Friends of the Plainfield Library
Board Meeting (Sept. 25, 2013)
Attendance: Barbara Ebeling (President), Elsbeth Ritz (Treasurer), Ceil Carey (Library Liaison), Vicki
Knight, Donna Morrow, Doris Puntney, Anita Quinlen (Library Liaison), Pat Scott (guest), Jeri Scurlock,
Sue Welch
Old Business: The August 28, 2013 minutes were reviewed; Donna Morrow moved to accept the minutes; Vicki Knight seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Elsbeth Ritz presented the treasurer’s report noting that currently the Friends’ account had a balance of
$4,298.12. She also noted that since January 1, 2013 the Friends had generated an income totaling
$8,281.12. Since January 1, 2013, the Friends have donated $3,872.00 to the Library. After a discussion,
Donna Morrow made a motion to write a check of $3,000 to the library leaving a balance of $1,298.12 in the Friends account. Vickie Knight seconded the motion; the motion carried. This donation will bring the total donated to the Library to $6,875 along with $200.00 donated for Usborne Books and $575.62 for the Staff Recognition Luncheon.
Barbara Ebeling shared data on the recent Facebook usage noting that she tried the “Boost” capability to increase the Friends reach out to the community. She noted that for $20 she was able to increase just before the Art & Craft Fair to 9,776 Facebook users in the Chicago Suburban area. That represented a
576.6% increase over our normal reach. Barbara suggested that the Friends use this capability prior to future events as advertising. She noted this also resulted in a 40% increase in “likes”.
Regarding the Art & Craft Fair, Barbara shared the summarized feedback from the exhibitors noting the responses were generally positive. She noted that there were numerous suggestions for improvements.
Barbara also shared her Thoughts/Recommendations for a potential 2014 Art & Craft Fair. She noted that these thoughts and recommendations could also apply to the Community Garage Sale and Vendor
Market. A follow up discussion generated other feedback from Board members which Barbara added to the Summary Information. The Art & Craft Fair generated an income of $2,436.11.
Elsbeth Ritz shared a thank you note from Kathie Murphy regarding the Staff Recognition Luncheon.
Barbara Ebeling shared a thank you note from Jayne Odegaard, Maintenance Department, for the
Friends of the Library gift card.
New Business: Barbara Ebeling took some time to thank Ceil Carey for all she has done for the Friends of the Library over the past 15 years. With this Barbara presented Ceil with a thank you gift noting that it will be a loss to the Friends when Ceil retires in December.
Elsbeth Ritz thanked Barbara for her leadership with the Friends over the past four years. With this
Elsbeth presented Barbara with a thank you gift and noted that the Friends wished her well and hoped she would still be available in an advisory capacity.

Barbara Ebeling thanked Elsbeth Ritz for all her hard work over the years as the Friends of the Library
Treasure and Membership Chairman. Barbara noted that Elsbeth probably maintained some of the most detailed financial records the Friends have ever had kept. Thanks so very much Elsbeth.
Election of Officers: Diane Platt was nominated for the position of President; the motion was seconded. The motion carried. Barbara noted that Diane would call her first Board meeting in early
January to determine the Friends’ activities. Barbara noted she would be available at all meetings through September in the role of Past President Advisor.
Teresa Frederick was nominated for the position of Secretary; the motion was seconded. The motion carried.
Sue Welch was nominated for the position of Treasurer; the motion was seconded. The motion carried.
Elsbeth Ritz noted she would work with Sue to make the transition and to get all the necessary bank signatures.
Nancy Maynard was nominated to fill the position of Membership Chair; the motion was seconded.
The motion carried. Elsbeth Ritz noted she would assist Nancy in getting Nancy’s first membership campaign off and running.
Donna Morrow moved to adjourn the meeting; Vickie Knight seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Next Meeting: January
(To be set by Diane Platt)