This is the December 11th, 2025 meeting of the Kushnet Library Board of Trustees. We are being audioed and videotaped and we do have a quorum. First item on the agenda today is the minutes from November 20th. Does anyone
have any clarifications or questions on those minutes? >> Motion to accept the minutes. >> All in favor? >> I. Thank you. Next, we have the budget.
So, um, we're close to being halfway through FY26. Um not much has changed with uh the salary uh lines. Um like I said at the previous meeting, um our library technician line is now
um it's now exactly even where we are in um the fiscal year which last year >> it's okay. Um and that was due to a departure and um the money for the sick time was taken out of the library
technician line. Um so there's not a cushion there for um for holidays and hopefully potential raises when the contract um the union contract gets approved. So, um, in the future I might
be looking into doing a, uh, departmental transfer. Um, but I'll speak more on that if it h actually has to happen. Um, and then for operating, um, I will speak more about this, but I
will explain. I had to, uh, use the building and grounds fund to pay for three faucets in the staff bathroom. So the those faucets uh three faucets came out to $313.
Um we also paid for our proficient um quarterly um check. Um and then uh we had the Southeast Fire uh uh company come in and they monitor our fire fire extinguishers, check on all of the fire
related equipment in the building. So that was uh that was uh $96. Um Proficient was $173. Um and then lastly uh Wayne's electric and alarms um we paid uh that bill also
came in. Um and I'm forgetting the amount of it. So that's why there is an incre uh there is a jump from last month to this month. So now we're at 61.2 two per percent spent in the building in grounds line. Um
everything else is the same. Uh office supplies. Um I attended a department head meeting. Um I'll get I I'll talk about more about that in a second, but um uh I now have
access or can purchase things on Amazon. So, we have air purifiers in the building that were purchased uh during CO um did I saw the same air purifiers at the collector's office. So, I reached out to see if where they repurchased the
filters. It's on Amazon. So, I was able to get three new filters for those air purifiers. Um so, I used they were $130 for for three filters. So, um, under office supplies, um, that's where I took, um, the air filters out. So, now
that I'm aware that there is an Amazon that I'm able to purchase things on Amazon, um, it's it's easier be for me to buy like crafting supplies, um, things maybe for the children's room because it's cheaper there than going through like a site like Demco or the
library store. So, that's good news. >> Oh, that's good. Great. >> Yes. Yes. So, um, so that's pretty much the budget for for right now. Any questions about any expenses or anything? >> Nope. I think it looks good.
>> Okay. Anybody else have anything? >> All right. Can we get a motion? >> We accept the budget. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Thank you. old business maintenance projects.
All right. Um so, uh let's talk about the most recent things that So, last meeting we discussed, uh a quote, a proposal about installing electric, uh lights on the building. Um, so yesterday, um, so Doug
came by here about two times. Um, but yes, I'll just talk about the most recent cuz that's when it was, >> um, it cuz it's the most recent. So yesterday Doug was able to install the lights on uh, the outside of the building facing west. Um, and install
new lights where the um, the library sign is on the street. And he removed the lights along the walkway. So, um, it looks fantastic. The lights, uh, that is now facing on the walkway. It's
bright. It's it's it's a step in the right direction, but we still need another one. So, I spoke with him this morning and he's going to install one a little bit further down. Um, and then I also mentioned to him that last night
when I was coming in um, from my break, the light in the north corner is out on the building. So, he's also going to get a replacement for that. Seems something's going on with our lights. But, um, that is the update with with um the the lights have been installed. The
one by the signs are great. They're lighting the sign. Um, we we're getting there. We're getting there. So, we're going to hopefully have another one that's the light will be installed closer to the entrance way. Um the one that's there, the new one that's
installed, it lights immediately um right after the book drop, but um there still needs to be a little bit more we feel. Okay. So, so that that is uh currently ongoing. Um, last week I was notified uh when I came in that there
was a ba a faucet in the bathroom that um would not stop running. So this faucet has been every once in a while it would drip and I think it it from what I notes from
previous meetings and um it's been like that since it was installed. So bottom line, um I had all three, all three faucets replaced because I was told that they would also start doing the same because something gets corroded inside.
