So, good evening. Um, this is the board of library trustees at the East Long Meadow Public Library. It's 6 Oh, oh, I'm not doing that part yet. Okay. It's Wednesday, March 18th, 2026. We're here at the library. I'd like to call the
meeting to order at, 6:08 p.m. I'm Amy Paul, the chair. To my right is >> Michelle Jones, trustee. Katie McGonagal, library director, Jean Seno, trustee, Nancy Okconor, trustee, Sydney
Mcnot, co-chair. >> Larry Bowman, secretary. >> Thank you. >> And back to >> And back to me. I see no public. Uh, we have minutes from the February 18th meeting.
Um, did everyone get a chance to review them? And assuming everyone did our Go ahead, Larry. >> Should read February, right? Uh >> oh. >> Yes, it should. >> Yeah. >> Oh, no. This one needed approval. >> Approval.
>> The meeting minutes for the January 30th meeting needed approval. So, we approved those minutes on February 18th. >> Oh, >> okay. >> Okay. >> Oh, these aren't these are but these are >> We're at the March meeting right now. So, these are the February minutes that
we're approving. >> Okay. I'm sorry. >> You're on. >> Okay. You missed a meeting. >> Okay. We're having fun. >> So, other Let's see. So, that's right. Because Michelle did >> the minutes >> and I did a quick review and you look
fine. Okay. >> Would anyone like to move that we approve the minutes? >> I'll accept. Yeah, >> I like to move to approve the meeting. >> I'll second. >> I'll third. >> I >> I
>> Thanks all. >> Now on to Katie. >> Thank you. I'm going to go over the director's report today. Um I'm going to start with the children's highlights. So during the month of February, there
were 28 programs. There were 569 program attendees. There were 211 reference transactions and the passive programming, there were 197 kiddos that did the scavenger hunt and 269 guesses in the guessing jar. Um, the Bruins PJ
drive will run from February 15th, well, it ran from February 15th to March 15th, uh, with all the donations benefiting the Springfield DCF. Uh, as of the time that I wrote this report a couple weeks ago, at this point now, there were 79 pairs of pajamas that had been
collected. Um, there was a recent PJ night and that was a great success thanks in large part to the engaging presence of Mrs. O. Uh, the event brought in 21 pairs of PJs and one family won a fourack of tickets to an upcoming Springfield Thunderbirds game. >> Awesome. >> Um, and other updates, the department is
evaluating the children's play area to better configure the space for play and materials, uh, which is an ongoing challenge, but steps are being taken to to make it a little bit more inviting. Um staff are also preparing for summer by finalizing the programming schedule, updating dean staff for online logging
and interaction, and preparing to send out community partner donation requests. We were a little bit late to this meeting because we were in the children's department just now and one of the benches got broken because it's well loved in there. So yeah, so
that'll be another update coming to that play area. >> Okay. >> Yep. And then there's just a couple pictures below of some of the programs that were happening during the month of February. And then I'm going to go on to the teen highlights. >> That's great. >> Cute, right? >> Very cute.
>> For teen highlights, there were 10 programs. There were 199 program attendees. There were six passive programs and 124 people participated with that passive program. Uh there was a launch of a new teen program called Paws and Pencils which had great success
offering a low stress homework club style environment with a therapy dog that is clearly meeting a need for teens to have a welcoming space to study and unwind. >> I know he's cute. I know. >> Was he the Was he the Was he therapy? >> Yeah. That came in
cute, right? >> And was that geared toward teens having therapy dogs? Oh, no. There's we have therapy dogs that will come into the library. They have been coming in and doing a lot of like children's programming where you can like >> select a time slot and read to the to the therapy dog. So, um Erica kind of
implemented something similar for teens. So, the therapy dog comes in and then um they can do homework or play games and she puts out snacks and drinks and things for the teens and then they can just color or study or unwind or whatever. So, it just kind of gives them a space to kind of do that. >> Do they like they like it?
>> They do. >> Yeah. So she's doing she's continuing on with the program. So the first session had great success. >> That's really good. >> Yeah, it's really cool. >> I I mean I I No, I think it really is. >> I think teens would love it.
>> It was a big hit to do one for >> grown-ups. You can let Laura know if you want to do one for grown-ups. >> We're all showing up at the next >> like he's so cute. I mean, that might be a little more coordination than I'm looking for, but I mean, we can we take
all you should train Chris >> under adisement. She's laugh everybody. >> Um, all right. So, all right. Um, winter crafters this month or for February included crystal snowflakes, Lego flowers, and personalized pots,
heart-shaped trinket dishes, and felt flower magnets. In addition, significant time was dedicated in February to weeding the teen collection to make it easier for teens to identify and browse the titles. This effort not only was not only about managing space but also
improving access and making the collection more usable for the teens. And then for our adult highlights, there were 12 programs, 150 program attendees. There were 342 reference transactions,
255 hours of study room use, and 29 requests went unfulfilled for study rooms. And of course, that's not taking into consideration like somebody getting the next in line. >> So we have next in line passes for when the rooms are full. So that way somebody
can like kind of hold the next spot. >> Okay. >> Um, another session of chair yoga began with a new instructor and while the weather has made consistent attendance a challenge, patrons have responded positively and it's great that we're able to offer an exercise option for the community. >> That's good.
