Okay, good afternoon everyone. It is Friday, June 12th at 10:04 p.m. and um I'm Amy Paul, chair of the board of library trustees, which is what we're here for. Um and I'm going to call
the meeting to order. Uh to my right is >> Katie McGonagal, library director, Michelle Jones, library trustee. >> Nancy Okconor, library trustee. Larry Bowman, secretary. >> Sydney Mcnot, vice chair. >> Thanks everyone. Uh, no public comments
today. We have minutes um from the May 22nd meeting. Did everyone get a chance to review them? We'll take a moment. Sorry. I know this is quite a good staple. And thank you Michelle for the minutes
this time. >> I don't know. Do I have two of the same thing? >> Sorry, there's an extra. >> Yeah. >> Yep. It was pretty brief. >> Um, >> did we get the next meeting? I don't
know how important it is, but was the next meeting missing from the >> Oh, I don't have the print out. Okay. >> Oh, it did. >> It's not on the back of mine. >> It didn't print it. >> That's okay. I reviewed it. >> We only
uh >> Oh, we only have half our print outs. We're back to order. Thanks everyone. >> That was quick. >> Yeah. >> Sorry. So, we have our full printouts
and we were on the uh minutes >> approving them. >> Approving them. Would anyone like to move that we approve the m the minutes as submitted by Michelle? >> I would approve it. I approve.
>> So, you will move that we any second? >> I I'll second. >> Second, please. So, we have a motion from Cindy, seconded by Nancy. All in favor? >> I
>> I Okay, that's passes. Now, Katie, the director's report. Thank you very much. >> Um, I'm going to start per usual with the children's highlights. Um
there were 22 programs during the month of May, but we did have to cancel 11 programs due to just the flooring and the external work that was happening at the building. The goal of the projects was to not have um significant interruption to our operations.
Unfortunately, there were some days where we just really for the safety of the kiddos coming in and out of the building, we really just needed to um cancel a few programs. So, um, the flooring is now complete and it looks lovely and we're very excited about that. Um, of the 22 programs that were
held, there were 431 program attendees. Um, there were two kindergarten visits and, uh, staff went to Maple Shade to do some visits and staff also went to Mountain View for an open house. Um, we were really trying to promote the summer the upcoming summer reading program
with, uh, within our local schools. So is this these 307 271 that's the number that's the number of kids that you saw >> correct >> in these two visits combined >> correct? >> Okay. >> Yep. So there were two different >> 15 visits to Maple Shade.
>> They visited with probably 15 different classes I think is what they mean. >> And you go to each class. >> Yeah. >> And for the two kindergarten visits it was like two field trips >> right >> that came here. So, there were multiple classes that came, but they lumped them together, and we don't know how many classes were in each one. Basically, we
didn't break it down, >> but the total is like 307 kids total. >> Okay. >> And they made very cute artwork that is displayed in that room. >> Really sweet. Very nice. >> Check it out. >> Um, there were 188 reference transactions in the children's department and 211 participants with the
scavenger hunt and 197 guesses in the guessing jar. Uh, the children's department has successfully transitioned into the summer season, fully decorating the space to match this year's theme, plant a seed, read. School outreach was a major focus this month, highlighted by
promotional school visits to Maple Shade and Mountain View, as well as hosting a field trip for local kindergarten students. Ahead of the summer rush, staff mapped out an exciting schedule of weekly in library activities, which will include themed guessing jars, scavenger hunts, passive art projects in the
activity room, and the summer volunteer program. All culminating in an end of summer celebration at Intercate 91. Finally, while the department is sad to say goodbye to two valued staff members, the team celebrates their transition into professional roles at neighboring libraries, which offers an exciting new
opportunity for future cross community collaboration. >> We see you. Thank you, Darcy. >> So, Darcy and Kirsten have moved on to Stores Library in Long Meadow and then to Love. >> That said,
>> is very sad for us, but fantastic for them. That's very fantastic. >> Um, on to teen highlights during May. Oh, I just wanted to include our June calendar. Okay. >> Um, for you all to see that we're really that was um, released in May and I wanted you to see some of the events
that we had coming up in >> June. For our teen highlights, there were 10 programs, 208 program attendees, there were five passive programs, and 101 um, passive program participation. The teen department remained busy
throughout May with strong program attendance and a well-used teen area. Even though several programs were cancelled due to the new flooring installation and external construction, teens have been especially enjoying the new card games that were recently purchased as well as the donated ones. The card games are kept behind the desk
and made available upon request. There are two new bulletin board displays in the teen area. The first is titled what I wish I knew and it invites teens to share advice and insight insights for upcoming grades. The board is divided into sections including starting sixth
