WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 2
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=670rN8CAGq4
Video-2: youtube.com/watch?v=5hebxdfkcHM

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: 670rN8CAGq4):
- 00:00:00: Meeting called to order, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call
- 00:01:17: Sunshine Law compliance, Minutes approval for February 25th
- 00:03:05: Director's Report: Financials, Health Benefits, Interest Income
- 00:05:13: Arrival of Agnes, Operations: Programs and Teen Poetry Jam
- 00:06:56: Digital Library Cards, Damaged Books, President's Report Intro
- 00:08:58: Telescope Lending Program Discussion, Cost and Benefits
- 00:10:41: Correspondence Review - Thought-Provoking Library Association Information
- 00:11:21: Public Comment: Banning Books Assault on Intelligence
- 00:13:04: Public Comment: Banning books is killing history
- 00:15:28: Old Business: Update on Coin Sales, New Coin Release
- 00:16:46: Old Business: Discussion and Vote on Telescope Program
- 00:27:05: Skipped Public Comment, Next Meeting, Motion to Adjourn

Part 2 (Video ID: 5hebxdfkcHM):
- 00:00:05: Meeting Called to Order, Pledge and Roll Call
- 00:01:17: Sunshine Law Compliance and Approval of Minutes
- 00:03:05: Director's Report: Financial Overview and Health Benefits
- 00:05:13: Director's Report: Program Statistics and Book Swap
- 00:07:39: Explanation of Digital Library Card and Shelving Problem
- 00:08:39: President's Report: Telescope Lending Program Discussion
- 00:10:41: Correspondence: Book Banning Discussion and Historical Context
- 00:15:10: Coin Sales Update and New Coin Series Preview
- 00:16:46: Old Business: Library Telescope Lending Program Motion
- 00:18:26: Telescope Program Details: Responsibilities and Logistics
- 00:20:50: Discussion: Telescope Inspection and Borrowing Procedures
- 00:25:27: Final Telescope Discussion and Program Approval Vote
- 00:27:05: Meeting Adjourned, Confirming Next Meeting Date


Part: 1

1
00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:24.240
--------- public library board of trustees meeting. It's Wednesday, March 25th, 2026. I'd like to call the meeting to order and we'll like to start with a pledge of allegiance to the flag.

2
00:00:24.240 --> 00:00:41.600
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> I'll now call Joel.

3
00:00:41.600 --> 00:00:58.399
Uh Alicia Ali is not here. Deborah Kelly >> here. >> Yes. Tiana Gisham >> here. Yes. Nicholas Champa, I'm here. Agnes not here at the moment.

4
00:00:58.399 --> 00:01:17.920
Clara Wilson, Kevin McNeel, >> I'm here. >> And Mayor Kramer and our director, January Adams. >> Never missed the meeting. >> Never missed the meeting. >> No, I haven't. >> Wow.

5
00:01:17.920 --> 00:01:34.000
>> I've missed one. get a percent attendance. >> In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, also known as the Sunshine Law, the schedule and notification of this meeting have been provided to the Courier News, the Home News Tribune, and

6
00:01:34.000 --> 00:01:49.280
the Franklin Township Clerk. Copies have been posted in the library's vestibule and are also available at the Resperence Desk. In addition, the meeting notice is available on the libraries website and a link to the notice is also on the

7
00:01:49.280 --> 00:02:09.840
statewide central website for legal notices. That's a little bit new. Like to consider the minutes from the February 25th meeting. I believe we've all gotten them in our

8
00:02:09.840 --> 00:02:26.239
packet. >> Yes. Is there any discussion or is there a motion to uh act on the minutes? A motion we accept the minutes of the uh February 25th

9
00:02:26.239 --> 00:02:42.879
library board of trustees meeting. >> Is there a second? Okay. Thank you. Um Clara Clara seconded. Okay. Is there any discussion of the

10
00:02:42.879 --> 00:03:05.120
motion to accept the minutes? Seeing none, I'll ask for u a vote. Those in favor of that motion signify by something. Okay. Those opposed. This this has passed

11
00:03:05.120 --> 00:03:20.720
unanimously. Thank you. Director's report. It's January. Would you like to start with the uh uh financial? >> Sure. >> And

12
00:03:20.720 --> 00:03:35.440
we're at the point in the fiscal year where we would have spent 66.66% and you can see overall we spent 57.48. branches of 57 and there's been nothing

13
00:03:35.440 --> 00:03:49.040
to my mind extraordinary or noteworthy to to add to that. >> Okay. And now the health benefits, are they going to fall in line or are they going to

14
00:03:49.040 --> 00:04:07.760
continue to uh be above? >> What line is it? >> No, 916. Um, >> I guess that's >> they may I'm not quite sure what's going on with that now that you point that out. I'll have to check on that.

15
00:04:07.760 --> 00:04:23.520
>> Sometimes things fall back into >> But that's a big one. So, >> big one. Yeah, >> it's I guess it's the second biggest number I see there. >> I will check on it. >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you.