>> The RAD program was also very successful with participants once again sharing very positive feedback. Um, so the human resources director, Audra Graham, led a RAD training back in the fall and that was really successful and popular. So she volunteered her time again and she
just ran another one. Um, which again went really well. So we're hoping to bring her back again. Um, so it's really great that she's able to volunteer her time to come in and run this course for us. Um, other work in February included weeding parts of the collection, completing end of fiscal year orders,
preparing standing orders for the next fiscal year, and connecting with other town departments, community groups, and local businesses to explore potential outreach opportunities in the community. Um, I know we're coming to the end of the fiscal year and things like that a little while, but because it's just
February, March, but our fiscal year ends at the end of June, so we're really it's coming up quick. >> It is. >> Okay. Sorry. >> What does RAD stand for? >> Uh >> oh, I'm sorry. That was a hard question. >> It was a hard question. It's like um
it's like a self-defense course for women against >> if there's any sort of uh physical danger. >> I got you. >> I I can't remember the exact >> I was that that >> no >> something defi um
I will find out and I will tell you before we leave. >> I didn't mean to stress you up. I'm not stressed about it. >> I'm glad I heard about that. I was thinking about that. >> Do you remember what it was called? What it stood for? >> No. No, I don't. There was >> something against offense.
>> I think the A is aggression. >> I'm going to look it up and I will tell you. >> Yeah. >> Good question. >> Yeah, >> but it's red. >> It is. It is. Uh for circulation and technical services statistics, there
were 1,00 or excuse me, 13,324 items circulated. That is a decrease of 919 from January and a decrease of 133 from February of 25. There were 53 new patron cards issued. There were 790 items deleted from the
collection, 663 items added to the collection. At circulation, there were 367 reference transactions. There were seven non- library meeting room uses, 59 volunteer hours, and our door count was 6,889.
>> Oh, that was good. Wow. >> Busy. Um, now the circulation department answered 200. Does that number match 200? Oh, she must have said, sorry, that number does not match.
367 and 267 do not match. So, let me >> One of those is >> one of those is the number. >> It's okay. The circulation department answered 267 reference questions this month despite the library being open for only 22 days. >> Yeah, February is a short month. >> It was a short month and we had
>> uh the IT department also installed a new doorbell system for the delivery door, including new phones and a monitor system for circulation, technical services, and the administrative offices, allowing four points of contact in the back office to assist with deliveries and identify visitors to the staff areas.
In uh another addition to just let you know about, the friends of East Long Meadow Public Library donation cart was moved to a storage spot under the circulation desk where it's been working very well and can be easily wheeled out by friends, volunteers when needed. >> So that's just kind of we're trying to reorganize our spaces.
>> Yeah. Yeah. Space is a challenge. >> It is a challenge. We're hoping for we was been changed a few times, right? >> Yes. >> So this is probably what the third or fourth change. This is like their So when we get donations at the circulation desk that will then go to the friend's
book sale, they have been living on a giant cart in the back office. >> Okay. >> And now what we're doing is it's like wheeled right underneath the circulation desk right here. So it's a little easier to just roll out and move. >> But it also frees up a big space in the back. >> That's good.
>> Yeah. So it's sort of out of the way. Sounds good. >> Exactly. Um, I do want to address that back circulation, technical services, admin offices at some point, but I'm trying to do the public spaces first. Yeah. >> And then I'll do the staff spaces after
because it that definitely needs some work. >> I would agree. >> Um, I just took a couple screenshots here to just show you some of the publicity posts that we have going on about our magazines and our library of things collection. And also, it's kind of hard to see in this picture, but we did start with that new um labeling
system. And so, I just took some pictures. We took some pictures so you could see kind of what it looks like. So, there's a lot more information on that spine label sticker, but it will make it much easier for patrons and staff >> to find what they're looking for. Um, just some updates about the library.
Um, the library was closed to the public for a holiday on February 16th as well as on February 23rd due to weather. On February 5th, I attended the Stoers Library Architect public listening session. Um, and I just kind of took a snip of that because they're doing a
feasibility study in Long Meadow and I wanted to see what they were doing and how they were doing it. >> Um, we have a lot of overlapping patrons, kind of similar community. So, I just wanted to hear what their requests were for >> any updates that were going to happen in the library and it's the same architect.
>> So, Phil O'Brien who did this building is working with Long Meadow on their building. So, I went over to that. It was it was very interesting and they had a really I went to the afternoon session and the room was full. So they had I don't know 40 50 people that were in there. It was >> it was a great session. So that was
interesting. >> Did you get some good ideas? >> Um I just learned about what their process is. >> The process >> because it's different than kind of what we're going through cuz they're looking to do a massive >> a big one. I know >> a big construction project. So um >> and it's needed there. >> It is desperately needed there. Yeah.
They they have a lot of spaces that need to be dressed. A lot of it is, not a lot of it, excuse me. Some of it's ADA compliance. >> Some of it is that they need to do their broiler and their HVAC system and they have some water issues that they have at the front of the building. >> Yeah.