grade, starting freshman year, starting senior year, in middle school, and in high school. It quickly filled with thoughtful messages and helpful advice. >> What a great idea. >> Isn't that a great idea? The second bulletin board provides a dedicated display space for eighth grade
civics projects. >> To help promote the summer reading program and bean stack challenge, there is a teen uh summer reading prize window display on the second floor along with prize signs in the stacks. For adult highlights, there were 12
programs, 101 program attendees, 410 reference transactions, 230 hours of study room use, and 11 requests went unfulfilled. In May, we were fortunate to offer two creative programs funded through grants from the East Long Metal Cultural
Council. Tracy Kachansky led a fantastic needle felting class where participants created adorable felted bunnies. We also welcome back Greg Michek for a pastel painting program. His classes are always popular and this year was no exception with a full weight list once again.
Participants followed along to recreate Vincent Van Go's The Iris and everyone had a wonderful time producing beautiful finding final paintings. The library also hosted a collectibles and antiques appraisal event and patrons brought in their treasures to determine
their value. The adult pro department also worked on preparing for the summer reading program and bean stack challenge weeding the collection for our upcoming shelving shift including the music CD collection and there's some pictures on the other side of the needle felt funny and I saw
them in person and they were adorable. >> They came out great. >> Oh my gosh, >> that's so professional. >> I wouldn't have even thought that it would look like this. >> Yeah, they came out really well. >> It's adorable. >> Mhm. For circulation and technical services,
there were 12,775 items circulated. Although this is a decrease of 1,855 from April, April and a decrease of 1,942 from the May before, I still think that 12,755 circulations is a lot. I think
that we did a lot of work during May >> while the floor was being replaced. >> Correct. And we kept having the open doors and closed doors and the elevator was I think that was during May was out of commission for like a week and a half and >> six grants coming together. >> It was
>> people were very busy. So I'm still very proud of our whole team. We really came together. It was a lot. >> Um there were 40 new patron cards issued. There were 822 items deleted from the collection and 185 items added to the collection. Please keep in mind
we are coming to the end of the fiscal year. So we are not we have really stopped at purchasing. So there's not going to be a lot added to the collection for the next month or two. Um but we are trying to weed because we're going to do some major shifting coming up. >> Did that did the bookshelf in the
children's room get reanchored and up or >> Nope. We just got rid of it. >> Oh, you did? >> And we are working with a moving company to take shelving from the current high school before it gets torn down and move that here. So, we're going to re reduce recycle. Saves everybody money. So,
we're going to repurchase repurpose wall-mounted shelving from the high school into the children's department. Okay. >> And we're also going to take the current high school, what they would refer to as their circulation desk. Yes. >> And that's going to be our new to us staff desk for the second floor.
>> The current information desk when you come to the top of the stairs has an incredibly large footprint, >> really big. and I want to be able to take a lot of that space back to create more patron space. >> So, that's part of this upcoming move that's in the works. Gotcha.
>> Yeah. So, I I'm excited for the next steps. >> That's another thing. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. That's great. >> Um, so here downstairs at the circus, there were 396 reference transactions. Um, down here, but there were 13 non
library meeting room uses. There were 97.5 volunteer hours and our door count was 11,135. Uh the technical services department continues working with the historic commission and local archavists who are generously volunteering their time and
expertise to address the local history collection maintenance and organization. They are reviewing which materials should be retained by the library and what should be uh maintained by the local historical commission. The meeting was productive and they reviewed all the materials on the library's dedicated
shelving. During the month of May, the circulation department experienced a high volume of activity while demonstrating exceptional flexibility during the municipal ADA improvement grant projects. Alongside other building staff, the circulation team successfully adapted to daily
fast-moving updates regarding the new flooring installations and the addition of a water filling station. Managing these projects requires staff to establish protective barriers for patron safety, continually adjusting their circulation workflow, and navigate the
temporary loss of the elevator, which prevented the use of book trucks to transport materials between floors. >> How did you do that? >> Despite these logistical hurdles, the department maintained seamless operations and ensured the public remained informed by updating patron signage and publicity on a daily basis.
