[Music] This is the May 15th, 2025 meeting of the Accession Public Library Board of Trustees. We are being audio taped and
videotaped and we do have a quorum. Um, first I'd like to recognize our newest member, Eileen Wilmas Garrett. Um, she was elected by the town to, uh, serve on the library board. So, welcome. Thank you. And we, uh, we look forward to
having you on the on the board. Thanks so much. Uh, our first item of business today is the minutes, uh, the secretary's report from April 11th. Does anyone have any um clarifications or
questions on those minutes? Okay. There's a motion to accept the minutes. Second. Okay. All in favor? We're going to do a roll call vote cuz uh Eileen wasn't at that meeting. So Nancy I John I. Jerry I. And myself is
an I. Thank you. Next on the agenda, we have the budgets. Budgets. So, let's start off with salaries. Um, can't believe this, but there's only four pay periods left in this fiscal year. Um, so our director
and patron services supervisor are where we should be for um spending. Um, so there's a little wither room in library technicians and children living room assistant. So I'm using that to cover uh staff vacations, personal days, and
sicknesses. Um, and let's jump into operating. Um, so for the energy line, I have received um the energy bills through March. So I have not received April's yet. Um so we are we're entering
that period where our bills are slightly significant less. So for example the jump so February to March the bill was down $400 um in building and grounds uh
proficient uh quarterly plan um came out uh in April. So that was deducted. They actually came here uh last week to to do their scan. Um and we are caught up with the
building and grounds just I'll explain uh more of the building and grounds when I get to the walkway um on the under new business. Um, so for office supplies, um, I had to purchase the barcodes that we place on
books so when they get cataloged, they can be entered into the system and just miscellaneous items of, uh, toilet paper, um, some materials for summer reading, meaning um, card stock um was
used in the uh, office supply line. Um, and then our materials. Like I said in the last meeting, I maxed out that line. Um, I will say, um, I recently had two invoices created for Hoopla and
Overdrive. So, those were both signed by Jen because they're over $1,000. And I am happy to announce that I will have the 16% spent on materials this year. cuz they won't be a panic
unlike last year. So, as you know, I order books in advance. I don't get them until maybe a week before or after their release date. So, we still are getting um deals or invoices for materials. It's just I don't get them until the books
get released, but they have been ordered. Um so, that will definitely raise the 16% of materials um spent. And I did you know, e resources or ebooks, e
audiobooks are becoming very very very popular. Um, so I feel comfortable putting in higher amounts into that than than normal because the statistics are there, especially for audio books. Um, and that's it for the budget. Um,
any questions? We're almost at the end of this FY and next year will be interesting to see. But um any questions and anything needs to be clarified there? No, it looks good. It looks good. The energy is is
definitely less than we expected it to be. So that's good. Yeah. So last year there was that right as we were going to budget negotiations or budget talks for FY25, uh the rate that the town was receiving
for energy went up. the contract that they had with whoever it was. Uh, but I will say that, you know, it is pretty high, but it's not the astronomical high that we saw that one or two times when that contract ended. So, I do believe
they renegotiated with someone. Um, but I I don't I don't know. That's good. Well, either way, it's less, so that's a good thing. Yes. All right. Do we have no no other questions or comments on the budget? All
right. Can we get a motion? Move we accept the budget. Second. All in favor? I I thank you. Old business. We have an update regarding the federal cuts to the Institute of the U of Museum and Library
Services. So, IM LS. So, I am just going to read uh what the MBLC, the Massachusetts LI uh Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, they send us emails weekly um with updates regarding
um the IMLS and as of recent the uh firing of Carla Hayden, who was the Librarian of Congress. She was uh fired. Um, and I just want to read a paragraph that was in the email that I think is
important. Um, Dr. Hayden's erupt termination is a stark reminder that our freedom, including our freedom to read, is being challenged across the country. Here at home, we need to contri uh continue efforts to pass legislation that protects that right and protects