Um so I had Matt purchase three of the same faucets. Um and he installed them the next day. So now we have similar looking faucets to what was there before. So it's in the staff bathroom. Um and no more leaks. So, that was a
quick fix. Uh, not a quick fix in a bad sense. It was done quickly. Um, and we are now, at least I know that they're all the same. One starts breaking. Um, cuz like I could have just bought one >> and the other one breaks. >> Have to get another one. Yeah.
>> And then they're not the same, which >> you know. Yeah. So, I'm like just So, they're they're all sad. So, that was something that that took place. um last week. Uh so I don't know if you've noticed on the way in um our book bin,
the one that we use for storage has been taken off the property. So that bin that was sat next to the book drop bin was a book bin for storage. We never used it. Um the handle was bolted in. So it just
sat there. It became an eyesore because the paint started peeling and next summer uh spring uh the book drop the actual book drop will be painted um over because it's starting to show an
age. So um I had it removed the DPW came took it one early morning and I haven't heard or seen it since. So it it's gone but it was never used. I it was used at the old library. Mhm.
>> Um, so it, you know, deep dive probably took it to the barn or whatever. >> Um, so that is, um, no longer in an eyesore. It's no longer something that I would have to pay to have repainted and then just sit there and do nothing. So,
um, I thought that was the best uh, solution to this. So, it's it's gone. U,, but now we can put there's a pot there. We can decorate it, and cute things with it. Um, and then on the next to the uh next to the bookdrop, our AR sign, which is this
white sign that's been repainted, had a chalkboard on it at one time. So Matt and the student from Old Colony removed the sign and sanded it and repainted it. Um, and it's now sitting in a workshop
pending vote on um, accepting uh, the under new business. I'll talk about that when we get to that line. So, the sign I and the columns that held the sign have also been sanded and repainted. Um, so that was something else that took place uh, during last
month. Um, so, you know, I'm not changing it. I'm not I'm just making it better. So, I'll get to that in a second. All right. So, that's it for building maintenance. Any questions about building or you know, previous
building issues or That's a lot. >> Yeah, it's a lot >> on top of everything else. Yes, it is a lot. Okay. All right. Moving on to new business. New business. So, last
we talked about the dehumidifiers. Um, so as you know, I got nowhere with the previous company who wanted 50% deposit. They wouldn't produce an invoice stating 50%. So I reached out to two companies. I had two different
companies come look at the space and what I asked for is to have two new dehumidifiers in the basement. So what you have in front of you, and I can pass this around. I mean the first page of each thing is is the most important is
two quotes. One is from dry uh dry basement dry zone basement systems and the quote is for two uh dehumidifiers with the condensate pumps uh uh installed on them. So this company would
uh for two dehumidifiers it comes out to 4,751.90. Um, both companies came in, I explained, they measured things. I w I would then need to be there when they were measuring lasers and so forth. So,
they they are legit companies. Um, both seem to know what they're doing. Um, and if you look through the the sheet, you know, there's more explanation um of what they would do. Um they both
companies would remove the old uh dehumidifiers. Um just to refresh your brain, one dehumidifier is completely broken. Doesn't work. It's not on. The other one is working, but the condensate pump in the back is cracked. So it's being held
up by um like a a screw at this point. Um, so the quote from the original company, one dehumidifier was $2,295. Um, which I I I forgot to put in the email, but um, this was from the
original company who wouldn't submit a 50 uh 50% deposit invoice, right? cuz we were only going to we were at one time only going to purchase one and then move the working one over to the other side, right? Am I okay? >> Yes.