>> Um, so it was it was interesting to just hear the community feedback. >> Yeah. >> So, I went over for that. And then the next section is going to be on some grant updates for you all because we have a lot of grants that are rolling out all kind of at the same
time. So, you all have been informed that we received five municipal ADA improvement grants, and I just wanted to give you some updates on that. The first one is the assisted listening devices. Those have been purchased. They like will go around a patron's neck. It has a little
box here. You can plug in your earbuds into it or put headphones on. Ours came with earbuds. >> Um, so that way patrons can request it if they're like low hearing or they need help hearing a presenter or speaker >> during our programs. the microphone that we had did not really work well enough
with the devices that we got. So, we had to order a new microphone that just came in in the past week or so. So, now staff are going to be trained on that and we can start rolling that out to programming. So, if anybody >> So, they'll be compatible with the listening devices. >> Yes, you'll be able to hear. >> Will they also work with hearing aids?
>> No, I don't think so because these ones would go right into So, you could probably put headphones. I have. >> Yeah. I don't know if they're Bluetooth capable. >> Okay. Just curious. You'll have to find out. Yeah. Because a lot of places they can do it. So, I'm just curious. Oh, interesting. I'll have to find out. >> Yeah. Look. Yeah. Just for curiosity.
>> Yeah. Um, so we're that uh we're moving forward with that. And then we want to put into our registrations like a checkbox if somebody wants to use an assisted listening device during a upcoming program. >> Yeah. That's good. For the next ADA
grant, it's to replace the water fountain right over here with an ADA compliant water filling station. Services have been secured. The um order has been placed for the water filling station. Now, we're just waiting on scheduling to get it installed. It
>> is the water filling station. Does it have a place to fill a water bottle? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. It'll be like a drinking fountain and then like the >> Yeah, they have that at the adult center in >> Yep. >> which is awesome. >> Which is nice. So, that they'll take out
the kind of dual station here. Yeah. >> Put in the new one and they'll do the repair work on the wall and they're going to have to do some electrical work in order to do the filling station. >> That's really a good thing. >> Yeah. Which is great. Um >> Yeah. It's filtered. >> All filtered. Yeah.
>> And it's paid for. >> Almost all of it was paid for. I kind of upgraded after it's worth it. >> Upgrade first. It's fine. We're going to upgrade >> so you don't have to do again later. >> Exactly. >> Um, for the signage, I've secured
services for signage. I've reviewed the initial proofs. Um, but next phase is just the final proofs and then, >> uh, we'll actually start the removal and install of new signage. >> Who's going to do the signage? >> U, we're going to have GO Graphics do the signage. Um, and it's going to be
raised characters in Braille. >> Okay. >> It'll be the it's our font is not on all the signage. the font's not all compliant. It has to be a certain type of font. So, we're just going to we're going to do about half the signage in this first phase and then we'll have to go forward from there. >> Okay.
>> Um for the external walkways, which is going to be on this side of the building over here on the Walgreens side, that ramp has to be redone. There needs to be um kind of a like that warning strip before you get into the parking lot. And then that needs to be flush. And then
the spacing in between the sidewalks is too wide. And then there's no um sidewalk from the emergency exit then that leads back to the sidewalk at the parking lot. So we have secured services, but I'm waiting for the contract to be signed and then we can
kind of formally announce that and then we can figure out the start date, but anticipating for the next few weeks actually um for the flooring project and we're actually now at that same place that we are with the external walkway. So, services have been secured, but I need
to get the contract signed. And then once that's signed, bless you. Thank you. >> Then we can um kind of move we can kind of move forward with that. We can announce who we've gone with. I need to let the other people that submitted uh written
responses, let them know that I did end up going with >> a certain place, >> one place, and then we can move forward. So, the flooring will take up um the lobby and the circulation area. All that flooring will be replaced. I'm looking
to do like a light gray um plank tile. >> Uhhuh. >> And so, that will all get replaced, which will be great. >> And when you get into the when you get into the I don't we called it the cafe. I don't know what you call it now. >> It'll be all the same. >> It will be the same. Yeah.
>> And and so will that will that address the the the lump? >> So the raised >> issue. >> Yes. The initial so this all had to go out. We had to sub request written responses because of the cost of the project. It
wasn't to bid but >> it's a request for written response because it was under that threshold to go out to bid but it's a very similar process. >> Okay. So when we submitted um the requests, the initial scope did not include dealing with those cracks, but
upon the process of getting the written responses, it really came that those cracks needed to be addressed. >> That's right. >> So we amended the scope of the project got more written responses or updated written responses, not more updated, excuse me. And so now
it's going to cost a little bit more than the initial estimate because now we're addressing the cracks. So those are going to be smoothed out and filled in and then new flooring will go on top. >> Otherwise, you're just going to have more flooring problems. >> The hope is that it won't, but it's a
structural issue, >> right? >> So they're basically because of the way that the flooring was initially laid. I mean, the middle of the winter, >> correct? Those cracks have been there basically since the building opened from my understanding. >> So, it's a structural issue and I don't think that that's going to end up being
addressed, but we can >> at least improve it vastly. >> So, it's a band-aid. >> It's a really great band-aid. >> A really nice >> It's like top of the line. >> It's a compression band-aid. >> Exactly. It's like top of the line. >> Um, so it's
>> Oh, that's a really good thing because because that that was a real problem. I am literally taping the floor down right now. >> I know. I know. >> I'll show you. I can show you all the places I taped, Larry. I used clear tape so it would blend.
>> Clear tape. >> Gorilla tape. >> Um, another update is so that was the municipal ADA improvement grants. >> The next grant is the Mass Broadband Institutees connected and online grant.
