Mark Twain Library Association Board of Trustees
Jen Wastrom, President Terry Stratton Flagg, Vice President Betsy Higgins, Treasurer Elaine Sanders, Secretary
Ginny Beasley Katharine Dusenbury Richard Emerson Karen Gifford Tom Hauser Grady Jensen Midge Loery Angela Matsuoka Michael Rigby Eric Rubury Rochelle Williston ______
Staff Student Pages Beth Dominianni, Director Charlotte Bridwell Donna Bielaczyc Ella Chen L.J. Bridwell Kaitlyn Doer Lisa Cederbaum Lucia Gorman Mary Beth Goodwin Emily Haug Mary Hoskinson-Dean Benjamin Hubner Janet Ivaldi Ethan Landau Maureen Jones Justin Landau Maggie McIntire Katie Nolan Natalie Jorgensen Jake Rose Chris Mueller Katya Taylor
Kay Reinehr Ken Rietschel Kathryn Zimmerman
Remarks from the President
“I realize that this is the most satisfactory house I was ever in & also the most beautiful. The Hartford house was a lovely home, but the architect damaged many of its comfort possibilities. The New York house is a roomy & pleasant house, but it is sunless, not beautiful.”
Mark Twain penned these feelings about the place where we gather today in a letter to his daughter Clara on June 20, 1908, just two days after moving to Redding. 109 years ago, almost to the day.
He was, at that time, widely accepted as the foremost living American writer. He was also considered the world’s funniest. In April, 1910 he received a rather unique invitation: “The Clowns of Barnum and Baileys Circus recognizing you as the world’s greatest laughmaker will consider it an honor if you will be their luncheon guest at Madison Square Garden Sunday Afternoon at 2.” Last week, after a run of 146 years, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus - "The Greatest Show on Earth" - folded its tent for the very last time. In an age in which video games and cell phone screens compete to provide childhood wonder, the circus could no longer stand the test.
But Mark Twain’s reputation as the chief American humorist has not waned one bit. Quite the opposite. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn have never lost their places as required reading in schools, and remain templates for young adult fiction. His social criticisms such as those in The Gilded Age which attacked political corruption, big business and the American obsession with getting rich still ring true, very true, today. His Prince and the Pauper examined class relations, Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court leveled criticism at the period's technological explosion - issues tremendously relevant today. And in Huckleberry Finn, Twain satirized slavery and spoke strongly against the continued poor treatment of black Americans overall. I imagine he would be disappointed about the lack of change on this front. Beyond his legendary novels, Twain made insightful observations about everything from politics to the dangers of soap -- quotes that are staples for everyone from speechwriters and editorial contributors, to toastmasters, greeting cards creators and Pinterest. That man -- the most sought-after speaker of his century and a cigar-chomping truth teller for all time -- is the founder of our library. And yet as importantly impressive as that is - it is often overlooked.
On this day we account for another year of dynamic library services and programs, the interesting and accessible collection circulated, the patrons of all ages generously served and the monies raised over the past th twelve months as Redding’s public library. A library which, by the way, ranks 9 out of 178 in the state in circulation per capita. A library that miraculously fundraised nearly $300,000 to keep the doors open and the fabulous staff paid. A library that is bolstered by the generosity of a community that uses and appreciates it.
We are a thriving and responsive resource for Redding, this is true. But today, here at Stormfield - the home he loved the most, let’s take a minute to pinch ourselves. Let’s remember we are the only library - THE ONLY LIBRARY - founded by a literary figure with his own books and his own money. And Twain is so much more than merely a literary figure…he is an American icon.
Ours is a one-of-a-kind library with remarkably impressive one-of-a-kind roots. We are Mark Twain’s library.