>> Okay. But now since it's being we just at least got the quote for the two to see what it would be for the total and then >> and >> maybe it makes more sense to do that. >> Both people told me that the machine's there. They're no longer there's no parts for them anymore, >> right? So you're old. >> It's kind of like the faucets in the
bathroom, right? Like you know they're just >> Yes. So this was 2,300 and this is 47. So it's like twice. >> Yes. >> So then well this one >> the the well so the >> the other one was the the 21 was from uh
Pioneer Basement. That was the original company, >> but that one was only for one, right? >> That was only for one. So it's so Yeah. >> Correct. >> In the absolutely y >> um and then the other company I reached out to was dry concrete waterproofing. They also came in similar situation.
They measured you know and then they gave me a a quote of so for a t two dehumidifiers um uh two condensate pumps uh utility um
labor and so forth. um $7,2578. Um don't ask me what the difference is between the machines. This is above my knowledge of of building maintenance. Um
I I will tell you my opinion. Um, from what I gathered with dry zone basement, um, I know it's the cheaper of of of the two, but they answered, uh, pretty much every question that I had. Um, so they're also So I also asked about
servicing. So what happens once a year? The quote that they gave me was very similar to what I was paying. It's it's like $150 to $175 for the maintenance every year. Um, >> which is reasonable. That's reasonable. Yes. So I don't know why you know the
extremes for the the machines it's above you know >> I'm even curious is does the do these figures for the for the dryrete do they add up to the top because the way that this is itemized question like there's
add-ons to it. >> It honestly looks like the two dehumidifiers are that price and then you have the labor and then you have the fuel and then you have the pump. So, okay. >> So, if if I'm looking at this, I'm thinking we have to add all those numbers together to get the full quote. >> Wow.
>> Is anybody else agreeing? >> Okay. So, I read that completely wrong then. >> Yeah. It's about another $7 or $800 >> because now I look at it, there's no like total like here, >> right? Right. That's what I'm thinking. Cuz you wouldn't roll up. You would typically add down. >> Mhm. And I mean, and then on this one,
they're giving you a 5% PC, which I'm going to guess is because you're a public, >> right? You're a public building cuz it says 5% PC discount. >> But how come how come Dry Zone doesn't
have all these add-ons? Is that included in the 5,000? >> Well, I know this is a contract price. Well, I know she said that the pumps were included in the with the dehumidifiers in this in this dry zone one, right? >> Yeah. See on the product list, two Sandy
Dry XP and then Sandy Dry condensate pup too. Um, let's see. >> I wonder just wonder why did they separate out labor and fuel search charge and then the company just added it in without
it. Maybe >> just a difference in how they do their estimates. Yeah. I mean, the dry zone seems in in line with the first company uh the previous company.
>> Um >> but pricewise. >> Well, and you said they answered all your questions, right? Okay. And they had uh >> and they understood I you know I explained to him or both of them that you know I have to meet the trustees that I won't have any answer cuz this was 3 weeks ago at this point and he's
like no take all the time you know um >> which is good and then they also have the maintenance package which you like to charge theund whatever. >> Yeah. It was very similar to what we pay now uh we were paying for um the maintenance the yearly maintenance. Um,
>> and did the dryrete did they have a maintenance package? Did they? >> They did, but I didn't get a price. I didn't I didn't know. >> Okay. >> Um, >> okay. So, it sounds like >> a good vibes from
>> Yeah, it sounds like Dry Zone is >> What does everybody else think? >> That's That's how I feel. I feel um >> Yeah, you got a good feel from them. >> Yes. And not because of the price, but just because they understood that, you know, I wasn't looking to seal the
entire basement with materials. Like, I didn't want to make the basement a place for people to go cuz that's just hundreds thousand of dollars. >> You know, I just wanted two new dehumidifiers >> and the yearly plan to upkeep them,
>> right? >> So, >> it sounds like they understood exactly what you wanted. >> Yes. And I'm looking at the invoice um on my phone like the full invoice um you know there's a picture of the products but there's no additional
cost that I see here. So >> yeah I mean it's >> total investment. So >> yes and contract price too. So I mean labor you would think would be included in in that. >> Oh yeah. And it and it says right here,
deposit required, 30% with the total, which is exactly what you need. >> Mhm. >> Because I would assume that this would could you could use this as an invoice. >> Yeah, cuz it says right there. >> And it says right there, deposit required 30%. And then and then once you once you pay that, they'll send you an
updated one and they'll have it on the deposit page, which is exactly what you need for the >> I was trying to scan the QR code >> for the town. >> Yes. >> So, >> okay. So, um >> you know this would be something taken
out of the library gift fund. Um >> there is funds in there and um yeah, that's it. So, I just need a vote to decide on which company to um to go with for the for the new de dehumidifiers in the basement.
