Bellefonte Library Friends

10/19/2026

If you haven’t joined yet, now is the time! So your support for your local library!

10/17/2026

10/09/2026

Business and community members working together to make their local library a more welcoming place within their community. Thank you to all involved.

10/06/2026

What is your favorite “banned “ book?

09/15/2026

🎓 DAY 13 OF 30: RETIRE “OLD BUSINESS”

If your agenda still says “Old Business,” it may be time for an update.

Under RONR, the correct heading is Unfinished Business and General Orders. RONR specifically says the expression “old business” should be avoided because it may incorrectly suggest further consideration of matters that have already been finally disposed of. RONR (12th ed.) 41:21, fn. 5

But changing the name on the agenda is only part of the lesson. Unfinished business does NOT mean anything discussed at a previous meeting.

When regular business meetings are no more than a quarterly time interval apart, unfinished business refers to questions that come over from the previous meeting because that meeting adjourned without completing its order of business and without scheduling an adjourned meeting to complete it. RONR (12th ed.) 41:21

So what might actually come up under Unfinished Business and General Orders?

🔹 A question that was pending when the previous meeting adjourned.

🔹 Unfinished business from the previous meeting that was not reached.

🔹 General orders from the previous meeting that were not reached.

🔹 Matters that were postponed to, or otherwise made general orders for, the present meeting.

RONR (12th ed.) 41:23

The chair should not announce Unfinished Business and General Orders unless the minutes show that there is business to come up under that heading. RONR (12th ed.) 41:24

And if there is unfinished business, the chair should not ask, “Is there any unfinished business?” The chair should already know what business is coming over, have it listed in the proper sequence, and state the first item that is due to come up. RONR (12th ed.) 41:24

💡 TWYLAH'S TAKEAWAY
Unfinished business isn't a search for something old to discuss. The chair should know before the meeting whether there is unfinished business and exactly what business is due to come before the assembly.

Check your agenda. If it automatically includes “Old Business” at every meeting, it may be time for an update.

📖 Explore Further: RONR (12th ed.) 41:21-24

09/13/2026

🎸 With a Centre County Library card, you can check out a ukulele and beginner guidebook!

💳 September is Library Card Sign-up Month, so every day we're posting one reason that you should sign up for a library card. If you already have a card, encourage a friend to get their card this month! Follow along with our online calendar at https://www.centrecountylibrary.org/library-card-signup-month

09/13/2026

Join the Centre County Library, and Schlow Library, at the “Why Should I Vote” event at the Nittany Mall today from 2-5pm. We will have a schedule of events, a children’s activity, as well as a free book for you to take.

09/13/2026

09/13/2026

Thanks to all the Bellefonte Library Friends, as well as a few community members, who made the Art in the Open reception a success! We couldn’t have done it without you!