16
00:04:23.520 --> 00:04:43.680
>> On the um revenue side. interest. >> I'm sorry. >> On the revenue side, oh, interest income. >> Yes, >> it's like 654%. >> Did we get some money we weren't

17
00:04:43.680 --> 00:05:01.800
expecting? >> That was um actually thanks to Nick who went to Unity Bank and negotiated a higher interest rate on their American. Oh, look at you. >> Well done.

18
00:05:13.440 --> 00:05:32.479
>> Hello, Agnes. Good evening everyone. >> Okay, >> please note Agnes is now here. >> Would you like to uh I is there any other discussion about the financial nice green pages?

19
00:05:32.479 --> 00:05:47.840
If not, would you like to speak about the operations? >> Sure. Uh, the adult services department had 50 programs with 611 attendees. Youth services department had 44 programs that

20
00:05:47.840 --> 00:06:02.400
1,394 people participated in. And our reading programs, we have the 100 books before graduation. That's 75 teens have signed up for that. 108 patrons have signed up

21
00:06:02.400 --> 00:06:18.880
for the 2026 year-long reading challenge. And for the winter reading programs, we have 38 adult teens, 14 adults, 80 and 87 children. And uh as of today, March 25th, the

22
00:06:18.880 --> 00:06:36.199
library is launching its annual online teen poetry jam. And students 12 to 17 are invited to submit up to three original poems and then there's prizes, etc. And it's going to end on April 22nd.

23
00:06:36.720 --> 00:06:56.000
You're going to check the poems for AI. >> Okay. >> And finally, the programming librarian and the head of adult services went to a book swap at Jersey Cyclone. Uh while they were there, they talked to several residents, distributed programming

24
00:06:56.000 --> 00:07:17.680
calendars, and contributed some books to the swap. >> Book swap. Is is that like a just uh residents go and and do that or is that something >> I don't know to be with you? I don't think it's just for libraries. No, I

25
00:07:17.680 --> 00:07:39.560
think anybody can go. Yeah. Yeah. >> Can you elaborate on what is a digital library card? I see adult services department in the first paragraph. >> I know it's paper.

26
00:07:40.000 --> 00:07:56.639
>> The wallet. >> Well, digital library card is your library because your library card your phone. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Okay. >> You want to see mine? >> Yeah. >> I don't have it on mine, so >> Okay, I'll get that. I'll I have a

27
00:07:56.639 --> 00:08:18.879
phone, so might as well. Thank you. Um, now would you like to say anything about uh damaged books shelving? You had mentioned that there was a

28
00:08:18.879 --> 00:08:40.159
problem. There was a problem. >> I don't think I need to go into that at a public meeting. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. Sorry. President's report. There is a

29
00:08:40.159 --> 00:08:58.080
president's report and uh I think you all have a copy and it's back to this uh could be on your old business. Um the idea of joining a U library

30
00:08:58.080 --> 00:09:13.760
telescope lending program. I met with Ron and uh I saw the telescope that uh is going to be used for this program and it's very good. I

31
00:09:13.760 --> 00:09:30.720
have um for anyone who's interested um data on exactly what it is including how instructions and all and uh I have just

32
00:09:30.720 --> 00:09:45.279
one more copy. >> There's one here. Yes. >> So, uh, >> share >> I'm I'm enthused about it and I think

33
00:09:45.279 --> 00:10:03.839
that uh we could make a go of this and if we do decide to go along with it, I will uh continue to make a box that a wooden bo wooden box that'll make it a little easier to transport and also to protect it. So, when we get to uh old

34
00:10:03.839 --> 00:10:24.160
business, we can talk a little more about this. >> They're not so expensive. >> They're not so expensive. I thought I mean, it's $370, but >> it's not terrible. >> It's not terrible. I didn't I don't know

35
00:10:24.160 --> 00:10:41.160
how much I thought it would be. Well, 200 in telescope at Mount Palomar cost good bit more. >> Yeah, >> this is an 8 in a 6 in telescope. >> Okay. >> Okay.

36
00:10:41.519 --> 00:10:56.560
Correspondence January. Thank you again for sending us really thoughtprovoking uh bits of information from the library

37
00:10:56.560 --> 00:11:21.440
associations. >> Would anyone like to uh comment on what we've all read? >> Just to say thank you again. I thought this one was the right side of history. Yeah, >> it was it's amazing that it seems like every um

38
00:11:21.440 --> 00:11:38.160
any time in history where anybody sought to ban books later on they were always seen as the or or turned out that they were the bad guys, right? And it's like, you know,

39
00:11:38.160 --> 00:11:54.720
it's like, you don't, you know, you don't learn. And it seems like it's an assault on intelligence, you know. And I remember just one really quick my um

40
00:11:54.720 --> 00:12:12.320
being African-American and descendant of slaves in this country. My my parents used to always tell us my grandparents really that it was the same that once you educate a person you you make them unable to be a slave. It's it's unable

41
00:12:12.320 --> 00:12:28.000
they are no longer qualified to be a slave once they're educated. That's why education was kept from the slaves and it was against the law. It's and it it seems like and it you know not in that same realm but it's the same thing

42
00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:42.399
happening. They you know the people there are people who want to keep people ignorant you know and it's like an assault you know they you know it's it's like it's a you know they look down on college and look down on you know

43
00:12:42.399 --> 00:13:04.000
learning and look down on new ideas and anyway sir I thought this was very informative and interesting and thank you so Banning books or doing something with books is killing history. >> Yeah.