I'll make a motion that we accept the uh dry zone proposal for payment to come out of the gift fund. >> Yep. The library >> library gift fun. >> I'll second that. >> All in favor? >> I >> I Okay. So, that looks like the total
for that would be $4,751.90 for the two dehumidifiers. All right, on to the next item. Uh, the outdoor hour sign. So, last night I met with a
friends um and brought a quote from stuck on new design. So, as I mentioned early in the meeting, our our sign um has been taken down and sanded and repainted. Um we are looking the friends
approved to have stuck a new design uh put vinyl lettering on it with our hours again. >> Oh, great. >> Yes. Okay. >> So, I do have a mockup here that I'll just uh turn uh hand around. Um we had two options. One had changeable letters
on the bottom. I decided to go against that because um one it's another thing added to my task. Two, it's another thing added to maintain. Three, that faces the south and it's this area takes
a beating when storms uh the sun uh wind and rain. So, I don't know if the letters would even stay there. You know, they might just uh fall off or whatnot. And then um the trackings I've been told sometimes don't last long on there. So,
and the other thing is do I really want people driving reading the sign like oh wait there's something going on. So the hour sign um doesn't the other hour sign uh proposed um looks neater. It doesn't have the tracking there and it also says
Sunday's close if you just want to quickly look at that. So the the friends approved uh it's $120. >> Um that's nice. >> If uh you know if the friend if the trustees accept um the sign will be taken to stuck on new design by the
maintenance foreman and um maybe the student worker um and she stuck on your design will um do the vinyl lettering on it there at her at her workshop. I know heat is involved in it. Um, and it's I
think it's a reasonable price. It looks great. Um, and I'm looking forward to hopefully having the sign back there. Um, and then, god forbid our hours change for whatever reason. It's easy enough to have it redone. You know, the
letters can just be scraped off and reapplied. >> Well, it's light years better than what it looked like. >> Yeah, I know. >> Recently, >> it was held with tape. It was a sad state of affair. >> It absolutely was. So, um, >> so I think this is
>> amazing. >> This is actually much easier to read from all of this. >> It is. I mean, I thought that was great. You know, the letters. Oh, close this holiday. Oh, but yeah, but you have your signs that if you really look at it, it's hanging
by a thread because those things take a beating being outside. You know, they're not meant to be dragged across the lawn. They're not meant to be in the drizzle. >> But I feel like you can get a little one of those like a lot easier than you can trying to get this. >> Yes. And then like I would, you know,
Okay. Oh, nope. I need to go change the lighting. Oh, wait. This is falling. Oh, I'm like I don't want to add more things to for me to >> um add to my responsibilities and to maintain outside. That's something that would need to be. >> This is very visible, but all of that is
>> Yeah. And and and I don't like the the the line with the Friday and Saturday line cuz it's like jumbled. But this one has got the same lettering. It's >> Oh, true. >> It's not doesn't look true. >> No, I I really like the that second one. I I think it looks really nice.
>> So, um >> would you say sign will be back when? >> Well, I don't have a date. Um >> and I think the I mean the font looks looks similar, but I think the way that it's laid out, it almost looks bigger. >> Yes. So that it's easily, you know, I
think it's more visible for people to see. >> Even the underline under library hours, I think looks and I swear this looks very similar >> to what was there prior. >> Oh, the font style. >> Yep. I think definitely. Well, you want something that's easy, you know, easy to read and, you know, and that
>> I think that does it. >> I think that's nice. And thank you to the friends for paying for that. >> Awesome. >> That was great. >> Yes, >> we really appreciate that. >> Yes. I like it. >> Anybody have anything else on the sign? >> No. You need to vote on that.
