Friends of Ridgefield Community Library

General Meeting Minutes

June 18, 2026



IN ATTENDANCE:

Board members:  Jeanne Androvich, president; Sophie Chi, vice president; Toni Rimer, secretary; Kathy Streissguth, treasurer; Cathy Humphrey, past president; August Hynning, student director-at-large; Sean McGill, RCL branch manager

Members:  Linda DeForrest, Gayle Hanse, Christle England, Debby Mohler, Lilly Jarusevicius, Chris Ann Daugherty, Karen Meyer

Guests:  Glen England, Larry England, Robin England, Karen McCann


CALL TO ORDER/ESTABLISH QUORUM

The meeting was called to order by President Jeanne Androvich at 6:00p.m., and a quorum was established.  The meeting was immediately recessed for dinner.  The meeting was reconvened at 6:15 p.m.


APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Jeanne asked if there were any changes or corrections to the agenda.  Hearing none,  Christle England moved to accept the agenda as presented, seconded by August Hynning .  The motion was approved unanimously.


CORRESPONDENCE

There was no correspondence to report.


APPROVAL OF GENERAL MEETING MINUTES – May 21, 2026

Jeanne asked if there were any corrections or additions to the general meeting minutes of May 21, 2026.  Hearing none,  Cathy Humphrey moved to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Sophie Chi.  The motion was approved unanimously.


TREASURER’S REPORT – May 2026 Report

Kathy Streissguth asked if there were any questions regarding the May 2026 treasurer’s report.  Hearing none,  Gayle Hansen moved to accept the treasurer’s report as presented, seconded by Sean McGill.  The motion was approved unanimously, and the report will be filed for audit.


APPROVAL OF PROPOSED BUDGET FOR JULY 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2026

Kathy S. presented the proposed budget for the remainder of the year in conjunction with the FVRL Foundation’s fiscal year transition.  She asked if there were any questions regarding the proposed budget, and hearing none, Christle moved to approve the proposed budget for July 1 – December 31, 2026, as presented, seconded by Cathy H.  The motion was approved unanimously.


FVRL FOUNDATON REPORT

There was no report from the Foundation.


BRANCH MANAGER’S REPORT

The following is the report from Sean McGill, branch manager.

Approval of FRCL Branch Manager’s Proposed Expenditures

Sean noted that the library would have some expenditures that would be purchased by credit card for the next six-month period and requested approval of up to $1,200.00, from his budgeted funds.  Christle so moved, seconded by Linda DeForrest.  The motion was approved unanimously.


A short break was taken at this time.


FRIENDS BUSINESS


ADMINISTRATION

Approval of Revisions to the Bylaws

Toni Rimer reported that the committee to review the bylaws had met and discussed a number of changes to the document, including the change from the July 1 to June 30 fiscal year to the January 1 to December 31 fiscal year.  A copy of the draft of the proposed bylaws changes was emailed to all members for their review.  Toni went through the document, highlighting the changes and asked if there were any questions or concerns.  Hearing none, Sophie moved to approve the revisions to the bylaws as presented, seconded by Gayle.  The motion was approved unanimously. 


Results of Survey Regarding the Request to Change Friends Meeting Time and Day

Jeanne thoroughly reviewed the results of the survey that had been sent to all members.  There had been eighteen responses, and there was no clear indication of which day and time would be the most appropriate.  After some discussion, it was determined that this item will be tabled until the next general meeting.


FUNDRAISING

Used Book Store/Donations/Sorting Team

Christle announced that Gayle had assumed the responsibilities of the used book store, and Gayle noted that she will be changing over the stock at least once a month, if not more frequently as needed.  Christle stated that they are still seeing people using the book store as an exchange, and that the books that are being left are not up to the Friends’ standards.  Donations are still being received and the sorting team continues to work hard to manage the donations.

 

Spring Used Book Sale

Kathy S. noted that the profits from the June used book sale were not as expected, stating that it was one of the lowest earning sales that she had been tracking for some time.  The total amount was $1,447.50.  Kathy also noted that there were enough books still available for the upcoming giveaway programs.


ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH

RCL 5th Birthday Celebration, July 10, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Sean noted he had received confirmation of the Stitchery group and the Line Dancing group to appear at the celebration, indicating he had still not gotten any confirmation from the “Read to a Dog” group.  The Friends will be supplying books to give away to both children and adults, as well as cookies.


Ridgefield’s National Night Out, August 4, 2026

Jeanne noted that she had registered the Friends to participate in the event and will be seeking volunteers to work that evening.


COMMUNICATIONS

Website, Facebook, and Instagram

August indicated that the Friends Instagram now had 130 followers, and she encouraged folks on Instagram to “follow” the Friends.


OTHER CONTINUING OR NEW BUSINESS

There was none reported.


ADJOURNMENT

At this time, there being no further business, the annual meeting was adjourned at 7:07 p.m.


SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Jeanne noted that a FRCL Volunteer of the Year Award had been created, and that with her commitment to the mission of the Friends, as well as her enthusiasm and creativity to engage both children and adults alike in a variety of ways, Christle England had been chosen as the first recipient of the award.  The audience enthusiastically responded to her selection.


Respectfully submitted,

Toni Rimer, secretary