And sometimes it would change two or three times a day. Like we were constantly having to shift. Um so children's department as well, we had to use the emergency exit to get folks in and out. We had to constantly change external signage. We had those two
mares. We had um poster board that was on the construction fencing around the ramp updating signage on the doors throughout the building. I mean it was it was a lot of movement and everyone did a really wonderful job. I'm very grateful. Is the ramp getting addressed?
>> That is still Yes, that is still in the works. >> Yep. Um so to kind of continue on with that, >> um the listening devices, as you are aware, are already here and they're available during programming. The water and filling station is now complete. So
that is great and that has been um very used already and we're getting lots of comments about that. So that's great. The signage installation, as I've said before, this kind of round of signage is all done. Um, there's more to do, but I need to physically move the spaces
around before we recreate any more signage. Um, the external walkways are still in the works and the town is helping to provide guidance and is getting involved with that piece because it's um, still needs
work. >> Um, the flooring, this phase is complete. Um the the patron spaces are all done on the first floor for the new flooring that was installed. Once we get a new circulation desk in, then the
remainder of the flooring will be finished. It's here in the building. We have the flooring in stock. It's just that we need to get the new desk in to then complete the rest of it. And then the MBI connected and online grant for the smartboards and desktops that is
still in the works. the devices are on hold in Long Meadow. Um they're just trying to make sure that the inventory matches. And then the MBI digital equity implementation grant and those funds, the devices that we used for the
beginner module for the town digital skills sessions, those were all collected back and we're in the process of doing like a return credit to either get different devices or address the current devices because they just did not work for the purpose of the program.
um for the green communities grant. The town is continuing to work with Guardian Energy, DPW, IT, myself, uh the manager's office, accounting, you know, all of the the parties are involved now. And so we're
just working on next steps. We have not set a start date for this project yet for the Sustainable and Resilient New England libraries grant. We did receive that $15,000 grant. Um the accounting department has that in a fund and I am going to address that once we get into
FY27. I want to get some of these finished before going on to the next >> shorten this. >> Uhhuh. >> Um but >> what's an RTU? >> Uh rooftop unit. That's the whole HVAC system. >> Okay. >> Um the sustainable and resilient grant
that has to be done by June of 2027. >> Okay. >> We've got some time. >> And same for the green communities grant. So, we've got some time u for professional development. We just kind of continue on staying informed from ALA um with their library direct. We have
newsletters that we receive. We have niche academy and we have our professional journals. So, we're continuing on NBLC, MLS, CWRS, all of those abbreviations, all those acronyms. They continue to keep us updated.