>> Uh, sure. Why not? >> Can we get a motion? >> I'll make a motion to accept the sign that we've decided on. >> Okay. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I Thank you. And
let's see. Uh, two new shelving units in the children's room. Okay. So, this one definitely needs a vote because I'm modifying something inside or adding something to the inside of the building. >> So, um the two meetings ago with the
friends, they have a a budget uh a bank account for building items and they expressed interest that I should be using it. So, um I'm like, "Okay, great." So, what I proposed uh last
night was installing two new shelves in the children's room, shelving units in the children's room that hold that graphic novel uh section. So, it's the juvenile graphic novels that are all the way in the back under the window sill. So, I was able to find the original
invoice from the shelving units when we moved here. So, I got a quote for the exact shelving units, same color, uh, two of them, that would sit side by side with the the one that's there now that would, uh, expand a graphic novel
collection. Oddly enough, yesterday, um, I was a staff member came up to me and said, "There's no room for the graphic novels. I can't even shove this." I'm like, "Oo, this is more of a reason that we need this." So, um, we temporarily
put a cart there to have the overflow of the items. So, yesterday the friends approved of purchasing two new shelving units from Demco and the total for both uh shelving units plus shipping, which is a little a little high, but that's
just the nature of of uh the the beast here. Um um in the total is $1,267.77. Um so these two new shelving units last time I looked at Demco would take uh 6 month it would take two months to
arrive. Um, I also reached out to Matt's maintenance forming to see if this is something that he could install before I even do anything because then I would probably have to install it and figure out how to anchor it to the wall. So, he said that he could he could definitely
do that. So, um, because I'm adding I just need the if the trustees approve of one adding two new shelving units and the friends allowing the friends to to purchase um the two new shelves. >> Now, in the picture, Yes. they would go in place of the couch.
>> Yes. So, the couch would go back to where it in front of the door. >> Yes. Closet door. Correct. Okay. So, you're just going to take the shelving units and so it's essentially it's two more of these. >> Six feet if I did my math right. uh six feet. Um and then exactly where
>> and what is this right here on the side of the >> Those are the jungle blocks that um I got rid of those yesterday because they were falling apart. So they've been recycled. Got it. >> But I do plan on purchasing some other type of >> block toys um through a um a donation we
received last year. But okay, I'm just going to wait till the shelves come in. >> Did you see? >> And then we might have to rearrange the furniture again in the children's room. um like a Lego table. But >> yeah, that's that's fine. I just wanted to see what those built. Yes. And then
they're anchored in the back with the wood in between two of the col uh two of the the columns that hold the the shelves. >> Um so it's doable. >> Okay. >> Mhm. >> Sounds good. And doesn't go over the window, so that's good. And you can still use the window sill.
>> Yes. And the reason that area is crowded is because we did need it last year. The items go out. Mhm. >> So, it's a very popular section. >> So, if I'm if I want to expand something, it would be a section that goes out and this would be the perfect place for this.
>> Um, you know, I thought about the YA area. >> Unfortunately, the items don't go out as as often as we would like, but I know for a fact those graphic novels I there wasn't much that was weeded because the statistics were good for it. >> So, now we just need to get people to
come in and borrow, but that's a problem for another day. So, yes, that's my spiel on the two shelving units. >> All right. Anybody have any questions or thoughts? All right. Can we do a motion? >> Move approved. Funding. No. Approved
just the purchase by the prince. >> Mhm. >> Oh, motion to approve. >> All in favor? >> I. Thank you. >> Thank you again to the friends for paying for the shelving units. They're
always very generous and we appreciate >> the jewelry scale is fantastic. They read $726. That's >> a lot of jewelry. >> Yes. A lot of That's a whole lot. >> Absolutely. >> Wow. That's
>> Yeah, I know. >> Do they have people waiting waiting again? There were a few, but it was good because, you know, we opened at 9:30, so they weren't coming trying to come in here. And plus, it was in here, so, you know, they weren't >> disrupting the flow of traffic, right?