This is the grant that I went in on with three other municipal libraries to obtain devices. >> Um the grant opportunity was you had to get 50 devices at a minimum which we do not need. We only needed a few. So that's why we partnered with three other libraries.
>> So I attended the mandatory training for the grant a couple weeks ago. Um I have copies of the contract, the application, I have all the device information. I've been going back and forth with IT and TPW so they're aware that this is happening. So we are going to get those
uh smartboards and desktop workstations installed in the study rooms. >> Um we are just waiting for the actual devices to get rolled out. They've been rolling it out in phases starting in the eastern part of the state and now it's coming this way. Okay. >> So hopefully within the next few weeks
we should have our devices >> and then it will put them in. >> IT and DPW will help mount them and get them all set up. Okay. And then another mass broadband institute grant. These are separate. This is for
the digital equity implementation funds and that is through the entire town. Um since I sent you this, we got a final date for the programs. We just launched it yesterday and fabulous news, they're almost full. So this is
for those modules of beginner, intermediate, advanced digital skills training >> where the participants who attend at least five of the six sessions within that module will receive a free laptop that they get to keep. And so we finally
secured the dates. We're very excited. The beginner session starts March 31st. So there's a morning session at the um Pleasant View Senior Center. There's an afternoon session at the housing authority. And then there's an evening session here at the library. all on Tuesdays and it's going to run basically
straight through from now until the middle of September and it'll be beginners for six weeks and then two technology help sessions that are open to anybody and then intermediate for six weeks and then two help sessions that are open to anyone and then advanced for
six weeks and then two help sessions that are open for anyone. If you attend the help sessions, you can go and bring whatever device and ask your questions. You're not going to get a free laptop for going to that, but you can go and get some services from um and we are contracted with Cyber Seniors, so they're going to come in and run all of
this for the town. We did it at three locations. Anyone is welcome to attend to any of those locations. We were just trying to find what would be the most convenient locations and times for folks. We were trying to give a variety of options for people to attend. So, we're very excited about that.
>> So, is this for the entire public? >> Yeah, it's open to anybody. >> We geared it for teens and adults. Um so it's um digital skills training which we're very excited about. >> Yeah. >> How big is the classes?
>> So um we started with 10 people per kind of class because we have one instructor that's then has to manage instructing >> 10 >> 10 people. Um but we're hoping to maybe expand it by a couple of people um if we can. So, I'm just waiting to hear back
from if the this space is not going to be large enough to add more people in, but the Pleasant View Senior Center and the Housing Authority rooms might be bigger. So, we're going to see if we can maybe >> Is it going to be the same instructor at each place? >> I Yes, they're going to go from one place. >> And do you already have the instructor place? >> Yeah.
>> So, what do you anticipate the entire uh registration to be? Like how many? >> 30. I mean it's right now it's 30 >> and they're and it's already filled >> pretty much. >> Wow. >> 30 for the beginner class and then
there's so it's 10 here, 10 at the housing authority, 10 at the senior center and then in like the summer when they start the next session there could be 30 for the intermediate and then in the fall it'll be 30 for the advanced class. But there are people we do. So
there are a lot of people because when we sent it out yesterday, >> that's the whole point. We're hoping that some of the people are going to go through all three. That's why we staggered in that way so people could really improve on their digital skills. >> But there are a lot of people that just cherrypicked and based on their skill
level. Maybe they only needed the advanced one. >> Yeah. or maybe they just wanted to do the beginner and intermediate and that's just what they need for for their everyday life, whatever it is. So, um, so but it's we've had I I'm very
thrilled that we're meeting this need in the community, which is great. >> Yeah. Because I mean it before you even knew it, it was filled. >> Yeah. We posted it yesterday afternoon and I came in this afternoon and they were mostly >> So there's obviously a need. >> Yeah. And and they get a free laptop if
they go through the entire uh offering for each of the three. >> It's one laptop per person. So for the beginner, it's six weeks, but you have to attend at least five of them in order to get the free laptop. >> So it's you only have to you don't have to go through the beginner intermediate
through the beginner. >> Just one. >> Gotcha. >> So >> is it every day? >> Just Tuesdays. It's >> just once a week. >> Once a week for six weeks. >> Wow. Wow. >> Pretty good, right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. My husband was interested. I didn't realize what went right under.
>> Okay. >> I missed that one. >> But there there we'll talk about it after. >> Yeah. >> There's weight lists. >> Oh, that's fine. Um >> there's some there are some duplicates that we are contacting. >> My husband was. >> Was it? Yeah. >> Yeah. Well, let's talk because there are
some duplicates that signed up for like the senior center and the housing authority. So, we are contacting them to figure out Which one do you actually want to attend so then we can >> because you can only go to one. That's right. >> And then again, like I said, we're trying to see if we can open up a few
more spots at the other two locations to accommodate more of the weight. >> Okay. I'll mention each one. >> Okay. >> Thanks. >> Um the green communities grant that we applied for um to replace the HVAC to do the building weatherization. We're still
waiting on official notification. And then because I can't stop myself, I applied for another grant. Oh, good for you. >> Yay. You're on a roll. >> I don't know if we're going to get it, but I applied for it. Uh, it's excuse me, sustainable and resilient New England libraries grant. So, that is for
small and rural libraries in New England. And I applied for it. It's up to $15,000. So, I applied to have the first floor um shading system replaced. I applied to
have the second floor shading replaced to it as a capital request to the town because the shading just needs to all be replaced. It's original to the building. It's just it's not efficient. >> Not it's not holding up. >> It's not um several of the pieces are broken. Many of the windows don't
actually have anything on them. Yeah. >> So I applied for the first floor. >> The estimate is higher than what the grant is, but we can use other funds to kind of make up that little difference. So, um, but they're expected to notify by the end of April.