44
00:13:04.000 --> 00:13:21.360
>> Because some of us are came from the part of the world where because of books we are able to learn a whole lot of things before I I learned American history before coming to America. >> I learned about British history before coming before even visiting Britain or

45
00:13:21.360 --> 00:13:37.040
any other parts of the world. So when you ban books, what's going to happen to the children in the future? >> Yeah, >> that's my big questions going on. >> Yeah. >> History is dying. >> And it's not a mistake. It's like you

46
00:13:37.040 --> 00:13:55.200
like it said, it used to be a few kooky >> moms. >> Yeah. And now it's too >> And now it's expanded. And then just and just like you know the the what I certain things that I read about the um

47
00:13:55.200 --> 00:14:13.040
right to life you call it you know that it had nothing to do with abortion >> right? It was it was a way to, you know, they they found a a a a subject that they could rally people around. Like the people who started had

48
00:14:13.040 --> 00:14:29.839
no they didn't care about, you know, they had no religious beliefs about abortion or or or the right to choice or anything like that. And it's the same thing here. These these people don't care about protecting

49
00:14:29.839 --> 00:14:46.800
children. Protecting children, right? I mean, they cut they they took us a >> Yeah. >> and and fired every everybody, but you you you wanted you claim that you want to protect children. And anyway, so yes,

50
00:14:46.800 --> 00:15:10.959
um I agree with you 100%. But again, That's so >> and the author was certainly >> not >> didn't hold back on his good >> good good >> abuse and

51
00:15:10.959 --> 00:15:27.240
>> yes good >> what's going on and >> good >> why >> yeah he actually actually said why why why this is happening and and >> okay all Good.

52
00:15:28.800 --> 00:15:48.160
>> Is there any old business? >> Maybe I just I have an update about the coins that I I should have mentioned during my report. >> Uh we have sold 80 at both branches. All three branches, I guess. >> Um we've sold 80

53
00:15:48.160 --> 00:16:05.279
>> and we're looking forward to when those new ones come out. It's the gold colored ones. Whatever. >> Not gold color. There's a post brand new coin. It's I don't know. I'll find out in half an hour um what stage is that,

54
00:16:05.279 --> 00:16:22.639
but it highlights women uh black uh Americans and Indians, Native Americans. Sorry. great contribution to the revolutionary war.

55
00:16:22.639 --> 00:16:41.160
>> And when when do you think that'll be soon or >> you'll find out? >> Okay. This is a busy man. Two meetings in an hour and a half. Okay.

56
00:16:46.240 --> 00:17:12.480
Does anyone have any old business to bring up at this point? >> Well, I do. >> I would like to uh to see if the board is willing to make a motion that would

57
00:17:12.480 --> 00:17:31.039
permit us to proceed with this um library telescope lending program. There's a motion suggested that something along the lines of that little one would be quite enabling.

58
00:17:31.039 --> 00:17:47.679
Somebody care to open this up? Yeah, I would uh I'll make a motion uh that January and Nick enter into the pilot program agreement with the library

59
00:17:47.679 --> 00:18:09.600
telescope lending program and I guess uh that we would have to discuss any modifications that Okay, second. There's a motion on the floor and it's

60
00:18:09.600 --> 00:18:26.160
been seconded. So, uh, in terms of, um, discussion, would anyone like to discuss or ask? I know a little bit more about the

61
00:18:26.160 --> 00:18:42.000
program, so maybe I can answer questions. >> What are the modifications? >> Okay. Yeah. >> Yeah. Uh well the president's report from last month >> right >> uh says um club would purchase one instrument and donate it to the Franklin Public

62
00:18:42.000 --> 00:18:58.799
Library. >> Right. >> Library would provide a safe locked cabinet to house the instrument. When a patron wanted to borrow the telescope and this is the part that really uh is is the difference. When a

63
00:18:58.799 --> 00:19:14.000
patron wanted to borrow the telescope, they would make an appointment with a club member, meet, receive instructions, and check out the telescope. The return procedure would be similar. Okay, so what this paragraph means is that our

64
00:19:14.000 --> 00:19:29.360
library staff will not have to be um responsible for inspecting the telescope, repairing it or anything like that. Um, so it kind of gets our staff off the

65
00:19:29.360 --> 00:19:47.120
hook for lots of training and uh and puts the responsibility with the Franklin Township Astronomy Club. Okay. Since this president's report of a month ago, I