the library and who ensure who work to ensure that all voice voices are part of library collections. I just wanted to highlight that um let it sit um because this is it's a scary time. I'm not going
to lie. As a librarian in a public setting, it's scary. And um in terms of the IMLS, um there has been some good news. A federal judge um granted a preliminary
injunction halting the further dismantle of the IMLS. So there are two separate lawsuits and this one um is slowing down or at least putting um pressure on you know
saying this is law unlawful um but there at least is a temporary uh restrain in order to block the dismantle of IMLS and that's where that stands. But with that being said, the MBLC who
receives federal funding uh for from from the from for programs um education purposes, the CAP Comat, which is a database we use to get items outside of the sales network, um federal
grants that they uh use for libraries. um that they're facing difficult decisions um and that what they are going to do um is that they cannot sign contracts and move ahead with services for FY
2026. So there's a lot of uncertainty when the new fiscal year happens. I hope you know our biggest concerns uh that we will see effect is if concat is taken away from us because we are small
library we rely on uh borrowing from other places. Um just last month we used concat 12 times to request 12 items to come to our library from outside the sales network. And then the other uh thing that we would see is the
databases. So, there are databases that anyone could use on our web page that are funded through uh that are federally funded um and they're run through the MBLC. Um last meeting I mentioned that the statistics, this is the first time I
ever saw statistics for it jumped from a few like 200 hits to a,000 hits within September till uh March. Um, I thought maybe it could be the
school schools using the databases or we did have a a quick Q&A for homeschoolers at the library and that uh the databases were mentioned. So, it could just be people are using it now cuz they're aware of it. So, I just wanted to, you
know, bring that to the forefront of of of this and, you know, there's a lot of uncertainty. So hopefully next meeting I have better news to report but it's something we have to unfortunately you know prepare for
but we have to take it day by day. Any questions about the MBLC or the I MLC or IMLS? Does that person get replaced with someone else or this just those big uh I believe there was talks of somebody so
President Trump was hiring some attorney that worked with him. There was a name mentioned and I don't know what it was but I don't know after that. Um so it's ongoing and it's
Yeah. Well, thank you for You're welcome. giving us the update and, you know, letting us know what how it, you know, may affect us here. Yes. Yeah. So, you know, a lot of patrons, you know, they're not aware of Comcast. Comcast is a big thing here. So, some patrons do
use it. And, you know, when someone gives me a title and I cannot find it, I'm like, well, I can try Comcast. And they're like, what's Comcast? Oh, it's this wonderful catalog that is run through the that's done through the suite and you can get materials outside of the sales network and you can even do
it at home. You know, you don't have to come to the library to use it. So, it's especially for us being a small library, it's so good for us, you know, and for it to cease, I I don't want to think about it, but it it would it would hurt
us. It would hurt patrons. and you know it's you're restricting access um to you know materials they need. Yep. So all right thank you very much for that update. We're going to move on to
the FY26 budget. All right. So, I met I had a a meeting with Jamie on April 25th and I was asked to cut some of our budget. Um, so, uh,
the only thing that I thought I could see some wiggle room in was the energy line. So, I went ahead and cut, uh, $1,450 from the energy line. So, the
energy line now uh sits at $15,130. So, the new FY26 ask would be 305 620 and
um that's it. I haven't heard anything. I know their select committee and the finance committee have been meeting. So, um, that's where I am right now. That's the new number. Um, and then, and then just to make mention that that
that's still above the MAR. Our MAR is uh $33,78. So, that would put us over. Yes. So, a difference of $2,542. So, we are above and that's where we
want to be. Okay. Mhm. Perfect. Um, any questions on the new proposed budget for FY26? And since the bills have been less for energy, then I assume that you feel comfortable I do feel comfortable with.