>> Oh, it's expensive. >> Uhhuh. >> This floor is over 15,000. >> Uh-huh. Uh-huh. Uh-huh. So, >> it's a whole system. >> Well, I mean, it's basically just upgrading these. >> It'll still be a pulley. It's not anything super crazy.
>> What? You can't press a button at the circulation desk and control all the shades. >> That's what I asked for for the skylight, though. Yeah. >> Right. >> Um, professional development, we've been very busy doing that. >> Um, >> I am sending out in my I sent out a
weekly update email to the staff and now I'm trying to add trainings to all of those. Um, we did a skills checklist back in January. So, I'm identifying areas where staff feel like they need a little refresher or they need new information. So, we're working on that. So, in February, I sent out trainings on
Commonwealth catalog. We got a new phone system, a Zoom phone system a couple months ago. So I just sent out a reminder about that. Um CW Mars has reports. They're called Metabase reports. Um so I sent out a reminder about that and then they had a training
and several of us took that training. I talked about professional list serves and newsletters and email etiquette. So, every week I'm trying to send out something for folks to kind of get a refresh on and then um talk a little bit about the friends.
So, they have been very busy this winter. Um they are working on their fundraiser outreach events. They're publicizing what they have going on, trying to boost their membership. So, from end of January to the middle of February, they had their winter raffle
baskets which were wildly successful. So again, patrons love it. On February 7th, they had their second annual bake sale. >> Um, and the goodies were delicious. They were super yummy. >> Um, so then they had a really nice
variety and they got um some donated uh raffle prizes from Pete Sweet and the latest craze. So that was really nice. Um, so it was it was a really nice turnout. The friends themselves came out in full force and volunteered. Um, so that was really great. And then they are
also now going to be working on reviewing the applications that they received for the the Nick memorial scholarship because that deadline was yesterday. Two days ago today 18th. >> Yes. >> So it was two days ago. >> Um so we're going to talk about kind of
talk about two policies tonight. The first one I want to talk about is the bulletin board policy which you guys probably if you read this you knew I was going to talk about it. >> Yes. and then we'll get on to the exhibit policy after which I do want to make a change to. Um, so for the
bulletin board policy, I linked it in the email that I sent and then I also printed to a hard copy right here. This has not been addressed since 2018. So, it is time. But I actually would like to propose that we transition these
from community bulletin boards to library use only. Um, our current volume of programming is significant and we really need a dedicated space to publicize library programs and friends of the library events. They are also doing a lot and we would really like to kind of highlight what they're working on and that will give them a space to do
so. >> Um, by repurposing the board to library use only, we can prioritize library programs and news as well as print out the senior center newsletter and the park and wreck newsletters. Um, and we will continue to display official town notices as requested by the town. Um,
currently the bulletin board requires significant staff time to review and vet individual requests as well as post date and then remove the flyers and then we constantly are having to monitor for unapproved postings. >> Um, there are at least two other businesses in Center Village that
already provide community billboards. >> Do you know who they are? >> Um, Starbucks has one. >> Um, it could be Rocky's. >> Oh, yeah. I think it is Rocky's. Um, but we have there's two other community bulletin boards in Center Village. >> Yeah, that that should be good.
>> And we frequently refer patrons over there when their requests they bring something over and it just we don't have the space or it doesn't meet our current policy. Um, so folks are used to having to find another spot. >> Okay. >> So, I would like to propose to the board to vote on retiring the current policy
and repurpose the board for library and town use. Okay. >> Please note, I did run this by the town manager and she approved. and then we'll get on to the exhibit policy what I would like to do. >> Okay. >> Would anyone like to move that we
so we need to vote to we need a motion and then we can discuss and then we can approve. So would anyone like to move that we >> we discuss first before the motion? >> Make a motion we discuss then we >> Oh, okay. Okay. >> So we'll make a motion.
>> We have a second. >> I'll second. >> Any discussion? So, I have a a clarification um for library use. Would that also include um events happening in town that the library is affiliated or like supporting? So,
>> the specific example that I'm thinking of is the Earth Day cleanup like that I know about it because I saw the flyer out there. So, that >> that's a town that's a town >> event, right? So, is that going those types of things going to be continued to be okay? >> Yeah. And then when we're like library
on the go, so if we're at uh celebrate eel Yeah. or if we attend uh festival or something like that, >> we tend to make our own flyers to promote that we're going to be there, but there are other town events that
>> the library is going to be representing. >> Okay. >> So that type of >> So those those would be on there. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. That's why I >> What else do we So I'm looking at what it can be used for in the current policy
>> things like election information and >> which is town which we do post already. >> Sorry. >> Your face was amazing right there. >> That translates self-defense. >> Go. Sorry. Go.
