Present: Gretchen Asam, Donna Chale, Barbara Hammond, Teri Caouette, Nancy B. Grant, Sue Leiter, Edna M.Comstock, Jeff Small, Lynn Lowell, Peg Becksvoort, Joyce Lucas

• The meeting was called order at 9:20 in the Maine State Archive research room.
• The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as read.

Treasurer's Report by Donna Chale.  She had questions about the following and asked for clarification from those who might deal directly with a particular item: conference and dues, scholarships, public relations, bulk mailing permit, Intellectual Freedom trip to ALA.

• Donna reported that Innovative grant monies were up to $7,000.00
• Discussed funding for representation and whether we are spending too much of our reserve.
• The board was asked to detail expenses be prepared to discuss these items in December.
• Peg made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report as read. Nancy seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Tour of Maine State Archives

Comments on AASL in Rhode Island.  Donna, Peg and Barbara reported on their conference experiences.  They were asked to do panel discussions at conference.  Teri suggested that in December, or following other meetings, we could have mini workshops.  Discussed getting into the principal’s conference to make contacts.

Conference Report.  Jeff relayed that the conference committee met in Pittsfield.  The next meeting will be Nov. 17 at Prince Memorial in Cumberland from 12:30 to 3:00 PM. 

• He is hopeful that a company will donate a laptop as a door prize.  They will meet with the vendor committee on this. 
• Some good contacts have been made toward programs. 
• The theme of the next conference is "Libraries Celebrate Lifelong Learning." 
• 2 new committees were added, decoration and evaluation.  Still need a program chair or have the board be the program chair committee.  The committee is working on a book to help with planning the conference.

Reports from Chairs.

NEEMA Conference - Nancy Grant.  March 29 will be on facilities for teens.  March 30 will feature Ross Todd on collaboration.

Maine Infonet Board – Gretchen took steps toward opening a position on this board for a school librarian.  Now a person is needed to fill that position.

Scholarships – Barbara asked for others to look at the Taranko scholarship application.

Membership and legal - Edna Comstock.  Membership renewals have been mailed to those who did not get one at conference.  There will be a new mailing to potential new members.  As they come in, a postcard is being sent out which includes a cut-out, wallet-sized card.  Discussed MASL's nonprofit status as it relates to a new federal law (2008) that will apply to nonprofits making less than $25,000.  Edna will contact an accountant whose focus is on nonprofit organizations. 

Grants/Intellectual Freedom – In Kelly's absence Teri shared a few intellectual freedom issues--Executioner’s Song and Schoolyard Rhymes were both challenged.  Also, Teri reported that 5 innovative grants and 4 adaptive grants were awarded.  Kelly asked that the same deadlines, July 31 for innovative and November 30 for adaptive grants.  She would also like discussion about the number of grants.

• ALA at Seattle – Teri and Pam are going.
• Other
  • Nancy pointed out an article in NEA Today regarding school libraries and suggested we thank them.
  • Peg will share her experience with Mermaid for Maine History at the December meeting.
  • Peg spoke on National Board Certification and encouraged others to go look into it. 
  • Schedule: 
    • The next meeting will be on December 2 in Old Town with a conference meeting following.
    • Jan. 6 will meet at Falmouth.
    • February 3 will meet at Augusta.
    • March 3 will meet at Old Town.
    • March 24 – Spring Fling with a snow date on the 31^.
    • April 28 – will meet at Augusta with a conference meeting afterward.
    • There will be no meeting in May
    • Tentative retreat date – July 30 and 31

o      Teri asked the board to look at the MASL web site to help keep it updated.

o      Edna will email the board email addresses to everyone.