I'm going to call to order the um March 2nd meeting of the Kingston Public Library Board of Trustees. This is a postponement from our February meeting which was changed due to the blizzard. In attendance, we have um trustees Matthew Donahghue, Emily Bruce, Jen
Quackenbush, um Andrew Costa, Lee Lewis virtually, myself, Emily Curtain, and library director Donald Colum. Um, the first item on our agenda is minutes approval and that was sent out with the packet for this evening. Did anyone see anything that needed to be edited or
changed? >> Not seeing anything. Um, I'll take a motion to accept the minutes as presented. >> Are we what? February and January. >> Whatever went out in the last two. So, February February meeting we didn't have. This is the February meeting.
>> Oh, I see. >> So, the the minutes that went out for the last >> for Jane. Okay. >> January. >> No, mid December. >> Oh, December. December. >> Okay. I was like, wait a second. I'm confused. That was a snow event in January, which does not have to have a meeting.
>> So, same set of minutes. >> I move to accept the minutes from the December meeting. >> I second. >> All in favor? >> All opposed? Not seeing anything. It passes. Um the next item is we have been looking
at the policy on solicitations for a discussion and vote for. >> Sorry I am Am I allowed to second that actually because I was not present at that meeting or >> did you watch the meeting? >> No, I didn't get a chance. >> All right. Then it then you would just be you would have seen. >> Okay. I'm sorry. >> That's okay. We'll do it again.
>> I move we approve the the meeting minutes from the December meeting. >> Second. >> All right. All in favor? >> Actually, because >> because we have a member online, it should be a roll call. >> Okay, I can do that. >> Yeah. >> Um,
so for voting on the minutes as presented for December, we're going to do a roll call vote. So, move around the room. If you are not in attendance, please just say you abstain. >> I Yes. >> I abain. >> I I >> I.
>> Thank you very much. Now we can turn attention to um the solicitations. >> Yes. >> Um this was something we started back in late fall talking about our policy. Um and Donald was kind enough to gather a
lot of examples of other libraries policies so we could take a look at them and they were sent out. I resent them today just because it had been so long. Um and I added the Newton Free Library just because I'm fond of that policy. But if anyone um had any questions about
what went out or comments. >> Interesting how different the lengths are. >> Yes. Especially like Boston Public Library has like one sentence and Cranston's like >> Yeah. So >> I'm surprised that a system as large as Boston such a >> Yeah. And Cranston is
>> not as long policy, I guess. >> Yeah. >> I do think dealing with policies that sometimes you get bogged down once you start wanting to explain things. it just steamrolls and then you wind up with too much explanation. >> So, it's always better to >> like once you start getting into the weeds, you got to tackle every weed, you
know. >> Yeah, exactly. >> And so, uh I had already read this Newton was kind of interesting to me because it they the gatekeeper was essentially the director's discretion, right? >> So, >> it was library administration. So, director, assistant director if they had
one. Um, I believe that Donald was saying something about we would have to have language that said like in accordance or in discussions with the trustees or something along those lines based on what we have in our own policy. >> Yes. Um because the board the current
policy reads the board of library trustees will place limits on commercial activities and fundraising activities in the library building and in library publications. The board may permit occasional commercial or fundraising activities related to the mission of the
library or to organizations endorsed by the board which was a discussion of what >> because we don't really endorse >> exactly um so I would be very >> so we would strike it if we >> yeah commercial activities for other organizations may take place within the meeting room we no we no longer have the
meeting room um commercial or fundraising notices may be placed on the library's bulletin boards only if they conform to the board's policy on posting in distribution of non- library materials um which somewhat conflicts with the bulletin board policy
>> right >> um so it basically the with the solicitation policy it's a combination of you know um having multiple policies that kind of overlap that differ um as well as you know
solicitation bulletin board solicitation as far as as an example full girl scout troop wants to um you know sell cookies at our front entrance um that sort of thing >> and um you know to
rather be a um you know a casebycase scenario kind of situation to you know have the blanket policy that addresses that. I personally um do feel that I think the policy should be more structured that um concerning
rather than the discretion of the director because that's where you can get bias because you have an individual who's making that call because it's like okay you know I had a bad experience with the local boy scouts you know you know they're mean to my little Johnny and so no you can't do anything here but
you know some other group wants to you do the same sort of thing um So I would much rather that it more go on the back of the trustees. >> So would you prefer that this for instance this sentence where it says unless otherwise approved in advance by here it would say Kingston Public
Library board of trustees. >> Exactly. Yes. Yeah. Yeah. >> I agree with that. >> And it also takes the takes the focus off of you and if we have to make a tough decision that doesn't >> it's a group you know discussion and different personalities and things like that. It then doesn't appear to be a
single bias. >> Yeah. And it does allow us to approve something if we're really all struck by it. >> Yeah, I agree with that. >> So, are you more comfortable with the existing written policy changed or
altered or would you be open to adapting something like this with the bullets? >> I would be more open to adapting the um policy that's um Newton has. >> Okay. >> Making um >> so changing changes. >> Well, changing it from Newton to
Kingston. >> That that'd be the first one. Yes, absolutely. >> Well, hold on. >> We not allowed. >> If we don't have m if we don't have matching funding, it doesn't count. >> Look, we do not allow any explicit. >> Um I with this policy, as I've said many
times, I I like the way this is set up. I do not care for the last line. It feels very um threatening where it says failure to comply with this policy may result in suspension of library privileges as outlined in the behavior policy. I don't think we need to circle back to our behavior policy and I don't think we need to
>> I don't think we need to make that statement at the end. >> I mean one would assume if you break the rules there are consequences. That is a known thing. People know about that. So I don't think we need to be explicit. >> So I would actually end it after the bullets. Like I I wouldn't continue.