66
00:19:47.120 --> 00:20:02.880
have now seen the telescope. I've handled it. I've um lifted it. I've measured it and uh I'm very happy with and know I've also read the u brochure that

67
00:20:02.880 --> 00:20:18.080
>> some of you have out there. >> Yes. >> And I'm well convinced that this is a instrument that will be very beneficial to people who have no no experience with astronomy. And it will and it's easy

68
00:20:18.080 --> 00:20:33.120
enough to use that it's not going to discourage newcomers to the field and it matches very well with what the uh astronomy club has done and uh for the burrow and will for the township excuse

69
00:20:33.120 --> 00:20:50.400
me uh and will continue to do so. So the Oh, I'm sorry. >> No, you >> uh So is the agreement between the library and the astronomy club or is it

70
00:20:50.400 --> 00:21:06.320
with the library and the the telescope manufacturer? >> Well, it's there is an organization. Okay. And and u besides the local astronomy club, we would I

71
00:21:06.320 --> 00:21:30.960
>> Good question. And I don't have Okay. It would but probably it' be agreement with each. >> Okay. Yeah, that that makes sense. >> Yeah. Yeah. Because and as far as the um inspecting and

72
00:21:30.960 --> 00:21:46.400
um is it it it's it's absolutely necessary for for the when someone brings it back to have um to have someone inspect I mean,

73
00:21:46.400 --> 00:22:06.880
and my thinking is that if if someone damaged it, um I would guess that it would be inspected before it was it was lent out again. So if someone just brought it >> actually actually upon returning the

74
00:22:06.880 --> 00:22:23.600
telescope they would make an appointment as well with the with the member and the member would look it over and and and be able to it's a simple dosonian mount telescope. A very quick examination would tell

75
00:22:23.600 --> 00:22:39.679
whether there's a part missing or so that that would all be up to the that would all be conducted by the member the club member who has made the appointment. Right. I was just I was

76
00:22:39.679 --> 00:22:53.200
just wondering if that was totally necessary and and only reason because if maybe I maybe I see where what you're saying because what I'm saying is if if if you if you brought in a if you if you

77
00:22:53.200 --> 00:23:10.720
took out a a an item and it was okay and you you brought it back and it was it was um you know before it was lent out again somebody looked at it

78
00:23:10.720 --> 00:23:25.919
and said hey you know this was damaged I don't know how much difference it would make to find that out at the time I guess maybe somebody would say hey they didn't do it but you say that you know this was um this wasn't like this when you um when you got it and I was just

79
00:23:25.919 --> 00:23:43.880
thinking about the ease of you know you know having to I don't how how how hard would it be to make an appointment I mean are these people here >> astronomy club issue like >> that's that's their rules or that's our rules. >> It's up to them.

80
00:23:44.799 --> 00:24:01.600
>> Okay. I thought that we were that that we were saying that um that you know that we were making these that we were making these that we were making these um these not that I wouldn't I wouldn't be for >> there's a lot there's negotiating to be

81
00:24:01.600 --> 00:24:17.440
done but >> I don't think it's going to be negotiating hard negotiations. I think it's going to be >> writing down what Ron and I have already agreed to >> and and and Bron and January and I have

82
00:24:17.440 --> 00:24:35.200
already agreed to. >> Yeah, I think it's an excellent idea. >> And I have found a spot in the uh tech tech room there where it will fit and we'll we'll secure it there. And uh

83
00:24:35.200 --> 00:24:50.799
you'll be online. I'm sure I'm sure. I >> think you should because if I'm picking it up in a week, I might want to read ahead rather than >> Yeah. When you when you when you do that,

84
00:24:50.799 --> 00:25:07.440
>> it's probably uh >> Yeah, it's probably pretty easy to make copies of this. And maybe if somebody um you know maybe if this is somebody's 10th time maybe they maybe they don't

85
00:25:07.440 --> 00:25:27.600
need to have somebody that you know >> that's a good idea to come. >> I'll uh >> yeah to have somebody look at it before they get it. >> Okay. >> Is there any other discussion on the motion? Will the other two libraries be

86
00:25:27.600 --> 00:25:43.640
notified about it? >> I'm sorry. >> The other two libraries, will they be notified if they are parents who want to or somebody they are interested in coming to borrow the >> Good point. There's

87
00:25:43.760 --> 00:25:59.520
>> And we will probably >> Well, if it's online, everybody can get to it. >> Is there a certain amount of time that people can borrow it? That's up to the astronomy club. >> Yeah. >> I mean, we've made suggestions to them

88
00:25:59.520 --> 00:26:15.360
like it's a good idea to check it before you let it out. It's a good idea to check it when it comes back in. But all of that stuff is really up to >> them. So, because there are certain books, right, that you can only take out for a certain amount of time.

89
00:26:15.360 --> 00:26:37.640
It used to be like that, right? >> 14 day. >> It's still If there's no further discussion, I'd like to call the question. Those in favor of Kevin's motion, please signify by saying I or raising their hand.