Yes. As long as whatever rate they negotiated remains, I do feel comfortable with. Okay. Yep. Does anyone have any questions or comments or just be careful cuz now our buffer is only
$2,000. Yes. Yes. As the year goes on, we have to be careful however them are. Yeah. Okay. You're right. Mhm. So, you know, this will is you know, I won't know for sure until meeting, but
that's where we are right now. And um they are meeting and I believe the selectman are meeting tomorrow again. And I do watch the finance committee meetings and the selectman meetings just to see if there's any updates and any other valuable information uh pertaining
to the library or the town in general too. It's always good to know. Absolutely. So any questions or anything? Can we get a motion to um accept the budget? Make a motion to accept the
budget. Second. All in favor? I I thank [Music] you. New business, we have the library participating in the senior workout program. Yes. So, this was mentioned
um it was brought to me by Alan and uh Lauren um at the counciling on aging. So, back in December, uh, Alan met with Lauren to discuss the senior work off program. Um, and Lauren reached out to
me recently to see if we were still interested because now it's not winter and you know, things have been growing. You can see it's already starting with the wheats. So um the serial workout program is a program that those who qualify uh work
for the tow so to say to work off um their tax or some type of tax. Um so what I am proposing is to actually participate in this program. There is a
gentleman who reached out to Lauren um who I believe works or worked at the golf course who so they do have a background with landscaping so to say and they were still interested in
potentially helping us. So I um gathered all the information on the senior uh program. So they so whoever gets so this person would have to go through a quarry screening and then they also have to uh fill out a town uh employment
application plus the applications regarding the senior workoff program. So it's formal. It's not you're not pulling someone off the street and say hey can you do this and so forth. So, it's they're being screened. It's a
formal process. Um, one thing to to note is that the money does not come from the department's budget at all. This is strictly they work it up. They so to say work towards their their taxes. Um,
I walked around the property uh went in the sheds because I'm like, "Okay, so if we do uh have this person come in and work, what do I have here?" Well, I have a lot more than I realized.
So, so in one of the sheds, um, there are ton of landscaping tools. I don't think I've ever lit in the last shed on our property because I was told it had lawnmowers. I'm like, why am I going to go look at a lawnmower? So, there are a
ton of landscaping tools. There's clippers, there's two types of clippers, there's rakes, there's shovels, there's barrels, there's all kinds of stuff, a weed whacker, but I don't even know if that works cuz I don't know how to operate that and I'm not going to. So, we have
the equipment. Um, so this person I was thinking if they're available um to work either like on Fridays before we open. So depending on their schedule, I mean this might not work, but the best bet
would to be before, you know, 9 to to 12 or 9 to 11. It just depends on how much work is out there. Like I don't know, but it is a work in progress. It would be something I would speak with whoever gets hired. Um, you know, and they also
could come in, you know, Rick's here at 8, so if they wanted to come in and start doing the hedges at 8, we don't open till 10:30. Um, that's also an option. So, I would work with this person. I would sign off on their time sheets. Um, and they would just come in
and, you know, help us out, help our our flower beds. Well, you said So, is the idea is is the idea for you to want them to be here when the library is not open. Is that what the or does it they're not cuz they're not coming in the library,
per se? They I mean I we want somebody has to be in in the library. So either RIP cuz they would need the the key to the shed. Okay. Um I mean they could even work when we are open. It's not disturbing
anyone. Just it's just you know for ease of maybe comfort for them. You know if there are patrons in and out on the walkway you know if it were not open yet the only person who's using the walkway is most likely the mail person delivering the mail or our delivery. Um,
so I'm just I I'm I'm just asking if I'm I'm if the trustees would allow me to pursue this. Oh, absolutely. I just didn't know if you were just thinking that they were going to be working like, you know, like if their schedule doesn't allow them to work on Friday morning.
So, as long as it's as long as it's okay, whatever I will work with them, but I'm not throwing that off. There's no ideal, you know, Fridays. I'm here, you know, from 9 to 1. And there's no one here. Right. Right. But if they can't do it, um or if it rains. Yeah.