Yours Respectfully, Jen Wastrom Library Director’s Report June 2017
This year as the town celebrates its 250th anniversary, the Mark Twain Library celebrates its 109th year of service to the town’s citizens. It has been a steady partnership that stood the test of time. By now, the library’s unique founding story is very familiar to many. In 1908, the same year Samuel Clemens moved to town, he determined that the town’s farmers would have a library. Through his own generosity and that of others, he realized his dream. His charm and wit resulted in a local farmer “donating” the land to build the current library, the use of a chapel to house the growing collection while the library construction was underway, and even free architectural drawings. Twain was nothing if not persuasive. He even held the first successful fundraiser in the library’s history at Stormfield. Today we celebrate on the same property in a beautiful home that is a replica of the original. How fitting.
And, as we gather for the Friend’s annual meeting this year, I just can’t help wondering how Twain would view what is now business as usual for the library. Would he be surprised that every year the library welcomes thousands of library friends and visitors who come to enjoy a program, savor the beautiful atmosphere, borrow a book or other material or work without distractions. How could he have known that users never have to step inside, but instead borrow materials through one of our very popular downloadable resources. I suspect he would have loved the hundreds of programs for children and been excited about the craft and maker programs. He was after all the inventor of the self-sticking scrapbook and a father.
But it has been more than business as usual for the Mark Twain Library this year. It has been so exciting and remarkable for so many other reasons. Over the summer 300 children participated in our summer reading program. We awarded our first ever Fishkin Family Book Buff Award to two children whose book-loving enthusiasm made them our best readers of the summer. In November, we hosted Buddhist monks who created a world peace mandala right in the center of the library and then swept up the sand to return it to nature. Hundreds of visitors respectfully watched them at work. The Library’s Great Decisions series met with enthusiastic response from its participants as they discussed foreign affairs. In the spring, the Library’s Small Business Circle unveiled its bizBook, a directory of members and their services to share with the community.
All this - and much more - is possible because of the library’s fantastic friends and volunteers. Along with the hardest-working board in the land and a terrific caring staff, you make the library so special and let us do special things. Thank you for being a friend, for volunteering and for assuring the library continues to flourish. Thanks to you, Redding has a remarkable legacy, a library that connects and enriches the community every day.
Respectfully,
Beth Dominianni Library Director Library Use & Collection Statistics
2016-2017 2015-2016 Book Collection Adult 35,522 35,215 Juvenile 23,836 22,197 TOTAL 59,358 57,412
Audio-Visual Collection 10,114 10,494
TOTAL COLLECTIONS 69,472 67,906
Book Circulation Adult 43,102 45,959 Juvenile 25,238 24,797 TOTAL 68,340 70,756
Audio-Visual Circulation Adult 48,123 49,113 Juvenile 3,408 3,795 TOTAL 51,531 52,908
TOTAL CIRCULATION 119,871 123,664
Reference Questions 3,903 3,687
New Library Users Adult 284 250 Juvenile 81 110 TOTAL 365 360
This Year’s Programs Number Attendance Adult 103 5,330 Children (includes Story Times) 279 6,263
Financial Summary (unaudited)
OPERATING REVENUES OPERATING EXPENSES 2016-17 2016-17