Um a few updates on the friends. Uh the friends finished their spring raffle basket in midbay. They very kindly extended their deadline. They worked with the staff here at the library because we ended up having to move their raffles from the first floor to the second floor and then the second floor wasn't always accessible based on where
the flooring was getting installed. Uh we decided to extend out the time frame of the spring raffle basket. >> Um and then we kind of moved their display from one floor to the next so that way it would still get um attention. And then as we were laying the flooring
and moving things around and trying to determine how we wanted patrons to be able to utilize the space, we ended up moving the Friends book sale from that corner in between the new browsing area and the children's department. And we actually relocated it to directly across from the circulation desk. >> Oh, that's so um that will give some
great sight lines for staff and it's a little bit easier for the friends volunteers that come in to replenish that they don't have to go all the way across. Um, so for right now, that's where the sale is. Again, we are a very flexible space and um, you know, we move as needed, but for right now, that's
where it's located. >> So, instead of the display cases, we have the sale, right? It's the same spot >> basically. >> Okay. >> Yeah. The display cases are actually currently in the community room because
when the movers came to move the furniture for the flooring project, they were supposed to move the display cases to the second floor, but the elevator was broken. >> Oh god. >> One only one example of the logistical challenges. >> So hopefully eventually >> those will get moved upstairs and
they'll come back. >> I like that location for the >> book sale. >> Will they come back and do that? >> Um hopefully. >> Okay. when they're here from the high school. >> That move actually is a domino effect
and it's going to be like six internal moves as part of the process. >> Oh my goodness. >> Yeah. >> What do they do with the books from the high school library? >> I don't >> Well, I imagine they would move them. >> I'm assuming they would weed out whatever they don't want to move and
then they're just going to box up and take it >> to the new building. But where they are right now, I don't or where they're going to be stored over the summer, I don't know that. >> And is it still scheduled for September for the opening of >> I don't know that either. I don't know that. I'm just really here. >> Oh,
>> but I did meet the new superintendent. >> Oh, you did? >> Yes. Joanie Manard. She was she's very nice. I met her at um I attended the uh wreck department, the town's summerfest um last weekend at Browns Farm and Joanie was there and I met her. >> Very nice. >> Yep.
>> I just I miss all of these. I'm sorry. >> Sorry. >> No, it's my own fault. I need to be on social media. >> Yeah. Well, um I'll fill you in. >> Uh a few other updates from the friends. They are on their summer break for June, July, and August. And they will continue
to have their own communication, and they are working on outreach and fundraisers, including they're going to try to attend our end of summer reading challenge uh when we pivot to the end of summer uh parties. They are working on a Chipotle fundraiser that they moved from
our original kickoff date which was June 9th but we pivoted to an end of summer party. So the friends pivoted also. So their Chipotle fundraiser is going to be it's either August 18th or 19th. It's whatever that Tuesday is. >> Awesome. >> And then um they are working on a got sneakers drive which is a fundraising
drive to collect you know slightly used good condition sneakers. Um, so more information to come on that. And then the next on the list is I just want to talk about the policies, um, which we can get into more detail in
just a second, but basically my recommendation to the board is that we remove the telescope policy as it really aligns and fits in with the Library of Things policy. I do not think that we need to have two separate policies. I think it's too confusing. Um, so I recommend that we do that. And I just
have like the slightest updates, recommendation, edits for the Library of Things policy. And then our next meeting is going to be Friday, July 10th. >> Thank you, Katie. >> Thank you. >> So, let's see.
Old business. We have none. We do have some new business though, as you were nicely segueing us into. >> Yep. Um, so the telescope policies standalone current thing. >> So the telescope policy was created by
my predecessor in March and it was approved in March of 2021. At that point we really did not have as robust of a library of things collection as we do now. And this was a specific donation by the friends and so it ended up having
its own policy. I don't think that that is necessary anymore. especially with all of the work that we did with our current library of things policy. So I recommend that we remove the telescope policy and in it will fall under the
library of things policy. >> So that's good. And then I would like to make a couple of suggestions. Oh >> yeah, >> this is specific to also care of >> the teo the telescope right
>> and that information isn't specifically >> we made this general >> yes >> specifically so that we don't have to have the responsibility of this. It is not our job to teach you the patron how to like we can't instruct
every patron on every device that we have. >> So the telescope you're saying is not special in the context of the policy. >> Okay. >> It's another thing. Right. Correct. >> Well, I know it's a thing. What I'm trying to figure out is if it's a
special kind of thing >> based like if we're talking about like we have a sewing machine, we have a telescope. >> Mhm. We have a microscope. We have Do you see what I'm saying? >> Yes. Yes, I I do. But I'm trying to understand
>> um also considering um >> So you're saying that we had a specific policy for this telescope because we didn't have like a broader we had a small library of things
>> very small. And now like all of the elements in here which are very specific are not needed for people to be able to use or like to comply with the policy. >> So we don't have to add anything about
like specific high value or fragile items to the policy based on removing this one. >> Correct. Because that's already included in our current library of things policy. It is also in the item record and it is
also on the item when somebody checks out >> so they can read how to use it. Is the in the item record. Can they read how to use? >> No, there's there's >> Is there any instructions with >> There's instructions >> when you when you check out the telescope. It comes in a big tote like
this big. I've taken it out uh three times now. So, and it comes with like a a manual that explains how how to best use it and like safety guides of like, you know, don't use it in the the sun or how to how to focus it and what to do
and things like that. >> Our instructions for the borrower. >> Yeah. And it >> without us having to add this. >> Correct. And it explains like the cost of things and and things like how much it would be to replace it if it was damag I don't it's not as detailed as this I
didn't read it all going to be honest >> I didn't read it all either but it's quite detailed >> but it is detailed so but you know the this information is in the bin if you wanted to look at it um >> you know like if you were worried about it >> we just do not do this for any other
thing thing that we have of things >> and there are other expensive things that you are loaning hang out. >> Yeah, like the sewing machine is >> So I think because this was again I was not here at the time.