Like you know, and then you happen to have every Saturday raining right now. So the first time they come here, obviously you I mean it depends on if they get tired, you know. Um I don't know how many hours they're they're expected to work, but I will work with
them. Um there's no restriction that I have to they have to work, you know, in 3hour shifts or whatnot. Okay. Um, so I just want before we proceed with this and um, this get the applications get sent and this I mean I think they might
even be working elsewhere at this point uh, in town. But on the application it it says where you would like to work but the library is not listed but it says other. So they can just go ahead and fill in library. Um, and is it one
person? It's one person right now. I only have one name. Um, I mean, if there are interests, you know, I mean, if we open this door, there might be other people. Um, I mean, obviously the first cleanup will be the the most work, but
as long as it's upkept like every month, every month, every other week. I I don't know. It depends on this person. And just for clarification, just for the people out there or anybody that's watching, we're looking for the senior work off program for people to work on
the landscaping outside the library. Nothing inside the library. We don't unfortunately we don't have any uh volunteer opportunities or work off opportunities inside the library because those we we have the staff here for that. So there's nothing. It's external
mainly the flower beds under the sign around the trees. We don't really have any vegetation in the back that gets mowed. Um the sign here which is just the front of the building. go is just upkeeping of flower beds. We I just want to make sure
that we are not getting No, unfortunately we can't have that 50 applications because that we would never unfortunately we can't. So it's just for the landscape. So I think it's
a great idea. What does everybody else? I mean it makes sense to do it when it's not open. You don't want kids machines. Yes. I mean I don't have any machines. I only have anything true. Plus, at least then you'll be able to work with them to say, "Hey, listen. You know, this first week it may be 10 hours I need to be
here, but then every week after that, they only need to be like two and then you're going to get to a certain point that by the time we get to like the fall, it's going to be the fall cleanup and then see you in the spring, right?" But it's still I think it's I think it's here. It's a solution
to the issue I've been having for I'll be almost 2 years this June, you know, regarding the flower beds. Uh it's a solution. I'm willing to try it and you know, if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. You know, there's no harm to follow. And um and I think someone
that's that's you know, used to landscaping or you know, I mean that's that's just the area of expertise. Yes, it is. That's great. Yes. Can can we does anyone else have any questions or anything on it? If not, can
we just get a motion? Um, I move that we look into hiring someone from the senior workup program. Second. All in favor? I. So, I will immediately after this meeting, I'll reach out to Lauren and I know she's
waiting for an answer and we'll start this process. Perfect. Thank you. You're welcome. Next, we have a donation from the Christian Lions Club. So, the Christian Lions Club uh donated $2,000 to our summer reading, uh our summer concert,
sorry, our summer concert series. Um they have been donors in the past. Um we, you know, it's amazing. Um so, I just need to have a acceptance from the trustees. Okay. A format. make a motion
to accept $2,000 from the Lions Club. Second. All in favor? I I just want to take a minute to thank the Christian Lions Club for that donation to the um summer concert series. Um as everyone knows, it's
hugely popular and um you know, it is greatly appreciated. So, thank you very much. Moving on to the next item, we have the resealing of the walkway. So last summer, we had a patron
come up to us and I also before I even start, I try I looked at a meeting minutes and I didn't see that I had it discussed on camera. So um if I'm repeating myself, sorry. So, we had a patron come up to us last one during one
of the concerts and they said, "Hey, I did the walkway when you guys moved here. It needs to be sailing. Desperately needs to be sealed." I'm like, "Oh, oh, oh, oh, so they gave me their contact information." He said he would do the labor, everything for free. I just have to purchase the supplies.