˾ Town Appropriation 56.0% ˾ Compensation 56.0% ˾ Fundraising / Contributions 33.0% ˾ Books, Media, Serials 14.3% ˾ Endowment / Reserves 3.0% and Online Services ˾ Restricted Income 4.0% ˾ Program Supplies 1.3% ˾ Library Services 4.0% ˾ Maintenance 11.5% ˾ State Grant 0.40% ˾ Utilities 4.0% ˾ Investment Income 0.23% ˾ Computer Services 3.8% ˾ Insurance 3.1% ˾ Association Expense 2.9% ˾ Development 3.1%
FUNDRAISING / CONTRIBUTIONS 2014-17
$300K ˾ Pudd’nhead ˾ Book Fair $250K ˾ Annual Appeal $200K ˾ Art Show ˾ Frog Frolic $150K
$100K
$50K
0 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 Programs & Events 2016-2017
250th Town Anniversary Celebration @MTL Redding Remembers Pt. 1 and Pt. 2 (film) Danbury Raid of 1777 (w/DAR) Kick off of One Book One Town - My Brother Sam
Art @MTL Artscapades Lectures series Art Show Gala and Week Long Art Show Art Show Closing Reception
Authors, Poets & Dramatists @MTL Richard Zacks author of Chasing the Last Laugh Larry Kuldow discusses JFK and the Reagan Revolution Barry Meiser author of Missing Man Jane Hamilton Merritt author of a Meditator’s Diary Gil Lancaster author of Embrace Kimberly Wilson presents “A Journey” Dan Slater author of Wolf Boys Jane Wyker author of Soul Selfish Jim Gaffigan Pudd’nhead Honoree (author and actor) Mickey Harpaz author of Fifty Shades of Menopause
Books @MTL Book Buzz for the Family Children and Teens Discussion Groups History Book Club Classics Book Club Business Book Club Downloadable Books and Music - Hands on demonstrations
Business @MTL Small Business Circle: Behind the Business Card (10) Small Business Circle Holiday Party Small Business Circle Spring Fling SBC Programs on Business Issues
Forums & Talks @MTL Invasive Plants (w/Garden Club) Wine 101: Red and Whites (2) Parenting your Parents Panel Charles Moretz - Windows on the World: 9/11 15th Anniversary Dr. Mickey Harpaz discusses Menopause Connecticut Ghost Hunter Barry Piro Great Decisions Producer Talk
Film @MTL Friday Flicks Screenagers (w/PTAs) Big Picture Series: Films and Speakers on Important Topics Trapped (w/League of Women Voters) Newtown: What Remains After All is Lost The Bullish Farmer
Get Creative @MTL Hook-in Gallery Talk with Allen Chiang 3D Printing Demonstrations Coloring Books and Puzzles Mandala Workshops for Children
Great Decisions @MTL Facilitated Group Discussions on Foreign Affairs (2 semesters)
Healthy U @MTL I Hunch - How Technology Effects Posture Workshop Aromatherapy Workshop Find Your Center Programs (several programs on Yoga and Meditation)
Music @MTL Portal Jazz Band (3 performances) Lakota Flute
Special Events & Fundraisers World Peace Mandala - a special week of events and ceremonies Pudd’nhead Parade and Children’s Author event with Nick Bruel Pudd’nhead Hoot’nanny Pudd’nhead Gala honoring Jim Gaffigan Gavin Wilson Presents Mark Twain Art Show Gala Frog Frolic Annual Book Fair
MTL @Redding Community Georgetown Day Earth Day Bulleting Board Memorial Day Parade Concert on the Green Supporter Wit & Wisdom Award - Joel Barlow RES and JHRMS visits Meadow Ridge - weekly visits and special events Children’s Programs 2016-2017 2016
Book Buzz Family Evening June 15 Creature Teachers June 20 Story Craft: Frisbee June 21 Mini Movie & Activity: Make Your Own Lemonade June 22 Ed The Wizard June 27 Story Craft: Water Bottle Carrier June 28 Mini Movie & Activity: Frozen Sing-Along June 29
Story Craft: Cheer Hands July 5 Mini Movie & Activity: Superhero Sundaes July 6 Tech Toys Open House July 11 Story Craft: Make Your Own Medal July 12 Mini Movie & Activity: Magical Morning July 13 Nutmeg Nosh (intermediate) July 14 Mini Movie & Activity: Drive-in Movie Morning July 20 Tom Sieling Presents “Take a Tromp Through the Swamp” July 20 Nutmeg Nosh (older) July 21 Mini Movie & Activity: Daytime Pajama Party July 27