>> I think because this was a specific friends donation. >> It was a costly item at the time >> and it was kind of a a unique circulating thing that they decided to do its own separate policy. This is like
similar to the Chromebook. We had a Chromebook policy which when we were doing this we got rid of the Chromebook policy because it fell under this policy. >> This probably should have been done at the same time but >> we got there eventually.
>> Do we have any obligation with the friends to continue to >> No. Per our donation policy once something is donated. >> Yeah. And do the friends know that this is happening?
>> No, but they don't need She's saying according to the >> I get that. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> But I just thought as a courtesy you might say that this is happening. >> I didn't. >> No. No. Okay. >> I'm sure Diane would be I don't want to speak for her, but Diane and the rest of
the friends are incredibly supportive and understanding. So, I think that >> I mean it's I don't can't remember if there's like and you might remember Michelle if there's something that's on there that says like this item was donated by the friends
>> because a lot of items get donated and they don't last forever, right? >> And so, you know, this is sort of the same >> there is. The other thing here is that it says that it's part of the Aldrich
Astronomical Society's library telescope program. >> Is there an obligation there? >> No. >> So, at the same time that East Long Meadow got this, I was working in Long Meadow and we got one
>> um and I was in the trainings with this and I don't remember I don't remember having to have any sort of specific obligation to them. >> That's interesting. >> Do we have that um >> program documentation?
>> My understanding is the friends bought it. So bought this telescope from this. I think this is just I think this is just the background of of how the how they got the telescope >> except that it says this is all part of the Aldrich Astronomical Society's
library telescope program which would lead me to believe that there is a program that is somehow not being acknowledged if you fold it into this document. Also,
I just because of the nature of what this thing is, >> I think then maybe we need to put some caveats in the
policy of things uh to kind of accommodate cuz like right now this thing says you you can't just drop it off at the desk. you have to physically hand it to somebody >> and that's what that's also included in
in our current library things policy and a lot of the items that we circulate in the library cannot be left outside or put in the book drop. >> No, I know not outside but where did I just see? Uh >> it's it's a big container.
