Annual Meeting of the
Wyomissing Public Library Association
November 15, 2005

The Annual Meeting of the Wyomissing Public Library was held on Tuesday, November 15, 2005 in the Community Room of the library. President Geoffrey Stoudt gave welcoming comments and called the meeting to order at 5:00 P.M.

Members present: Maryann Combs, Lisa Gallen, Denise Greenwood, Judy Phelps, Jacqueline Roddy, John Schmoyer, Brad Scribner, Steven Silverman, Bill Stobbart, Geoff Stoudt, Mary Ellen Wells, Philip Wolfe.
Honorary member: Elizabeth Rothermel
Library Director: Christopher Ritter
There were no additional attendees.

President's report: Geoff summarized the highlights and events of this past year. They included, but were not limited to, 1) the continued increase in use of the Library (visitors and circulation), 2) the upgrade of the circulation system, 3) the grants and donations from the Wyomissing Foundation and friends of the library, 4) improvements to the patio and the replacement of numerous sections of sidewalks, 5) the work and effort of the staff and board to increase activities designed to better market what the library has to offer to the community, and 6) the outstanding contributions made by the library's new director (Chris Ritter) and children's librarian (Colleen Stamm). On a less positive note, Geoff reiterated the funding challenges that the WPL board will continue to face in the future.

Treasurer's Report: The WPL's 2004 financial statements were reviewed by Oeysher & Hartman, CPA's. No significant findings were reported. Borough funding for 2005 was decreased by $20,000, leaving a planned budget deficit of approximately $33,000. Bill Stobbart reported, however, that the careful management of expenses throughout 2005 (primarily in the area of rescheduling staff), the anticipated deficit has been cut in half, with plans to further reduce it in 2006. The reallocation of Long Term Reserves between capital preserving investments and growth investments is on track to earn an annualized return of approximately 7.5%. These funds are managed by Vanguard.

Library Director's Report: Despite a decrease in Borough funding and only a small increase in State aid, 2005 has been viewed as a very successful year for the Wyomissing Public Library. 51,000 visitors have been welcomed into the WPL, with a circulation of 70,000 items, a 2% increase over 2004, through the end of October. Two of the primary objectives for 2005 have been achieved with outstanding results. The first being that of updating the library's circulation system. The state-of-the-art Millennium systems has proved to be a powerful tool for the staff, in addition to allowing users home-access to their records and the library's catalog. Secondly, programming for children has increased, through the efforts of Children's Librarian, Colleen Stamm, to the extent that 15 or more programs are being hosted each month. Chris Ritter also acknowledged a grant from the Wyomissing Foundation which was used to purchase three computers designated only for children. And sadly, the 2005 passing of four friends of the library, Candis Boyer, Sandy Park, Ted Bausher, and Dr. J. Peter Muhlenberg.

Committee Reports: Annual reports are attached.

Nominating Committee: The Nominating committee proposed the following slate for 2006:
Executive Committee - President: Geoffrey Stoudt; Vice President: Lisa Gallen; Treasurer: William Stobbart; Recording Secretary: John Schmoyer; Corresponding Secretary: Denise Greenwood.
New Voting Board Members - Jacqueline Roddy in Position #3, Elaine Balkiewicz in Position #5, Jennifer Sokol in Position #12, and Allison Althouse in Position #13.
At-Large Members - Diane Yoh and Marlisa Mizerak
Honorary Members - Leslie Bell, Bruce Bengston, Ruth Anne Bengston, John Bowman, Mary Capallo, Ruth MacRae, Ann Overly Moll, Thomas Moll, Judith Phelps, Thomas Roberts, Elizabeth Rothermel, and Heber Yeagley.

Two voting members (Positions 9 and 10) will be needed to be replaced at the end of 2006. The committee acknowledged the passing of J. Peter Muhlenberg.

Unfinished Business: None

New business: None

President Stoudt adjourned the meeting at 5:25 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
John P. Schmoyer, Recording Secretary