So, time goes on and couldn't do it in the fall cuz the weather. So, he's like, "Well, do it in the spring." So, I text him and he is interested in doing it, but the issue with it is the seal that
he uses uh used to be purchased at Beacon Hardware. Beacon Hardware no longer exists. They closed down. So, the I reached out to Matt um to see if he could find this sealant. Um, I
also spoke to Matt if they like if I should go through them like the town to do it or should I just have a gentleman who did it originally. Um, Matt didn't feel too comfortable about it. It's but he was willing to do it. Um, because if this guy does it for a living, like you
know, no-brainer. But my concern is getting an invoice for this. It's difficult um if we don't have an established account, if the town doesn't have an established account somewhere. So, Matt has been on the hunt for the stealer. Um, I had a email last night
saying he had one more place to look, but they haven't been able to to find it. Um, so I am asking if I could, although I don't have a definite answer of
um, where the sealant will come. I'm asking if I would be allowed to. Um, and I also had a I'm changing my thought. I know I spoke to you about using the stock gift fund, but I haven't used a revolving fund this year. Mhm. So there
is a revolving fund that our fines and fees go into. So I'm asking if when I don't believe the sealant would be more than and I might be exaggerating this more than $400. So, I'm asking if when I
do get a quote on the sealant, if I could go ahead and proceed to purchase the sealant, so that way the walkway could get done um sooner rather than later because it it's weather dependent. So, it could be very hot come June, the
next time we meet, and then I have to wait again for cooler weather. Um, and then then there's also the issue if they can't find it, then I have to revisit this and see if they could use something else.
Um, but I I don't have I don't know. I don't know anything about stealing, right? So, so it's how much is in the front just uh right now? 3,000. 3,000 is in the revolving fund. Makes
sense. Sometimes I forget. I'm like, "Wait a minute." Because I haven't used I haven't, you know, I put the deposits in there, but I'm like, "Oh, oh, okay." So, um, so yes, that's what I'm asking is if
I'm allowed to purchase this and have it done um sooner than later. Uh, I just didn't want to wait till the next meeting, although I don't have a definite answer. Um, but I'm assuming if they can't find this seallet that um, this gentleman wants that there has to be other options
out there. So, you know, he's willing to do it, you know, labor free cuz he did it the first time. He just and he will also I will probably I will have to come in when he wants to do it because it will be done um, he has to power wash and then he doesn't need building access
on the following day. He just whatever they do, right? And uh it dries within 30 minutes. So I just have to be on premise for it. Um but it it does need to be done because I'm starting to notice the paint along the side. I think
it's pink. I don't is chipping on the on the bricks. Um and it, you know, it's a heated walkway, so when we do use it, um it gets hot, gets cold, gets hot, it gets cold, and it just, you know, it's cracking in certain places. So Okay. So
yes, that's the gist of it. So I wish I had more information, more solid. Yes. Has anyone reached out to him? Because if he's the person who does this for a living and he you can't get that I I I have been speaking to him. Yes. Yeah. I
mean, he would know. Oh, like we had to get the He Well, so he said Rocky's in Free Haven, right? They went to Rocky's and they don't have it. So I can ask again to see if there's other places. Okay.
Yep. At least if he's someone that Yes. And actually the town does have an account at Rocky's now that um is closed, right? Motion to approve request. Second. All
in favor? I I Okay. So that'll be uh up to $400. So you'll be all set there. Okay. And then you just you can just let us know when you come back like how much it is and what you did. [Music]
Okay. Next item is uh our annual uh election of officers. Um as everybody knows we had the town election. So, we have, you know, have um a whole new board here and we just
need to elect our chair and secretary. So, we could start with the secretary. Do we have any nominations for secretary? Can we nominate myself?
We can do or we can have anyone else nominate. nominate Jerry for secretary since she's so incredibly awesome at this. Oh yeah. And would anyone like to second that? Second. All right. And we
have to do a roll call vote. So all in favor Nancy I. Eileen I. John I. Jerry I. Myself is an I. Thank you Jerry. You're welcome. And now for the chair.