So the information we would put on the board would be provided by the town. It would be provid So the example here is League of Women Voters. So a nonpartisan um election notification from outside
the town wouldn't necessarily run this board. >> No, it would just be like voting day is September 3rd. Do organizations such as the League of Women Voters and the Secretary of State that are listed in the policy, do they currently use the
bulletin board? >> Not to my knowledge. >> So, they're not really using it. >> Are any of these other groups like we mentioned celebrate Eel, right, which is like that's run by >> Rotary. >> Rotary. >> Do they rely on the bulletin board
>> and would they expect to continue to rely on it? It depends because there are times that we say, "I'm so sorry. We just don't have space to put additional flyers up." So, that happens on occasion, but we are trying to get out to those community
events right now anyway. So, we would have those flyers up because we wouldn't be there. >> Yeah. >> Um, >> is most of this done through the internet, this post, these postings? >> No, it's physical flyers that somebody brings in and says, "Can I put these
up?" And then we have to review them. >> So, So then, but and that's it. We don't have it. It's not posted online. >> No. >> Okay. >> They're the Yeah, they're the actual physical pieces of paper that are out there. >> Okay. So, >> yeah.
>> So, we're only talking I'm thinking about the one in the vestibule here. >> That's exactly those are. >> Okay. So, there's just those two. >> And I want to repurpose those literature racks. So, the bulletin boards will stay up, but I want to repurpose those literature racks elsewhere in the building because we could use those for
other things. They're nice pieces. What are in the literature right now? >> Honestly, not much. >> Okay. >> But they're like the little kind of flyer sometimes that you'll see. >> Oh, like that what has the upcoming events on them right now? >> Okay. >> So that so that that information that's
on these bulletin boards, it's not translated into your system. >> No. >> Okay. >> No. We want to use the literature racks to actually put the newspapers. >> You want what? So we can remove there's three metal newspaper holders in that
vestibule over there. >> Yeah. >> We can fit the newspapers in the current literature racks. So that would free up some space in the vestibule. It's very crowded in there actually when you go in there. >> Yep. And so by not having the flyers in
there, you could have the flyers in the wall. >> Do they still put like the reminder in there and stuff? >> The reminder will go right now it goes on that that kind of black metal >> Yeah. Yeah. holder. Yeah, we would just move it to the literature rack and Okay. >> So, it still be there. >> It will still be there. It'll just be in
a different spot. >> What we find is we get a lot of I don't want to say a lot, but we get a handful of requests every month or two >> for things that we do not >> accept. Mhm. >> So, it ends up being personal notices,
fundraisers. >> Um, so then it just becomes a lot of staff time. Somebody at the desk has to review it, then they send it to me, I have to review it. I then have to contact the person to be like, "Here's our policy. This is why it does not fit in." And then it ends up being some back and forth. And then it just takes up and
it just takes up staff time for something that's going to go up for just a couple of days, right? >> Or what happens is somebody will just come and put something up, >> right? That happens a lot >> just because they think it's just there, right? It's not I don't think anyone's doing anything. >> Exactly. They don't think it's doing wrong. >> Right. Exactly. So somebody will just post something or they'll put it in the
literature rack, but then we're constantly checking to make sure that we have to clear it. We have to contact them if we can to let them know. So it does it just does add a lot of staff time. >> Absolutely. >> And the staff doesn't have a lot of time. They're doing so much. >> We don't and we're doing a lot already
and we want to make sure that we're publicizing what we're doing. >> Is it used? What do you mean? >> Are they Are those bulletin boards used? >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> But you still have to police it because >> it'll be a lot easier. >> People aren't going to know.
>> It'll be a lot easier. >> So, >> because it won't be one of ours. Our things are very specific flyers. They have our logo on it. If we walk by it and see something, we could just pull it. But now we have to grab it, read through it, see if somebody signed off on it and dated it. So, it just adds
extra. I mean, it's doable. We've been doing it for years, >> but I think we're at the point where it we can move forward. >> That's my two. >> Yeah. Um I was just confused cuz I thought the policy already was that it was for library use only. So um
>> that's I thought it was just for library and town use. So I was just confused as to why >> you needed to have us do this. So >> yeah, >> sure. I'm I'm fine with that. Thank you. >> I'm fine. Any other thoughts? >> No.
>> No further discussion. >> I make a motion that >> we already did. >> We did it. >> We now vote. >> Any amendments or I guess we're not amending. >> We're not amending. No. >> Um all in favor >> I >> to sorry we can confirm that the motion is to
>> limit >> to retiring the policy. >> Yeah. vote on retiring the current policy. >> Retiring the current policy and repurposing the board for library and town use. All in favor? >> I >> I.
>> Any opposed? >> Okay, motion carries. Thank you all. Thank you, Katie. >> As long as I can find out what events to attend from that bulletin board, that's I'm good with it. >> So, I was like, clean up days this day.
>> Yeah. And oh, we skipped into new business. Oops. Okay, my fault. >> Well, because then we put it at the bottom of the >> but now we have the um exhibit
policy. >> Oh, sorry. >> We're viewed many, many times. >> Now we're back. >> No, we're still going. >> We're not going to vote on it. >> Sorry. We could we could vote on it, but with just some changes. And I'd like to
tell you what those are. >> Oh boy. >> You are 100% allowed to be mad at me about this. >> Okay. >> I mean, I don't want to speak for everyone. >> It's okay. I'm going to own this one. We correct and move forward everyone. That's what I love to say.