90
00:26:38.960 --> 00:27:05.840
>> This motion also has passed unanimously. We're not a very argumentative group, are we? >> Well, this is a great program. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, is there any new business? Seeing none, I have to apologize that I

91
00:27:05.840 --> 00:27:22.960
did not that I skipped right over the public comment portion, the first public comment portion. And uh so there's going to be just one public com comment portion. That's right. Now, is there any member of the public who would like to have a say?

92
00:27:22.960 --> 00:27:42.080
>> We can have double time. >> Seeing none, um we will pass on to confirm our next meeting date, which will be April 22nd. Right here, 5 uh 5:45.

93
00:27:42.080 --> 00:27:56.880
Okay. Is there a motion to adjurnn? I will make a motion to adjourn the meeting. >> Deborah, >> is there a second? >> Second. >> Agnes has seconded the motion. Those in favor

94
00:27:56.880 --> 00:27:59.880
I

Part: 2

1
00:00:05.839 --> 00:00:24.240
public library board of trustees meeting. It's Wednesday, March 25th, 2026. I'd like to call the meeting to order and we'll like to start with a pledge of allegiance to the flag.

2
00:00:24.240 --> 00:00:41.600
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> I'll now call Joel.

3
00:00:41.600 --> 00:00:58.399
Uh Alicia Ali is not here. Deborah Kelly >> here. >> Yes. Tiana Gisham >> here. Yes. Nicholas Champa, I'm here. Agnes not here at the moment.

4
00:00:58.399 --> 00:01:17.920
Clara Wilson, Kevin McNeel, >> I'm here. >> And Mayor Kramer and our director, January Adams. >> Never missed the meeting. >> Never missed the meeting. >> No, I haven't. >> Wow.

5
00:01:17.920 --> 00:01:34.000
>> I've missed one. get a percent attendance. >> In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, also known as the Sunshine Law, the schedule and notification of this meeting have been provided to the Courier News, the Home News Tribune, and

6
00:01:34.000 --> 00:01:49.280
the Franklin Township Clerk. Copies have been posted in the library's vestibule and are also available at the Resperence Desk. In addition, the meeting notice is available on the libraries website and a link to the notice is also on the

7
00:01:49.280 --> 00:02:09.840
statewide central website for legal notices. That's a little bit new. Like to consider the minutes from the February 25th meeting. I believe we've all gotten them in our

8
00:02:09.840 --> 00:02:26.239
packet. >> Yes. Is there any discussion or is there a motion to uh act on the minutes? A motion we accept the minutes of the uh February 25th

9
00:02:26.239 --> 00:02:42.879
library board of trustees meeting. >> Is there a second? Okay. Thank you. Um Clara Clara seconded. Okay. Is there any discussion of the

10
00:02:42.879 --> 00:03:05.120
motion to accept the minutes? Seeing none, I'll ask for u a vote. Those in favor of that motion signify by something. Okay. Those opposed. This this has passed

11
00:03:05.120 --> 00:03:20.720
unanimously. Thank you. Director's report. It's January. Would you like to start with the uh uh financial? >> Sure. >> And

12
00:03:20.720 --> 00:03:35.440
we're at the point in the fiscal year where we would have spent 66.66% and you can see overall we spent 57.48. branches of 57 and there's been nothing

13
00:03:35.440 --> 00:03:49.040
to my mind extraordinary or noteworthy to to add to that. >> Okay. And now the health benefits, are they going to fall in line or are they going to

14
00:03:49.040 --> 00:04:07.760
continue to uh be above? >> What line is it? >> No, 916. Um, >> I guess that's >> they may I'm not quite sure what's going on with that now that you point that out. I'll have to check on that.

15
00:04:07.760 --> 00:04:23.520
>> Sometimes things fall back into >> But that's a big one. So, >> big one. Yeah, >> it's I guess it's the second biggest number I see there. >> I will check on it. >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you.

16
00:04:23.520 --> 00:04:43.680
>> On the um revenue side. interest. >> I'm sorry. >> On the revenue side, oh, interest income. >> Yes, >> it's like 654%. >> Did we get some money we weren't

17
00:04:43.680 --> 00:05:01.800
expecting? >> That was um actually thanks to Nick who went to Unity Bank and negotiated a higher interest rate on their American. Oh, look at you. >> Well done.

18
00:05:13.440 --> 00:05:32.479
>> Hello, Agnes. Good evening everyone. >> Okay, >> please note Agnes is now here. >> Would you like to uh I is there any other discussion about the financial nice green pages?