>> Okay. >> So, and when you check it out, they do explain that to you, right? Um there's a note that we put up on um like the circulating item. So for certain items, tech services, we'll add a note to the item record that will
pop up for staff as a reminder. Please check for these contents. Um when you check in and check out, please remind the patron that the item needs to be returned inside the building. So we will verbally tell patrons that. Is there always somebody available
>> when the patron comes in to return? Is there always someone >> I can't say always. Always because if there's one person at the desk and they're helping somebody at the copier, >> then they're not paying attention. >> They're not able to. So, could you could
you have something here that um if you call ahead a time can be arranged for you to return it? I mean, just something that you you don't >> we don't do that currently. >> Yeah. I mean, I'm not saying you have
to, but I'm saying if if there's a problem and you want to make sure it's returned and it's returned in decent condition >> or you report what problem, >> then instead of having somebody come in anytime they want to come in, they can for your convenience, we can have
somebody available or just something where you have some control over. So, in in our current Library of Things policy, we do say that um it might take 24 to 48 hours to check
an item in based on our staffing because if somebody drops, we have a whole bunch of people dropping 50 100 items >> on the desk and we're trying to check in as quickly as we can. >> I understand that, but it's just in even in line with what you said. If there is
a time that this because this is a particular kind of instrument that is not like other things, it's fragile. It need obviously there has to be precautions here. They >> It says here the library of things items
need to be returned to the returns desk during the open hours. It doesn't say anything. It just says that. So give me I'm going to give you an example. I somebody's busy doing something else, but they're technically there. I drop it
off at the desk and I walk away. >> Then you're going to look at it, not you personally, but whoever. And they're going to go through it. And let's say something's missing. Something was expensive is missing. And I'm going to say it was there >> when I dropped it off. >> When I dropped it off, and you're going
to say, "No, it isn't." And then what's going to happen? >> That happens with any item that we loan in the library. >> That's true. that that's not specific to the telescope. We will if it's a kit, if it's a backpack, if it's a puzzle, if it's the telescope, >> however, this >> we don't check anything in until we've
opened it and gone through all of the items. If something's missing, >> then we're going to call the patron who has it checked out to let them know that this item is missing, >> right? >> And that we're not going to check it in until the item is returned >> or then that >> initiates some sort of discussion
between the patron and the circulation >> supervisor. And at that point, we make a determination. >> But I on a $20 >> uh puzzle, you're you know, big deal. >> Yes. >> But on a $500 eyepiece,
>> it's a big deal. >> Well, right. I mean, the whole thing is 380, >> right? But but again, there's a there's a content sheet inside that does list the cost of each replacement item. So, how much an eyepiece would cost? How
much a stand would cost? How much a knob would cost? >> So, it's >> Have you ever had any problem at all with a the telescope being returned and it wasn't in good condition?
>> Not to my knowledge. I know that there's been situations where a patron >> doesn't maybe had didn't know how to use it and had some questions about that. >> But again, we can just direct them to the manual or >> but I mean if you're if you check back
in this this instrument and I'm assuming you're looking at the instrument, >> but also keep in mind that this this item now if this policy was created in 2021, >> this item is 5 years old, >> right? and it is circulated a lot. So,
there is going to be wear and tear. And my guess is is at some point in the very near future, this is going to have to be replaced anyway, >> right? And I guess it's really not that >> it's not an issue. >> And we might So, just because something again, we're using our best judgment here. So, I think your questions are
fantastic, by the way. But sometimes, like, as I said, it initiates a discussion. If this at this time cost this headlamp cost $18, we might not charge you $18 at this point. We might be able to get a replacement. >> Correct. >> That's cheaper.
>> Does that make sense? So that's where it ends up initiating some sort of discussion or we're just going to chalk that up to there might have just been wear and tear on this and we just need to >> replace I guess it's not it's not like a celestron
right >> telescope you know we're we're very reasonable I thought of though what about the the potential liability because I know you say in this thing don't look at the sun >> but I was going to say in the agreement
should either be some sort of indemnification. If you folks, don't come back. >> We're telling you not to look at the >> And shouldn't there be on on the instrument itself? >> Right where you you you can't miss it. >> Yeah. >> That like where the eyepiece is,
>> do not look at the sun. This causes blindness. >> I mean, there's a there's a big sun with an X right through it on the telescope. >> Where is it? Boy seeing it. It's on right. It's on like the not on the eyepiece but on like the
>> the top of >> again at some point we have put into this policy it is up to the patron. >> The third the fourth bullet point says like um on like the regular lending one right that I'm um
>> capable of using inde safe manner. Yeah. >> Uh >> not all items are suitable or safe for all. Well, just that that we are I hold um Islam harmless of >> Oh, this is in the library >> page one. >> This one right here.