>> Okay. So, with the changes that we're making in the lobby area, new water fountains, new flooring, I'm working with Creative Library Concepts on a redesign of the lobby space. What we would like to do is in the
design, and we're getting more information about this, is I want a new circulation desk. In the new design, we would put um Oh, I don't know if I've told you this already or not before, but we're looking to put like a like almost like a bench
with some shelving in it so people have a place to sit. When you come up with your three kiddos, sit right here instead of running all over the lobby or trying to get out the doors. Here's a seat. if somebody comes in and just wants to take a rest or just put their bag down and get what they need. So,
we're looking to put in between where the current circulation desk is and the giving wall, a little bench area there. >> Okay. >> And then where the giving wall is currently where those glass display cabinets are, this is where I'm going. >> We want to put self-service holds and a
checkout station, a selfch checkck station. >> Okay. >> So, we're doing all the things, Jean. Oh my god. >> So, but here's the thing. I can't fit all of that with the current display cases there, right? >> So, I would like to not I would like to
I am going to move the glass display cabinets upstairs into the local history room because there's literally nowhere else any other place to put them, but I don't necessarily want to get rid of them because they're nice pieces. So, for the immediate future, I would like to move them upstairs
>> and then that will that will be able to plan that whole area. Mhm. >> What's What's the matter? >> Well, because we spent weeks going the >> display and then once you clear that out, then you're going to need to get pieces. >> So, the current shelving that's behind
the circulation desk that has the holds now will just shift over to where the giving wall is. >> Oh, okay. >> And then we're just going to add a selfation after I get the electrical run because I have to have an electrician come in and get the electrical there. But that's going to happen. So worth it. >> I don't want to approve this policy
knowing that I'm going to be moving these display cabinets. >> They're not going to be an ex. >> So it's not a huge change. >> Yeah, I think that's fine. >> So if you turn to page two, I just crossed out B. >> Jeff display cases.
Got it. >> So you not having people display their things in the that room. Just know this just >> just this the exhibit policy we worked on was kind of taking into we were trying to cover two spaces. >> Correct.
>> So basically I just want to remove the display case part and it's just going to be kind of artwork in there. >> Okay. So even though they're going upstairs, you're just going to have them empty upstairs for the time being >> period. Okay? >> Because that is a an appointment use
space. So somebody would have to make an appointment to go in there. So, I did email George Kingston from the historical commission to see if they could use the display cabinets to house some of the historical East Lomb artifacts that they have. >> Okay. >> So, we we'll repurpose them upstairs. >> Okay. >> And he and he liked that.
>> He hasn't responded yet, but in fairness, I emailed him today. >> Oh, >> it's been on my radar. >> The display pieces are quite often full. I guess they'll have to notify the
person with the China chachkis to pick them up. >> Yeah, I was No, it's No, I was I was wondering how staff that will fill it though because it will go empty for a while and so staff will come in and
display some of their items. >> But again, that's one more thing that the staff have to coordinate >> and it's the staff that dismantles. No, >> no. The the displayer will come in and put it up, >> but but they have to um they have to
take the request in and approve it and put it >> make sure it's done right. >> Yeah. >> It takes staff time to do, >> which is fine. >> Yeah. No, no, I >> but I want that space for a different purpose. >> Yeah. But and the purpose you have in mind, I think, will be more beneficial
to the community. >> Correct. So, as lovely as those glass display, >> I mean, that's that's a nice offering. >> It's very nice. It's very nice and people look at it when they're at the circulation desk because there's some interesting things that go in there. However, >> a better use of that space is self-service holds and
>> and that's prime space because it's when you first come in >> and it's within easy access to the circulation team so they can easily assist a patron that needs that support. >> Does the bench have chains? >> Not yet. I have well to hold the cast there.
>> We got to get a drawing and go out to good public for that but so that's a little ways out but we're working on it. >> All right. >> So but I would like to get that moved and out of here before the new flooring gets put in. >> Sure. Sure. I guess I agree with that. >> Yeah. >> So to kind of and I may have missed something but hopefully not. So if you
turn to page three >> Yep. in section seven and the first bullet point, those last two words >> or collections I think can be crossed out
and that same section seven signage and publicity the third bullet point that whole third bullet point can go. Okay. With regard to exhibit collection, >> exhibit because it's not going to be in an exhibited collection. >> Okay.
>> On page four towards the bottom under consequence of non-compliance. >> Yeah. >> That first bullet point removal. >> Yep. I think we just take out or display those last two words. Oops.
>> Yeah. >> Also in 10 >> any exhibit board display. Take that one out too. >> Right. Next choose display. >> Oh yes. Thank you. >> Right above it display. I missed that one. Thank you very much. Good job,
Larry. Wow. So So >> thank God you're back. So >> So what are we doing with that one? We're taking our magnets removal >> or display >> and the one in 11 as well. Yeah, that one. >> Oh, I see it.
>> That's all I caught in the first >> and and a nine. >> You got that four just >> Yeah, you just you had that one right here. >> Oh, sorry. It's hard for me to see the pencil. Just the left. >> Okay. >> I don't know. So this one like I mean in
you said you had crossed off this one under signage and publicity. >> I did I hemmed about that one but I just went for it. >> Okay. I think it could stay. Um cuz like a collection could like an >> I know like a collection of artwork but >> that's what I'm thinking.
>> I humped and hot about it and I just went I'm just going to cut it. >> Okay. >> We could add it that way. Why don't we just take out four artists or collections and just say exhibit signage which may include the following information as submit by >> Okay.