19
00:05:32.479 --> 00:05:47.840
If not, would you like to speak about the operations? >> Sure. Uh, the adult services department had 50 programs with 611 attendees. Youth services department had 44 programs that

20
00:05:47.840 --> 00:06:02.400
1,394 people participated in. And our reading programs, we have the 100 books before graduation. That's 75 teens have signed up for that. 108 patrons have signed up

21
00:06:02.400 --> 00:06:18.880
for the 2026 year-long reading challenge. And for the winter reading programs, we have 38 adult teens, 14 adults, 80 and 87 children. And uh as of today, March 25th, the

22
00:06:18.880 --> 00:06:36.199
library is launching its annual online teen poetry jam. And students 12 to 17 are invited to submit up to three original poems and then there's prizes, etc. And it's going to end on April 22nd.

23
00:06:36.720 --> 00:06:56.000
You're going to check the poems for AI. >> Okay. >> And finally, the programming librarian and the head of adult services went to a book swap at Jersey Cyclone. Uh while they were there, they talked to several residents, distributed programming

24
00:06:56.000 --> 00:07:17.680
calendars, and contributed some books to the swap. >> Book swap. Is is that like a just uh residents go and and do that or is that something >> I don't know to be with you? I don't think it's just for libraries. No, I

25
00:07:17.680 --> 00:07:39.560
think anybody can go. Yeah. Yeah. >> Can you elaborate on what is a digital library card? I see adult services department in the first paragraph. >> I know it's paper.

26
00:07:40.000 --> 00:07:56.639
>> The wallet. >> Well, digital library card is your library because your library card your phone. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Okay. >> You want to see mine? >> Yeah. >> I don't have it on mine, so >> Okay, I'll get that. I'll I have a

27
00:07:56.639 --> 00:08:18.879
phone, so might as well. Thank you. Um, now would you like to say anything about uh damaged books shelving? You had mentioned that there was a

28
00:08:18.879 --> 00:08:40.159
problem. There was a problem. >> I don't think I need to go into that at a public meeting. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. Sorry. President's report. There is a

29
00:08:40.159 --> 00:08:58.080
president's report and uh I think you all have a copy and it's back to this uh could be on your old business. Um the idea of joining a U library

30
00:08:58.080 --> 00:09:13.760
telescope lending program. I met with Ron and uh I saw the telescope that uh is going to be used for this program and it's very good. I

31
00:09:13.760 --> 00:09:30.720
have um for anyone who's interested um data on exactly what it is including how instructions and all and uh I have just

32
00:09:30.720 --> 00:09:45.279
one more copy. >> There's one here. Yes. >> So, uh, >> share >> I'm I'm enthused about it and I think

33
00:09:45.279 --> 00:10:03.839
that uh we could make a go of this and if we do decide to go along with it, I will uh continue to make a box that a wooden bo wooden box that'll make it a little easier to transport and also to protect it. So, when we get to uh old

34
00:10:03.839 --> 00:10:24.160
business, we can talk a little more about this. >> They're not so expensive. >> They're not so expensive. I thought I mean, it's $370, but >> it's not terrible. >> It's not terrible. I didn't I don't know

35
00:10:24.160 --> 00:10:41.160
how much I thought it would be. Well, 200 in telescope at Mount Palomar cost good bit more. >> Yeah, >> this is an 8 in a 6 in telescope. >> Okay. >> Okay.

36
00:10:41.519 --> 00:10:56.560
Correspondence January. Thank you again for sending us really thoughtprovoking uh bits of information from the library

37
00:10:56.560 --> 00:11:21.440
associations. >> Would anyone like to uh comment on what we've all read? >> Just to say thank you again. I thought this one was the right side of history. Yeah, >> it was it's amazing that it seems like every um

38
00:11:21.440 --> 00:11:38.160
any time in history where anybody sought to ban books later on they were always seen as the or or turned out that they were the bad guys, right? And it's like, you know,

39
00:11:38.160 --> 00:11:54.720
it's like, you don't, you know, you don't learn. And it seems like it's an assault on intelligence, you know. And I remember just one really quick my um

40
00:11:54.720 --> 00:12:12.320
being African-American and descendant of slaves in this country. My my parents used to always tell us my grandparents really that it was the same that once you educate a person you you make them unable to be a slave. It's it's unable

41
00:12:12.320 --> 00:12:28.000
they are no longer qualified to be a slave once they're educated. That's why education was kept from the slaves and it was against the law. It's and it it seems like and it you know not in that same realm but it's the same thing

42
00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:42.399
happening. They you know the people there are people who want to keep people ignorant you know and it's like an assault you know they you know it's it's like it's a you know they look down on college and look down on you know

43
00:12:42.399 --> 00:13:04.000
learning and look down on new ideas and anyway sir I thought this was very informative and interesting and thank you so Banning books or doing something with books is killing history. >> Yeah.