>> Yeah. Number four, the item four. Basically saying like, you know, if you look at the sun and you hurt your eyes, like we're not responsible. >> Yeah. >> The thing is, nobody's going to read all this stuff. >> Well, they have to, but they have to sign. >> Even if they don't read the policy,
they're signing this thing, the library of things in foreign consent. that that may be true. Okay. But >> but >> yeah, >> if I were advising them, I would us I would say have a disclaimer where they
cannot miss it because whether you're responsible for the blindness or not if it can be prevented. >> Well, as Michelle said, it's literally already on the telescope. >> So there's no way they can use that without seeing that. >> Probably not. >> Probably not. No. Right. Okay. And like
and the R for it like you're not allowed to check it out unless you're over 18. Anyway, it's already part of the the deal. So what like you would know not to use a telescope >> put in the agreement in the day >> near the the end reminder
>> is >> well the whole point is I don't want to have to have a separate policy then if >> like I said we should have done this before >> but that's why we don't have a separate Chromebook policy a separate sewing machine policy a separate teles you know we need to just
>> it made this all-encompassing saying >> what's that Cindy? >> It says right under safety these public will not be held liable from any injuries resulting from the use of the telescope. Never look directly. >> No, but I want to remove this. I want to get but then some of that would should
will be in >> but it's already in >> that's what I'm saying to my understand but that's so if you look in borrower criteria page one item three >> it says those items will be identified on the item itself which this is
>> correct >> and in the library catalog >> and for those items the patron must review the library of things policy and sign the attached consent form. Mhm. >> So I think that this item three covers the safety.
>> Yeah, I think it does too. >> The original policy that we're removing. >> So >> yeah, I think so too. >> There are garden tools upstairs, right? So like those >> drill too, >> right? Those have some danger in them, >> right? >> I mean like I would that is more
inherently dangerous in my mind than like the danger you're going to have with the telescope, right? So like in >> or if a sewing machine you get under the needle you get your finger under sewing machine. Yes, that could happen to me. >> I totally get it. We our goal right now
and I think our conversation is great is because we're thinking about how do we protect our patrons? Absolutely right. How do we figure out ways to allow them to borrow these items from our collection that are in our opinion useful and that we circulate or have had
requests for. But we want to do it in such a way that we're transparent and thoughtful. >> Right. >> So, >> well, that's why I'm think Larry's got a point and and and and I think that it just should be identified very clearly on the thing itself. Do not look at the
sun. I would never if truthfully I wouldn't have thought of that myself. Okay. >> I wouldn't have thought of that. >> What looking at the sun or >> through the microscope? I wouldn't have thought of don't do that, right? to be honest with you because I don't use those things. All right. I know when
we're looking at the sun during eclipse, you're not We got glasses everything. So I I think that his point is >> Can I make a suggestion? I I think we have two kind of open items to consider
here when we vote. Um so next maybe for the next meeting we can do our research about the astronomical >> society >> society there are references here that we can review. So >> yeah I just googled them
>> and then um so we can take some time to review that and maybe for our next session you can bring the telescope or we can all take a >> look at it. >> Okay. Well, we need to Can we find a time >> when it's back? Maybe you could take a picture, Katie, or whoever checks it in
of >> or we could look at the catalog record that explains the how to use the telescope to make sure that any concern about >> that safety piece is addressed before we remove the
policy itself. Would that be okay? >> That sounds I don't want to speak for everybody else. That's fine for me. Now, I think we just have a couple questions that we need to answer before we can be sure. >> You just looked up the Aldra society, did you? >> Yes, they donated 178 of these telescopes.
>> Cool. >> To Massachusetts. >> What did you say? But didn't the friends purchase them? >> Let's just confirm. >> Well, when we're >> I can go back. >> The friends purchased this one. >> Yeah. So, they it lists the 178 towns that received them. So, it it might be a
>> donation. We can we can do a The one thing on here, um, Katen, you can determine for the library of things. Does each different item have a different borrowing time. >> Depends on the item. >> It does. Okay. >> It may. Yes. Which is why we had put
something a little bit more generic on there and was like, um, circulation number one. Library of Things loan periods and renewals vary by item. Patrons can inquire about loan periods and renewals by contacting staff. But that's still true. >> Correct. >> Okay. The updates that I recommended
that we make on our current policy um are to hyperlink the collection development policy. >> That's what the underline means. >> Yeah. Okay. >> The donation policy, >> the borrower's policy, and then change um the phone number and website.