>> Um, but yeah, there it wasn't the amount of the one in the fall in the in September. But, uh, but they said that it was busy and, you know, they did really well for >> And how about the cards? The cards. >> They only sold two cards. They only sold one blind date with a book.
>> Okay. But um the jewelry and the other thing is I just want to say is that there were a lot of events last weekend too. Metapoet had theirs. There was fairs elsewhere. Um >> I was the one who got here. >> So see so but they did well.
>> Yeah. That's really that's good. >> That's all profit. Oh yes. Fantastic. Okay. Now we're moving on to the director's report. All right. So director's report. Um, I just wanted to give a shout out to the Shepherd's
Pantry because this past month and this the few weeks we've been in December, people have been absolutely generous with food. So, I've had to call them twice to empty our our food pile. That's great. >> Um, and I just wanted to highlight that because I think that's really neat. Um,
>> last, so November 21st, I attended a department head meeting which was very insightful. Um, two things that uh, three things that I two things I want to highlight that I learned um, from that meeting was that I have access to to edit the town's website. Um, meaning I
can access the libraryies page on the town's website. So, our site our website on the town's page was really outdated. So, it was a little trying to figure out why I wasn't able to do certain things. I uh Tony and um Nick helped and I was
able to edit and get everything up to date. Hopefully I'll spruce it up a little bit. Maybe I could add a calendar or something, but that's um something that I'm I'm I'm grateful for because I I feel like Yeah. you know, >> Exactly.
>> And then I also learned that um I am now able to submit invoices via email. >> That's exciting. I we're in a 21st century. So, I can now scan coded invoices and I just send them
immediately once I receive them. So, I don't have to wait for a paper copy and, you know, I have to drive down there, deliver them, and then I get another invoice when I come back. It's This is just fantastic. So, now I'm able to just submit it via an email and call it a
day. Um, I just got to remember to go check the mail at the at the town hall. And I mean I still do cash deposits and stuff so it's not like I'm never going there but this is >> something great. Absolutely. >> Absolutely. All right. >> So that meeting was um we also had a pizza that meeting so that was really
nice. Um and then uh another thing under the town items um so coming next week uh which is a little worrisome. Um I'm meeting I'm having a meeting with department heads um with the finance and board of selectmen at the counciling on
aging to talk about FY27. Um I have started FY27. I have a rough draft of the FY27 budget but I'm not going to meet with the f uh the budget committee uh the trustee budget
committee until after that meeting. But I I just want everyone to know that I am thinking about it. It's just I I I worried of what is going to be said at the the meeting. Um and I also updated my MAR sheet. Um so I included
everything on the MAR instead of having it on two separate sheets. It I mean there's not any graphics on it, but it explains what MAR is. It explains the rec um what I have to do to maintain uh
Steve aid. So like having an you know you have to have a direct MLS for example that's on there and then bar is highlighted. So um I'm going to bring that with me because I don't know what the meaning is going to >> is it just department heads or is it townwide or what is it? >> It's just department head. I don't think
it's a >> it's not in the evening. >> It is in the evening at 5. >> Okay. So let me >> It's at 5. Um and um with the finance and board, which this has never happened since I've been here, is it selectment and finance? Is that what you said?
>> Yeah, finance company. Correct. Um >> I think they were talking about that last year because they wanted to have people like why have people present twice when they can if they can just get together then have the the the department heads present once. Yeah. >> Then that kind of works. Um
>> yeah, I I through the >> rumors um it's cutting. I've heard, you know, you have to cut a certain amount from your budget this year and that's why I'm >> trying to be proactive in the case if that's the case because of, you know, we
can't cut much >> because of So that's I'm just trying to cover. But then again, I don't know for sure. But um it is I'm worried about it, you know, >> kind of admit. So, um, so that will happen on Tuesday next week.