Motion for their fine work. Thank you. Oh, thank you. Roll call vote. Nancy hi John. Hi Jerry. Hi. And I do accept. Thank
you. And now we have our standing committees. um which I am proposing. So I will just go through and propose these and then if anybody has
any changes or exceptions to them, we can move forward from there. Um our committee assignments are um John with facilities, so we'll keep that the same. Um the finance um it will be Nancy and
Allan. Um I will be governance planning and personnel will be um Allan and Eileen. Um Jerry will be um continuing
to watch the the um town board meetings for the finance committee and the selectman. Um Allan is going to continue with the snow and I will continue to be the SPO spokesperson for the board at any public
meetings. Does anyone have any comments or Can you run through that quickly if they want? I sure can. Um John's going to be facilities. Nancy and Allen is going to be finance or or for the budget. Um governance will
be me. Um Allan and Eileen will be planning and personnel. You will be the um reporting for the um the issues at watching the meetings for the finance and
selectman. Allan is for snow and I'm the spokesperson for the board at any of the public meetings. Yep. Anyone have anybody have any comments, questions, exceptions? Can I read up on that? somewhere besides
everything else I've written. I've read it. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Absolutely. Yes. Yes. You You'll be good to go. Okay. Um so, if that's good, we just need a motion to motion to accept the slate of accept all
that. Second. Excellent. Thank you. All in favor? I I Thank you. All right. I think that takes care of all the business. Uh so now we have the director's report. All right, the fun
stuff. So, um just to highlight some of the things that have happened over the past month. Um so the I've submitted all the trustee meeting minutes to the town clerk. So they should be all caught up to March 20 uh 2025. That should all be
online on the town's website. I had a sweet interaction um with Mr. Wils. His we got a donation in honor of his wife who passed away. He came in, I hand uh I wrote a note to him, sent it um through
snail mail. He received it. He walked in and he wanted to see the titles. He was really appreciative. um he wasn't aware of who made the donation, but there wasn't any anonymous um on the donation form. So, I let him know and then he proceeded to take a picture of the book
plate to send his children. So, I it was a really touching moment and I'm happy that he's happy with the book plate and what was done for his his late wife. Um uh uh under action items for the town.
Um there was a a mandatory department head meeting that was held on May um 2nd. Um so the new chairman of the select David um met with everyone to discuss that he will be having open
hours on Fridays uh for department heads if they want to uh discuss anything with him. And then what they are potentially going to do at the selectman's meeting is have department heads report at the selectman's meetings. Um I just want to
preface preface that I meet every month with the trustees. So you know if there are any questions that the public has um or if I miss something when I do attend these meetings that it will be here at our meetings also on camera. Um, but
it's a good way to actually I don't you know we're so far from town hall but it's a good way to actually make a presence um at town hall and um there was a little snafu regarding
the union contract um for those who were hired after the ratification regarding vacation. So those should have been who were hired after uh July 1st
2022 should have been acrewing vacation monthly. So that correction was made. It was a a little bit of a a a mess in terms of figuring out what people were were receiving and the wording in the
contract, but they are currently in contract negotiations. So, come July 1st, this could all just go away. Um, but we're all caught up. We're all up to date. Those who are affected by this um understand what um is going on. Um and
just to be clear, it's how many people? Four. Four. Just four people. Yep. Okay. Just four. Um I want to say that we have received our second state aid payment that was deposited into a state aid account. Um and do you know how much
that was? I know it's it's either it's between 16 and 17,000. I don't know exactly. That's fine. You think I would write it, right? No, that's okay. I just put the ABC. It's just that we don't know. So, we
don't cuz No, I don't. The only way I see to guess positive is on the reconciliation forms. I have no Okay. Um, but I I can give you that now. Correct. Usually they send a letter, but I didn't get a letter for
this one. I get an email. Yeah, I think I got a letter for the first one. I don't I didn't never get a letter. Well, the the concern was that was because it was right around the time of federally um the MLS, the cuts and everything. Yes, exactly. Okay.