44
00:13:04.000 --> 00:13:21.360
>> Because some of us are came from the part of the world where because of books we are able to learn a whole lot of things before I I learned American history before coming to America. >> I learned about British history before coming before even visiting Britain or

45
00:13:21.360 --> 00:13:37.040
any other parts of the world. So when you ban books, what's going to happen to the children in the future? >> Yeah, >> that's my big questions going on. >> Yeah. >> History is dying. >> And it's not a mistake. It's like you

46
00:13:37.040 --> 00:13:55.200
like it said, it used to be a few kooky >> moms. >> Yeah. And now it's too >> And now it's expanded. And then just and just like you know the the what I certain things that I read about the um

47
00:13:55.200 --> 00:14:13.040
right to life you call it you know that it had nothing to do with abortion >> right? It was it was a way to, you know, they they found a a a a subject that they could rally people around. Like the people who started had

48
00:14:13.040 --> 00:14:29.839
no they didn't care about, you know, they had no religious beliefs about abortion or or or the right to choice or anything like that. And it's the same thing here. These these people don't care about protecting

49
00:14:29.839 --> 00:14:46.800
children. Protecting children, right? I mean, they cut they they took us a >> Yeah. >> and and fired every everybody, but you you you wanted you claim that you want to protect children. And anyway, so yes,

50
00:14:46.800 --> 00:15:10.959
um I agree with you 100%. But again, That's so >> and the author was certainly >> not >> didn't hold back on his good >> good good >> abuse and

51
00:15:10.959 --> 00:15:27.240
>> yes good >> what's going on and >> good >> why >> yeah he actually actually said why why why this is happening and and >> okay all Good.

52
00:15:28.800 --> 00:15:48.160
>> Is there any old business? >> Maybe I just I have an update about the coins that I I should have mentioned during my report. >> Uh we have sold 80 at both branches. All three branches, I guess. >> Um we've sold 80

53
00:15:48.160 --> 00:16:05.279
>> and we're looking forward to when those new ones come out. It's the gold colored ones. Whatever. >> Not gold color. There's a post brand new coin. It's I don't know. I'll find out in half an hour um what stage is that,

54
00:16:05.279 --> 00:16:22.639
but it highlights women uh black uh Americans and Indians, Native Americans. Sorry. great contribution to the revolutionary war.

55
00:16:22.639 --> 00:16:41.160
>> And when when do you think that'll be soon or >> you'll find out? >> Okay. This is a busy man. Two meetings in an hour and a half. Okay.

56
00:16:46.240 --> 00:17:12.480
Does anyone have any old business to bring up at this point? >> Well, I do. >> I would like to uh to see if the board is willing to make a motion that would

57
00:17:12.480 --> 00:17:31.039
permit us to proceed with this um library telescope lending program. There's a motion suggested that something along the lines of that little one would be quite enabling.

58
00:17:31.039 --> 00:17:47.679
Somebody care to open this up? Yeah, I would uh I'll make a motion uh that January and Nick enter into the pilot program agreement with the library

59
00:17:47.679 --> 00:18:09.600
telescope lending program and I guess uh that we would have to discuss any modifications that Okay, second. There's a motion on the floor and it's

60
00:18:09.600 --> 00:18:26.160
been seconded. So, uh, in terms of, um, discussion, would anyone like to discuss or ask? I know a little bit more about the

61
00:18:26.160 --> 00:18:42.000
program, so maybe I can answer questions. >> What are the modifications? >> Okay. Yeah. >> Yeah. Uh well the president's report from last month >> right >> uh says um club would purchase one instrument and donate it to the Franklin Public

62
00:18:42.000 --> 00:18:58.799
Library. >> Right. >> Library would provide a safe locked cabinet to house the instrument. When a patron wanted to borrow the telescope and this is the part that really uh is is the difference. When a

63
00:18:58.799 --> 00:19:14.000
patron wanted to borrow the telescope, they would make an appointment with a club member, meet, receive instructions, and check out the telescope. The return procedure would be similar. Okay, so what this paragraph means is that our

64
00:19:14.000 --> 00:19:29.360
library staff will not have to be um responsible for inspecting the telescope, repairing it or anything like that. Um, so it kind of gets our staff off the

65
00:19:29.360 --> 00:19:47.120
hook for lots of training and uh and puts the responsibility with the Franklin Township Astronomy Club. Okay. Since this president's report of a month ago, I

66
00:19:47.120 --> 00:20:02.880
have now seen the telescope. I've handled it. I've um lifted it. I've measured it and uh I'm very happy with and know I've also read the u brochure that

67
00:20:02.880 --> 00:20:18.080
>> some of you have out there. >> Yes. >> And I'm well convinced that this is a instrument that will be very beneficial to people who have no no experience with astronomy. And it will and it's easy

68
00:20:18.080 --> 00:20:33.120
enough to use that it's not going to discourage newcomers to the field and it matches very well with what the uh astronomy club has done and uh for the burrow and will for the township excuse

69
00:20:33.120 --> 00:20:50.400
me uh and will continue to do so. So the Oh, I'm sorry. >> No, you >> uh So is the agreement between the library and the astronomy club or is it

70
00:20:50.400 --> 00:21:06.320
with the library and the the telescope manufacturer? >> Well, it's there is an organization. Okay. And and u besides the local astronomy club, we would I