>> Oh, so the underline means >> hyperlink. Yeah. >> I mean, I think that that's fine. >> Yeah. And do we want to add like to Larry's point on number three, you could add the library things needs to be
returned um like to a p like we can add some sort of wording next meeting about adding it giving it to a person. >> I I don't I don't >> No, you can't really do that >> because >> I don't want to say yes or no. >> Okay. But the situation is if there's
one person out there and they've got a line of three people waiting to check out and then they have to stop >> to them and go through the entire container and check in. >> It's not a matter of just handing it. I'm just thinking of physically handing it to them. You're thinking of checking it all in. >> I think that that that's how I'm
perceiving what you're saying. But again, that's how I'm thinking about it. But I don't want necessarily the staff member who is waiting on the patients, checking them out, having to stop >> or having to have that patron wait. sure >> to have every item, >> right?
>> Which is why you put the 24 to 48 hours, which gives them >> time, you know, when there's not a big line or something where they can go through things. >> Yeah. >> But then it sounds like this is a very busy library. So, you're carrying this very
big thing. >> No, but you already returned it. You already put it. >> You're putting it up on the return desk. >> It's already returned. But that gives them before they actually check it in on off of your record, that gives them time to go through >> 24 to 48 hours, >> not on the desk, but behind the desk
when they can go through it to make sure. >> If somebody comes in at 4:55 and they put that down on the desk, >> staff are not going to start to check that in right away. >> So, >> we're trying to close up and get out of the way. >> Nobody might check like this. >> So, it might be the next day. >> Yeah. The same thing happened with the
kits, you know, to to see if every every part of that kit was here, if every piece of the puzzle in the kit. >> Well, this is not this is a sort of different thing. >> Not really not to us. It's >> not not to the people checking it in. It is it >> if you're returning the sewing machine,
the telescope, and a backpack kit that has three books, two puzzles, and a >> a game >> a game in it. It's we all we're going to stop and check every one of those items. And the and the point is that I guess in in the grand scheme of things, this is not that
>> expensive an item, >> right? >> Mhm. >> Not anymore. 5 years old. >> So it doesn't matter. >> So it's the blindness does. So there's >> no no there's a thing on there that's >> Sorry. I I think that's what we're going to address next time because we'll get a
look at it and we'll make sure that that consideration it's very clear >> and then we can also like noodle on >> um whether we think anything needs to be added >> and I wrote a note here that I'm I'm happy to connect with Diane. She has
Thiago who is the president of the she has incredible institutional knowledge on the library. So I can ask her about some of the history also and I'm sure she'll have it in her. >> She will. >> I mean I know for like even a sewing machine they can they could put a needle through their finger. I mean I I
recognize that. Okay. But I do think there is a distinction between that and looking through a an instrument. >> Agree. Agree. Yeah. Yeah. Let's just make sure. >> So we'll table this till next time. >> We'll table this till next time. And we'll all learn more about
>> the Aldritz Astronomical Society. and Diane I'm sure will tell us all about it. >> It's pretty interesting. >> All right. And then we'll at that time we'll also talk about like the hyperlinks. >> Sounds great. I will not make any changes to either policy until we meet again. >> Okay.
>> Okay. Great. Thanks all for your input. >> You included this. >> I just this came out yesterday and I just wanted to um share this. I don't know if you all got this or not in um your trustees emails, but the Mass Library Association, their legislative
committee sent out an email yesterday with um an update that the freedom to read passes the house. >> Amazing. So, just wanted to share that it has gone it's continuing to go through the process in Massachusetts and we're very hopeful that it will be
approved um this year that we will have a freedom to rebuild here in Massachusetts. So, I just wanted to share that and there's more information about that um that you'll probably receiving in your trustees email as well as on the mass library association and mass.gov.
>> Thank you. >> Thanks. So your shirt is very fitting for today >> is our next meeting is July 10th, 2026 at 1 p.m. right here. Um and with that uh
would anyone like to move that we adjourn? >> I'll move that we adjurnn. >> I will second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I And we are adjourned at 2 uh 1:55 1:54 p.m. Thanks everyone. before.