Um before I get into let's talk about building. So on April 22nd um I know I've mentioned this a few meetings ago. Uh we had some a complaint about our handrail leading up
to the deck. Uh Matt and Brady fixed it. So it's not as wobbly. I mean it's not stiff but it has a little movement but I do believe it need needs to have some movement. but it's secure um in the event that um you know was there was a
concern of someone grabbing it and and falling. Um they also that day that Saturday I was we had uh the poop museum in here and I had to shut the building off because we were passing 2:30 and that's when we closed. I broke the handle to
the barn door so I almost flew back anyway. So that day, so it was it was very powerful. So that day, uh, he also fixed it. I showed him, I'm like, I did that scape fix. So it was taken care of. So it's back on the door handle, but I'm
not going to pull on my strength when I do need to close that door. Doesn't work. Um, we have resumed uh the mosquito squad spraying of our properties. That is funded by the friends of the Christian public library, and I thank them for that. So, they will
spray from April to September. Um, Proficient, like I mentioned earlier, they were here to do their quarterly check. Um, I'm happy to say that the traps didn't find anything uh in them.
Just some light feeding, whatever that means. Light feeding. It means like they just was around there but they didn't get caught
that I really like reading the light feeding. I'm like is that just a bite that they run so I did it. It's just kind of flip. Um, so that's it for um Oh, so
also when Proficient was here, they noticed I even I noticed that morning there is now a giant um groundhog hole on the opposite side of where it was last year. So the ground
located. So it's probably about 8 in. So that day he well he was like oh you know they could better uh you know make tunnels and the the walkway will collapse the deck will collapse and I'm like oh my god crisis. So I you know like okay so what should we do is fill
it if it gets dug up again um you know that they're there we'll come because it's part of our plan. They'll come to the trap and take care of it. I but I I don't I don't want to think about that point because I I don't want to trap it.
Um because I don't know what they meant by take care of but anyway hopefully they meant relocate it to the woods somewhere away from property. But anyway, so that day I reached out to DPW to hey can you give me some dirt or can
you come fill this hole with some dirt? Um they came yesterday to look at the hole but with no dirt. So, um I'm waiting. Uh I if I don't hear again by tomorrow, I'm going to call and say, "Hey, you guys are here, but where's the
dirt?" Right. Um cuz I mean, I could go out in the field and grab something. But you need some dirt. We need some dirt. So, our little groundhog friend, he was there last year, but he was living on the book drop side and he had a little hole and we would see him towards sunset
out in the fields on this side. So, was his original hole filled? It collapsed. Oh, yeah. It went like this and now it's covered in. So, it collapsed. But this one is right by the walkway. You'll see it. And well, I would probably mention to the senior
workoff person that we have a garage. Um because you I mean if if if they end up pulling the weeds that we may uncover a hole or something. I don't know like under these bushes. There could be stuff under there. I'm not actively looking. I
would probably mention that when you talk to the senior workoff person. I mean, I know we have rabbits living under the shed, but rabbits are one thing, but I mean, a groundhog just popping up out of the ground and he's adorable. Maybe a little frightening.
You're weeding. What are you doing? So, um, that's our update with the groundhog. Um, uh, regardless. So, there was a sales membership meeting on April 16th. Um, the big thing that came out of that
meeting um was that so if you pay a fee uh with your credit card, so lost books, we don't do overdue fees, but if you go to another library, you might um when you use your credit card, you would have to pay 85 to use it. Starting uh July
1st, that fee is now going up to $1.25. Um, I do receive, so if someone pays a book online with their credit card, um, I do receive the check in the mail, um, and the list or what the title is. Um, but it's not as often. Maybe every other
month or so. So, um, and plus we don't have overdue fees. So, do many libraries still have that? I think 80% of the network is fine free. So, um, there are a few in the year. I think New Buffett still does. Okay. But there are a few
who who still do have it. Um so let me start with the summer reading. Um so starting May 16th through May 30th, we are doing the bookmark
contest. So the third and fourth graders um designed a bookmark for our summer reading program and the top uh 10 in each grade uh were selected and then voting will begin on the 16th here in the library and there will also be an
online form um that you can click on and participants can vote on and then what happens is the top three in each grade um they we print the bookmarks and they people can come and and and um and grab those bookmarks. Um, so on topic of of
you know, we're getting closer to summer. Um, so I reached out to the Kushna public schools, St. Francis, Old Colony, and ORR uh for summer reading lists. I have received a summary reading list from the Kushna Public Schools uh from grades 1 through 5. So I'm missing
six, seven, and eight. And I've also received it from Old Colony. So, um I'll start pulling those titles uh for summer reading. Um last year I we I came up with a system of a color quoted uh colorcoded um stickers corresponding
with the reading list and the book. So, I might do that again, might change it, but um it's in the works, but I'm glad that I doing this sooner than June. Um last year. Yeah. And and I did receive a lot of compliments on it. Um, it's just
my concern is that when you take books off the shelf, it, you know, if someone's taking a different book, it doesn't match up with the sticker on the bottom. So, I'll have to to rethink it or just leave it as it is. Um, so books.