71
00:21:06.320 --> 00:21:30.960
>> Good question. And I don't have Okay. It would but probably it' be agreement with each. >> Okay. Yeah, that that makes sense. >> Yeah. Yeah. Because and as far as the um inspecting and

72
00:21:30.960 --> 00:21:46.400
um is it it it's it's absolutely necessary for for the when someone brings it back to have um to have someone inspect I mean,

73
00:21:46.400 --> 00:22:06.880
and my thinking is that if if someone damaged it, um I would guess that it would be inspected before it was it was lent out again. So if someone just brought it >> actually actually upon returning the

74
00:22:06.880 --> 00:22:23.600
telescope they would make an appointment as well with the with the member and the member would look it over and and and be able to it's a simple dosonian mount telescope. A very quick examination would tell

75
00:22:23.600 --> 00:22:39.679
whether there's a part missing or so that that would all be up to the that would all be conducted by the member the club member who has made the appointment. Right. I was just I was

76
00:22:39.679 --> 00:22:53.200
just wondering if that was totally necessary and and only reason because if maybe I maybe I see where what you're saying because what I'm saying is if if if you if you brought in a if you if you

77
00:22:53.200 --> 00:23:10.720
took out a a an item and it was okay and you you brought it back and it was it was um you know before it was lent out again somebody looked at it

78
00:23:10.720 --> 00:23:25.919
and said hey you know this was damaged I don't know how much difference it would make to find that out at the time I guess maybe somebody would say hey they didn't do it but you say that you know this was um this wasn't like this when you um when you got it and I was just

79
00:23:25.919 --> 00:23:43.880
thinking about the ease of you know you know having to I don't how how how hard would it be to make an appointment I mean are these people here >> astronomy club issue like >> that's that's their rules or that's our rules. >> It's up to them.

80
00:23:44.799 --> 00:24:01.600
>> Okay. I thought that we were that that we were saying that um that you know that we were making these that we were making these that we were making these um these not that I wouldn't I wouldn't be for >> there's a lot there's negotiating to be

81
00:24:01.600 --> 00:24:17.440
done but >> I don't think it's going to be negotiating hard negotiations. I think it's going to be >> writing down what Ron and I have already agreed to >> and and and Bron and January and I have

82
00:24:17.440 --> 00:24:35.200
already agreed to. >> Yeah, I think it's an excellent idea. >> And I have found a spot in the uh tech tech room there where it will fit and we'll we'll secure it there. And uh

83
00:24:35.200 --> 00:24:50.799
you'll be online. I'm sure I'm sure. I >> think you should because if I'm picking it up in a week, I might want to read ahead rather than >> Yeah. When you when you when you do that,

84
00:24:50.799 --> 00:25:07.440
>> it's probably uh >> Yeah, it's probably pretty easy to make copies of this. And maybe if somebody um you know maybe if this is somebody's 10th time maybe they maybe they don't

85
00:25:07.440 --> 00:25:27.600
need to have somebody that you know >> that's a good idea to come. >> I'll uh >> yeah to have somebody look at it before they get it. >> Okay. >> Is there any other discussion on the motion? Will the other two libraries be

86
00:25:27.600 --> 00:25:43.640
notified about it? >> I'm sorry. >> The other two libraries, will they be notified if they are parents who want to or somebody they are interested in coming to borrow the >> Good point. There's

87
00:25:43.760 --> 00:25:59.520
>> And we will probably >> Well, if it's online, everybody can get to it. >> Is there a certain amount of time that people can borrow it? That's up to the astronomy club. >> Yeah. >> I mean, we've made suggestions to them

88
00:25:59.520 --> 00:26:15.360
like it's a good idea to check it before you let it out. It's a good idea to check it when it comes back in. But all of that stuff is really up to >> them. So, because there are certain books, right, that you can only take out for a certain amount of time.

89
00:26:15.360 --> 00:26:37.640
It used to be like that, right? >> 14 day. >> It's still If there's no further discussion, I'd like to call the question. Those in favor of Kevin's motion, please signify by saying I or raising their hand.

90
00:26:38.960 --> 00:27:05.840
>> This motion also has passed unanimously. We're not a very argumentative group, are we? >> Well, this is a great program. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, is there any new business? Seeing none, I have to apologize that I

91
00:27:05.840 --> 00:27:22.960
did not that I skipped right over the public comment portion, the first public comment portion. And uh so there's going to be just one public com comment portion. That's right. Now, is there any member of the public who would like to have a say?

92
00:27:22.960 --> 00:27:42.080
>> We can have double time. >> Seeing none, um we will pass on to confirm our next meeting date, which will be April 22nd. Right here, 5 uh 5:45.

93
00:27:42.080 --> 00:27:56.880
Okay. Is there a motion to adjurnn? I will make a motion to adjourn the meeting. >> Deborah, >> is there a second? >> Second. >> Agnes has seconded the motion. Those in favor

94
00:27:56.880 --> 00:27:59.880
I