>> Um, and then, uh, I just want to say, uh, Lori went to PJ story time at the elementary school. Um, she did she was the first to present, uh, to conduct story time there at the school. I guess it's like a pajama drive. Um, so she went in her pajamas to to do the
>> the story time. And then um I just wanted to say that um last meeting I totally forgot that we did do uh library parents for first graders last year. >> Okay. Um they reached out um to me um
like right after that meeting. Anyway, they um we're going to be doing it again, but we're going to do it uh in January. So come January 5th, they will come pick up the application. So about over a hundred applications for first graders. Um and then give them two weeks
to have them sent back to us. Then we'll process them, see if they have library cards. If not, we'll give them new library cards and then go there um to drop off the library cards and maybe do a story of them. Um so I just wanted to clarify what I said last meeting, but um
that I there's just a lot going on and my brain is not remembering a lot. So, but that is happening next year. Um, the strategic plan has been something that has been uh on my brain since I started
and now that I've actually made the initial steps to start this process, I'm feeling much better about it. I reached out to department heads to uh employees in the town. Um, and I have seven people in including trustees and
friends. I also reach out to the friends and there are flyers in house and uh on social media asking if anyone would like to join the strategic plan committee. >> So I have seven people right now >> of diverse interests, right? Like
>> not all friends, not all employees, not all. Okay. I mean I'm I'm >> I'm all set with employees. Um I do need um friends, patrons, but I'm I'm working on that. I'm going to do a separate flyer for that. Now I have the actual
meeting dates. So I also met or had a phone call with a Massachusetts library assistant consultant on this past Sunday. Her name is Katherine. Um she will be our facilitator at the meetings. >> Oh, that's great. >> So she will be running the exercises at
our meetings um and pulling up or doing reports after the meetings. Um I will be doing um the first meeting I will be doing the environmental scan talk about the library uh statistics library trends
um and then um on top of so mostly the heavy work is is is done by me the committee is here to provide feedback >> to plan for the future like um you know there's only so much I can think of of what this library needs or doesn't need
or needs to improve on um so it's the more people we have on the committee the better off we are and then the more feedback we receive from so I'm planning to do a survey online survey a paper survey I'm going to hold like open office hours and maybe various locations
in um in the town so maybe at the COA maybe at parting ways I don't know if that's possible and definitely at the library um where people could actually just come and talk to me about um the library doesn't have to be anything formal um and and then take notes and so
forth. So the more feedback I received, the better off we are. Um so our first meeting uh for the strategic plan committee is um January 28th at 5:30 and then the second meeting is February 25th
um also at 5:30 and those are both Wednesdays. Um and then maybe if they're meeting, you know, depending on those two meetings, but I'm I'm not sure right now. But at least week I have two meetings planned. Um and then once I
gather information and another big question mark is I might be able to submit something in the mailers that Pam does at home. Um I just got to figure out um a s what type of survey it needs to be.
>> But it's a it's a um it's definitely something that can be done. I reached out to her and I know she's doing the census in the beginning of next year, but it might be too soon. But I'm sure there's other things that get sent out throughout the year. Um, but that's a another great way to get feedback. Um,
because I know that's going to every resident of the town. Um, and you know, it would it would it would not be a paper survey. it. I'm thinking like a bookmark size with a link, a QR code, or come visit the library to fill out a
survey or something along those lines. So, I have ways to to or various ways to to get feedback for the strategic plan. >> All right. Maybe send something to the school just because >> Yes. So, the school I will So, the
newsletter um we would do the the newsletter. So, a link to the thing. Um, I don't I mean I could I think the previous one Dina went to the school and actually I don't know if it was an event
or something. She had um feedback from fifth graders and I think second graders. So, I'll have to look at that if I can maybe do that. I >> I mean even when she goes for these story times just mentioned to the teachers like this is what we're working on. >> Yep. Yep. Um there's the and the other
thing which I think is really neat is so the Katherine she's like well you could do like a a feedback board. I'm like well I don't really have space to have a board in the library where you people would just put things. I'm like we have feedback doors though. So the doors that we have our voting um poll the children
love it but I think for a few months we're going to have what do you like about the library? What do you want to improve about the library? But make it fun >> so that way we get feedback that way. >> Um >> it's a good idea. >> Yes. So, there's a lot of ideas out there and I'm just going to have a lot of data to go through, but that's okay.