>> So back on seven on page three the first bullet point. >> Yep. East Law Meadow Public Library will produce exhibit signage which may include so take out the artist or collection >> a collection of like eight grade earth
work that's a collection so >> four artist >> by the four artists >> we're doing this four artist I got it okay they're >> we had already taken out or reflections. Okay.
>> So, I guess it could be >> artists names >> if we have all the eighth graders. >> Yeah, it's fine. >> Okay. That's what I caught so far. And then uh then you go to page one of the
exhibit application. >> The line that's bolded about a little more than halfway down. Exhibit space requested. We just cross that whole line out because it's just that there's no choice. >> Gotcha.
>> And that was that was it. So, it wasn't terrible, you guys. >> It wasn't terrible. >> I appreciate all of the time we spent trying to come up with verbiage that would encompass both spaces and then I just threw it all out the window, but I
appreciate you all very much. >> Squeeze the cookies. I know >> that that's good. You know, you've got a you just got a a grant, so you've got to reconsider that >> the spacing. So, >> and it's really nice to have a checkout place.
>> It is. I love the bench idea. >> And I love the bench idea, too. >> So, >> I foiled a runner this afternoon. >> Do you want to keep the word materials in the release? >> Great question. That's what I was just reading that over to see if any of that
needed to be >> technically I mean it could encompass >> now where fiber is >> it could it could stay >> you just be loose with artwork and what that all encompasses >> it's unnecessary but if it's already
there it could stay >> right here >> just any like the the verbiage in on this now is a little excessive if we only have artwork hanging But if it's already there, then >> yes, >> it's probably fine to include different
things could hang up on that than just your typical art, >> right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah, you're right. >> Are you talking about the signing below paragraph? >> No, the very first line on that. >> Well, that one and the and the second paragraph, too, including artwork, materials, and personal items.
>> Yes. Thank you. Um, so yeah, I think it I think it could stay >> as it is. >> We're still waiting on a review of this >> time said it was >> Oh, he did. So, we could move. Someone
could move to accept this policy as revised. >> Yeah. >> Would anyone like to do so? >> Yeah, I would do that. I'd like to um make a motion to accept the policy as revised. And I'd like to second that. >> Yeah.
>> Any further discussion? >> Yeah, I think it's good. We're getting a new space. >> Well enough. >> Yeah, >> I think I don't think we need further discuss. >> I think we discussed that. >> I didn't know if that was from the thing or just a
>> It's just a phone number. Phone number. >> Okay. >> We've been working on that for so long. >> Oh my gosh. Dang it. I'm almost in another decade. >> So, we still have a motion. We need to >> I >> So, we have it well written what we're
changing. We're in addition to the phone number. We're removing the discussed items would and we can all vote now on the motion. All in favor? >> I opposed.
No. Motion carries. Thank you all. Thank you, Katie. Thank you all. >> Are we and we're done with that policy, right? >> That's what we just did. I was amazed. >> I think we should go and celebrate. >> So that's good.
>> Nice. Nice everyone. And I know we have other items that Katie is bringing us. Yes. For the CW Mars. >> Yep. So strategic plan. >> Yep. So I am not going to read these all out loud. Um that's why I send them to you. Yes. These are all available online
as well. So folks can can go to the CW Mars >> site and see them. Um I'm a part of the executive committee of CWMARS. So I was kind of >> um involved a little bit in the process with business. I was not on the strategic plan. I was not part of the strategic committee but I did see the
rough drafts you know the drafts that came through. Okay. And I did vote on it at users council um because that's for the entire network. Um and so they have launched their strategic plan for 27 to FY27 to FY31 and then they have their
first year action plan here. Um CW Mars is an incredible resource to our community. Our network provides so many services, professional development, support for our team. They are really we are very lucky to be a part of this. >> Absolutely. >> Um so they are continuing to do great
things and to advocate for our communities. So, I just wanted you all to have a copy of it, but like I said, it's all available online. And then, um, you have already received the next little piece you have here. It's from the Mass Board of Library Commissioners. This is information about, um,
legislative bills that are going through regarding libraries as well as their FY27 um, agenda for what they're asking for and what the funding will go to support. Um you all have re many of you have received these from the legislative
breakfast and meetings we have attended and you're also giving these through the NVLC with search for the trustees. Again this information is also available on their website the NBLC website and I have forwarded it to the town manager's office as well as the friends and you
all and the staff. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> When does Oh, sorry. When does voting on um like this is the money that the board of libraries is asking for. When does this get >> So Governor Healey has already put forth her budget request
>> and libraries actually they she did all right. >> We did all right. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> So it was an increase was it? >> I think it was a 2% I think they were asking for% >> but it could have been a decrease though. >> So um yeah Governor Healey is very supportive of the libraries. Um the Mass
Board of Library Commissioners does a really great job getting out into the community and advocating on behalf of the entire Commonwealth libraries. So >> yeah, they're really good at telling our story and selling our story as well. >> So good. >> Great.
>> That was a lot of information. Thank you all for letting me get to know that. >> Any other uh comments on these? Our next meeting is April 15th at 6 PM right here in the library. >> Um would anyone like to move that we
adjurnn? >> I'll move that we adjourn. I can second that. >> All in favor? >> I >> I. We are adjourned. Thanks everyone. It is 7:02. Wow.