Pudd’nhead Parade September 10
MakerSpace Soft Open October 5 Pajama Story Time October 6 Halloween Cupcake Decorating (session 1) October 17 Halloween Cupcake Decorating (session 2) October 17 Guinea Pig Story Time October 19 Halloween STEAM October 21 MakerSpace Opening Weekend- Saturday October 22 MakerSpace Opening Weekend- Sunday October 23 Spooky Sonics & Phantom Pizza October 27
Green Screen November 7 Peace Mandala November 12 Thankful Crafts November 14 Reading to ROVER November 16 Turkey Story Time November 17
Winter Holiday Crafts December 5 Gingerbread Story Time December 7 Mini Movie Monday December 12 Tots & Technology: Video Holiday Cards December 15 Winter Favorites Story Time December 20 Hot Chocolate Story Time December 20 Winter Silly-song sing-a-long with Edward Leonard December 22 Legos & Donuts December 28
2017 Martin’s Big Words January 18 Pirate Party January 30
TYCLD Valentine Crafts February 4 TYCLD Family Lego & Donuts February 4 TYCLD Pizza Lunch February 4 TYCLD Jester Jim February 4 TYCLD MakerSpace Open House February 4
Pajama Story Time March 9 Butterfly Guy March 11 Lucky Leprechaun March 16 April Fools’ Day March 30
Mr. Joe April 20 Mustache Bash Dessert Party April 27 Frog Frolic April 29
May the 4th Be With You May 4 Mermaids & Sharks May 11 Spring Craft May 15 Pajama Story Time May 25
2017Frog Frolic Huckleberry Club Blue Buffalo | TruBlu Management LLC
The DeMelis Family | The Higgins Family | Meadow Ridge Retirement Community UTC Aerospace Systems | Winter Garden Ice Area | The Montessori School - Wilton
Teen Programs 2016 – 2017
Squishy Circuit Quiz Show June 2016 Flashlight Hike at Topstone Park Super Smash Brothers Tournament Teen Yoga Teen Movie Night Book Buzz (for children, teens, and adults)
Teen Yoga July 2016 Comic Book Workshop Part 1 & 2 Water Balloon Blowout Extreme Board Games Henna Art
Teen Summer Reading Prize Party August 2016 Flashlight Hike at Topstone Park
Instant Comfort in a Box September 2016 Poppin’ Cookin’ Challenge 3D Printer Training
MakerSpace Soft Opening October 2016 Pumpkin Decorating Frankentoys MakerSpace Grand Opening
Zen Cupcakes November 2016 Autumn Lanterns Make Your Own Raw Desserts
Lotions and Potions December 2016 Minecraft Cookie Party
Extended Hours – High School Midterms January 2017
MakerSpace Open House February 2017
Tussie Mussie Workshop March 2017 Allen and Helen Hermes Art Series
November World Peace Mandala Creation and Programs
February Tiokasin Ghosthorse: Butterfly Against the Wind
March Screenwriting 101 with Jeff Fligelman
April 3D Photography with Fred Newman
Displays
Late Spring Vintage National Parks Post Cards
Fall Genus Loci: The Art of Rememberance Retro Radios – Vintage Radios refurbished by Allen Chiang
Winter Holiday Celebration
Annual Hooked Rugs Exhibit – local area artists
Spring Mark Twain’s Enduring Legacy – The Library
Ongoing Items from the Library’s Archives
SAMUEL LANGHORNE HUCKLEBERRY FINN’S CLUB THE CONNECTICUT CLEMENS SOCIETY ($25,000 to $50,000) - cont’d YANKEE COURT ($100,000 and above) Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Olshan ($10,000 to $25,000) - cont’d Mr. and Mrs. Jerrold Fine Redding Land Trust Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Higgins Mr. and Mrs. Allan Hermes Mrs. Lisa Reese Mr. John Jessep Mr. Michael Kluger and Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Robey Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Karraker* Ms. Heidi Greene Mrs. Ritta Rosenberg Mr. and Mrs. Richard Keim Ms. June Myles Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rosenman Ms. Mary Mattson Kenworthy Mr. and Mrs. Michael Witte Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair Korman JEAN CLEMENS CIRCLE Mr. Jeremy Kramer and ($50,000 to $100,000) THE CONNECTICUT Ms. Becca Davies Mr. and Mrs. Stuart H. Green YANKEE COURT Mr. and Mrs. Dale Kutnick* Jane T. Muhlethaler Foundation ($10,000 to $25,000) Dr. and Mrs. Gilead Lancaster Marie Keese LeLash Foundation, Inc. Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Lugar* Meadow Ridge Retirement Community Mr. James Bacon Mrs. Nancy Lutz Mrs. Elizabeth Ruml Dr. and Mrs. Michael Barberie* Mr. and Mrs. Neil Marcus Mrs. Ruth Todd Mr. and Mrs. Neal Barton Mr. Robert Mars and Robert J. Bauer Family Foundation* Ms. Brenda Phelps* HUCKLEBERRY FINN’S CLUB Ms. Ginny Beasley Mr. and Mrs. Daniel McLaughlin ($25,000 to $50,000) Mr. and Mrs. Len Berry Mr. and Mrs. Matthew M. Meehan Mr. and Mrs. Michael Colby The Bishop Family Mr. Marc Mellon and Mr. and Mrs. Jake DeSantis Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Callaway Ms. Babette Bloch Mr. and Mrs. Michael Erlanger Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Carman Mrs. Ann Raymond Mr. and Mrs. John Evangelakos Mr. and Mrs. David Corr Mr. and Mrs. John Richardson George Link Jr. Charitable Trust Ms. Marianne Crew Ms. Catherine Riordan and Mr. Grady Jensen Dr. and Mrs. Edward Davies Mr. Kurt Raschi Mr. Richard Lawrence Mr. Frank Doelger and Mr. and Mrs. A. David Russell Mr. and Mrs. Richard LeLash Mr. Bruce Harmon Mr. and Mrs. Michael Shinall Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Linen Mr. and Mrs. Bowie Duncan Mrs. Katherine Shute Mr. and Mrs. Brian Mahony Dr. and Mrs. Scott Estabrook Mr. and Mrs. Albert Stauderman Mr. Michael J. Marocco The Fishkin Family Mr. and Mrs. Richard Swank Mark Twain Foundation Trust Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Flagg Ms. Sally Trippe Mr. and Mrs. Brian Meehl Ms. Charlotte Mulholland Friedman Mr. and Mrs. Richard Wastrom Mr. and Mrs. Grant Mudge Karen Gifford* Mr. and Mrs. Steven Yurman Mr. and Mrs. Robert Natkin Mary Anne Guitar
THE STORMFIELD SOCIETY LEGACY GIFT Julia Andrews Estate Hollinghurst Estate Rosamond Mikkelsen Estate* Ms. Susan Clark Katherine Huyber Estate Lucille and Ernest Smith Estate Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Flagg Mr. Grady Jensen Hugh B. Sweeny Estate* Ms. Karen Gifford Mary Ellen Klein Estate Mrs. Jeanne Sweeny Ms. Diane Hack Ms. Diane Daniels Manning Marjorie and Geoffrey Webb Estate
*New donors this year 108th Annual Meeting Minutes
President Pam Robey called the 108th Annual Meeting of the Mark Twain Library Association to order at 5:35 pm on June 18, 2016. She reminded those assembled that only current Friends of the library could vote.
Approval of Minutes The minutes of the 2015 Annual Meeting were unanimously approved (June Myles, Joan Beutler).
Report of the President President Robey reported that the Mark Twain Library continues to thrive because of what she sees as the passion at its core. A staff passionate about their jobs, countless volunteers working passionately for the cause, a Board of Trustees passionate about serving the library with their combined knowledge and professional expertise, and a patron base passionate about the library’s programs and services. She noted the increase in usage has often resulted in space challenges, which have so far been creatively - albeit unconventionally - met. The Assistant Director’s office has been converted to a Makerbot suite/small meeting room space; a staff reference desk for one is now holding two. She thanked the staff, board and most of all the patrons for their enthusiastic support of Redding’s consummate hub.