Um, because it's better than having no data. So, we need to plan for the future here and it's a a big project. Um, and I'm now comfortable to say that I I feel better about um starting this and um
hopefully um ending it sooner. So, um, speaking of ending it, um, so as I spoke to the consultant, um, she believes a June deadline is too soon. >> Okay. >> So, uh, I proposed the end of October.
She says that is much better because I'm not applying for any grants or anything. So, I don't really have a deadline, but the more data I receive, um, the better off we are. So, um, so we're looking, so the last date would be October 31st.
Okay. Um, and we could see, um, you know, how this goes. Maybe I could do it f like I don't know, but I there's no pressure on having it completed by a certain date. >> Mhm. Mhm. >> Um, >> and then it's good for >> uh five years.
>> It's good for five years. Okay. Which is fine. Yes. Yes. And then so and then at that point then we'll we'll update the action plan. >> Correct. >> And then we'll Okay. Yep. So that sounds good. >> Yep. >> Sounds very good. >> Okay. >> All right. And >> so for those people out in the in the
world that are watching this uh recording um if they would like to get involved with the patrons or should they contact you? Should they >> Yes, they can contact me. Um, they can call the library at 508-9980270.
You can stop by here. I'm here 40 plus hours a week. Um, and >> can email you. >> Email me. Um, and my email address is ebatital. So, E B O T E L H O at sales s
a i ls i n c. So, that's inc. o rg or and then I do have if you want a business card there's business cards in here um and then um >> just in case you never know someone might be out there that would like to participate. >> Yes.
>> So we we welcome you know any any >> and you can even message us on Facebook if you're not you know if you don't want to send an email Facebook or Instagram too respond >> stop on by. >> Yes. Yes. >> Okay. >> All right. Sounds good. >> That's my director's report.
>> Do you have anything else? Um, I just want to say that this weekend we have a drop in uh or uh drop in ornament craft uh at 100 p.m. here and the ornament is uh beaded uh related. So there's wreaths. It depends on what icicles
depends on what you want to make. Um we have this Saturday. >> Yes, this Saturday the uh 13th and then next um Wednesday we have a special story time. So, it's a winter holiday story time and that is at our regular story time which is at 11:00 and that is
Wednesday uh December 17th. Um I do want to say that we will be closed on Christmas Eve. Um so on December uh 24th we will be closed all day. Um but we will be open on Good Friday next year.
Um and then on December 31st we will be open half a day which is 10:30 to 3 for us. And then before that um we actually have a New Year's Eve mass craft um that
um we have mass that we'll provide and you can decorate it however you see fit. And then because we won't meet um before this, I just want to say we do have a very interesting program um sponsored by the friends group um and it's called 10
steps to researching the history of your house in a Kushnet with a northeast house historian. So this person um is a re a historian who re researches homes. So they actually took a home in a cushion and are doing all the research
on it and they're going to show you how to do it to your own house. So, it's really neat. It's different, something we've never done here. Um, and that will be held on um Monday, January 5th at 6:00 p.m. Um, and that is you
just show up, you don't have to sign up. Um, and hopefully you learn uh how to research your own home. So, that is Yes, it is. Yes, it is. So, something after the holidays, maybe you need to get out of the house for a bit. >> So, all right. I think that's it for the
director's report. >> Okay. Does anyone have any other thoughts, questions, concerns, comments? >> No. >> No. All right. Then we will have our next meeting on Friday, January 9th,
2026 at 11:30. And if we have no other business, then we need a motion. >> Motion to return. Second. >> All in favor? I >> I uh this December 11th, 2025 meeting of
the Kushnet Public Library Board of TR trustees is officially adjourned. It is 1:20. Thank you.