Um, so I've received all our promotional materials for summer reading. Um, and then summer reading startups will start June 16th. Um, and then I'm just going to highlight some of our upcoming
programs. Um, so this Saturday, uh, the 12th, we have a drop in craft starting at noon and they're making these beautiful, um, tissue paper flowers. There's some examples on the on the circulation desk. Um, the friends also
this Saturday, May 17th, are doing a jewelry drop off sale. So, if you have jewelry that you're itching to get rid of, the friends will accept it. And that is from 10 to noon. And then what is going to happen with that jewelry?
They'll do a jewelry sale during Apple Peach Festival. They had one last year for the first time and it was extremely successful. So, this year they're reaching out to the public. So, if anyone wants to drop off a jewelry, they'll be here to collect it. And then
on Monday, uh, May 19th, the Ford Middle School Chorus will be here to perform their spring concert and it should be outside, um, weather permitting. If not, there is a rain day, which is that following Wednesday. And then our
history coffee hour, which has taken off, um, is Thursday, uh, May 22nd at 11:00. Um, and that is, uh, it was a patron's idea. It has worked. This will be the third book that they're doing it.
So people bring in artifacts or not artifacts but archives, papers, materials, things. We bring out our books that we have um regarding a cushion and people just talk about the
past and and it's wellreceived. Um people just have it's not very informal. They just come in here and discuss things. It's really fun. Um, and then we have a concert uh with Judy and Barry Dasi celebrating the timeless classics
of American music on May 28th at 6. And then we have a Saturday concert with Louiswis and Ferry Songs and Stories of the American Songwriters from 1960 to 1975. And that's Saturday, June 7th at
noon. So those are our upcoming um programs in addition to our regular programming um that we have. Um so we are entering our busiest season. Um and we're almost set for summer reading.
I'm still um booking programs. Um and we should be good to go come June 16th. Any questions on the director's report? Sounds like you're busy. Yes. Very
busy. Excellent job. Thank you. Um, we need to set the date for the next meeting. So, how about I will say I will be here the
18th of June. So, uh I don't know. Yeah. Or the I was thinking the week before that. Yep. That's perfect. If that's possible. [Applause] [Music]
Um does anybody have a preference? Um I could do I could do Friday, June 13th, but I'd have to do it earlier cuz that's the last day of school. You can't do the 13th. Okay. Any other day other than that that week or is that week tough? Uh
with the 12th I can do 11th. I can't do 11. I could do 12. The 12th. Okay. So, how about we do Thursday, June 12th at 11:30? Does that work for everybody? Mhm. Okay. So, we'll see. Next meeting
is Thursday, June 12th at 11:30. Okay, perfect. All right. Do we have any other business anybody wants to talk about? Okay, then we just need a motion.
Make a motion to adjourn. Second. All in favor? I. This May 15th, 2025 meeting of the Christian Public Library Board of Trustees is officially adjourned. It is 12:25. Thank you.
[Music]