Report of the Treasurer Treasurer Betsy Higgins reported that in total, the Art Show, Book Fair, Frog Frolic, Pudd’nhead and Annual Appeal provided $233,000 of revenue for the library, a sum which was down from 2015 by $5000, resulting in a deficit of $38,000 in Operations. $77,000 was withdrawn from the Capital and Operating Reserve, mainly because of the reconfiguration of the children’s librarian space into a Makerbot Space. While this was an unusually large capital spending year, we feel it was necessary in response to our patrons’ needs and demands. As the uses of libraries are changing, we must make efforts to evolve. The Makerbot room will also be used for small meeting space. Looking ahead, we are optimistic that we have budgeted our income sources realistically for next year and are working closely with the First Selectman and Selectmen in managing for our future planning. While our budget is up $62,000 next year we are hopeful to make the additional $38,000 through the tireless efforts of our fundraising volunteers. We have asked the town for the remaining $24,000.
Report of the Library Director Library Director Beth Dominianni stated that the library welcomed over 80,000 visitors this year, and hundreds more used the library through the 24/7 downloadable services for eBooks, audiobooks, movies, magazines and music. Highlighted programs included the Great Decisions foreign affairs monthly discussion group, staying open late for mid-terms and the inaugural Pudd’nhead Parade for children. The first-time addition of a part-time Teen Librarian meant increased programming for that hard-to-reach age group. Prominent in that programming was the use of the new Makerbot printer, a generous donation from a local family. She noted that the library appreciated co-sponsoring programs with many local organizations and participating in several community wide events. The recent expansion of the parking lot made all of this ongoing activity in the library that much easier. She thanked the staff, volunteers and board members who helped make the library year so successful.
Report of the Nominating Committee and Election of Trustees Vice President/Nominating Chair Sandi O’Reilly gave the report of the Nominating Committee. The following slate of Trustees was proposed:
Term Ending 2017: Ginny Beasley, Karen Gifford, Elaine Sanders Term Ending 2018: Terry Flagg, Angela Matsuoka, Mike Rigby, Jen Wastrom Term Ending 2019: Tom Hauser, Betsy Higgins Five new trustees for their first term ending 2019: Katharine Dusenbury, Richard Emerson, Midge Loery, Eric Rubury and Rochelle Williston. There being no nominations from the floor, Secretary Jen Wastrom, moved to cast a unanimous ballot for the slate. (June Myles seconded).
New Business As a matter of New Business, President Robey announced the slate of officers to be elected by the Board: President-Jen Wastrom; Vice President-Terry Flagg; Treasurer-Betsy Higgins; Secretary- Elaine Sanders.
The Annual Meeting adjourned at 6:35 pm.
Respectfully Submitted, Jennifer Wastrom Secretary, Mark Twain Library Board of Trustees
World Peace Mandala For five days in November, the Mark Twain Library hosted a group of Tibetan monks from India who, on the floor in the center of the building, created a one of a kind work of art.
Using metal funnels, the monks meticulously placed millions of brightly colored grains sand to form a World Peace Mandala. The design was intended as an offering of peace and unity.
The monks sat peacefully hunched over in concentration - from morning til the evening – while the library remained open to the public. Hundreds of visitors witnessed the ancient art form in action; some stopping to sit for an hour or two, some just passing by.
On November 13, the monks conducted a closing dissolution ceremony. The sand was carefully swept into a jar, and the monks then quietly made their way down to the banks of the Saugatuck River behind the library where they poured the once stunning masterpiece into the water, ritually returning it to nature.
This extraordinary week in the life of the library was made possible by The Allen and Helen Her- mes Art Series and Redding’s Tibetan Buddhist Center of Universal Peace. P.O. Box 1009 | Redding, CT 06875 | www.marktwainlibrary.org