>> Yes. One thing I I will point out is that um with the last bullet um that while soliciting support for particular as it's listed here um for political party candidate cause a ballot measure inside the library or on library
property any potential candidates can solicit signatures in the library. that is because right now papers were there you can pull papers signatures >> and that was that came from the clerk's office that there was a case involving this um they can't you know um do it at
the front entrance. It has to be in basically a discrete part of the library and they can't they can't go in the offices and they nor can they um solicit the um signatures from staff. >> But some sit here with their paper as
they if you walking by because we we do have a candidate a young man who's running for selectman >> um who's doing that >> um you know so we'd say you know just you know you walk by and say oh excuse me you know I'm running for select board of selectman you know um would you be
interested in you know >> signing to get me on the ballot or what have you that we have no choice in that has to be allowed >> maybe we could put some language about we get to decide where in the library they get to like they can't be by the door they can't like they can't set up a table right by the entrance.
>> Yeah, they that they can't do. They can't do the entrance and they can't um go into any um staff only areas. >> But I guess they don't have to get approval. They can just show up one day and correct. >> So we could just say in hightra areas. It sounds like that like the entrance
the boarding. >> Yeah. >> I have two picky questions just because I'm a thought experiment person when it comes to this kind of thing. Number one would be with the staff thing which you mentioned obviously a staff member who is like on duty quote unquote could not
sign such a petition or things of that sort but if the staff member was off duty if it's like my shift is over and I'm leaving for the day and I'm now a private citizen. >> Correct. >> Would they then just hypothetically be permitted to sign that kind of thing? >> Correct. >> Okay.
>> Correct. It's a case of being um on the clock and you know especially if these are potential positions that um would be more management um that would trickle down. So it would be a case, you know, so it
would be an awkward situation for, you know, a potential library trustee to go up to a a library staff member and say, "Hey, can you sign this?" You know, and >> Oh, there goes my whole campaign. >> I'm playing. I'm playing. And I guess my other question is sort of thinking about
placement as well, like the physical placement in the library. Would there be I I know what I want to ask here, but I'm trying to figure out how to ask it the least awkward way possible. Would there be like one or maybe two, but more
likely one place set aside for any candidate who would seek to do that kind of thing on the premises so that we would >> designated area, >> a sort of designated area. So that way it wouldn't be like, oh well, you told me I have to be in this place, but you told so and so they could be in this place and we that way nobody ends up
accidentally or otherwise demonstrating bias or there's no >> well loggerheads over that >> because I don't I I think that you know it might be where people might be more comfortable with so for example maybe somebody who is um
you know a younger parent might be more comfortable sitting in the children's room >> and you know speaking to um you know other parents and trying to get you know those particular folks or have you. Okay. Um I also think that
with the setup of the lobby area with the you know furniture from the foundation it kind of has you know segmented the area. So there have been various places like so the young man he's just been in one of the sections. >> Um so I don't think that we need to
necessarily designate. Okay. um you know because then there is also the concern that if we say oh yeah you can do it but it's in the far corner in the stacks you know then somebody could say hey you're you know kind of squash my um you know my attempt at um you know my candidacy
or what have you so >> a constructive dismissal or constructive eviction this would be like constructive solicitation I guess >> yeah yeah we'll call it that >> well I was just going to say but it's getting it's getting weedy so in terms of the language for this last bullet
where it says soliciting support for >> political political party candidate kind of cause or ballot measure inside the library on Liberty property but then you're saying well people can get signatures here >> correct >> so how do we want the l how do we want this to read so that people are aware
>> well I I think I mean when I look at this it to me this re can read as that I am running for library trust I you're running for library trustee and I am here trying to solicit support whether it's holding signs outside the front
door or just you know wearing buttons and passing things. Yeah, exactly. Campaigning. >> Do we want to say something like the sole exception is gathering signatures to get on the ballot? Whatever. >> I mean there could be terminology to that. >> Okay, that's what I would
have. So, >> can I just ask a clarifying question, Donald? Is the idea that that we can't limit people from doing that essentially that they're private citizens who are just having casual conversations that happen to be political? Like, is that sort of the the idea is
just that if they're sitting there and they're talking to people one-on-one and the people and inviting somebody to sign something that we can't limit that as differentiated from somebody who's like actively campaigning. Is that is that why we're why it's
required to be permitted in the library >> to get back into the weeds? What about uh >> you know like so what about if I'm just a private citizen talking about my snow plowing company to various uh >> right like yeah I guess I'm trying to
figure out what the fine line is that it's a conversation. So all I can, you know, respond with is that it's what's been dictated to us by the town as to what is um and there was, I believe, a court case that was cited when that with
that um you know that this was a fundamental right of folks to be able to do that. >> Can I interrupt? There's a there's language in the Cranston one about this that I just noticed. Candidates with nomination papers may canvas for signatures they say outside of the
library building as long as it is done in a reasonable and unobtrusive manner. Canvasing is prohibited inside library buildings. So we could use that language. >> Sure. >> In the other documents like we last sentence though. >> Well, no I'm I'm not saying change it.
>> But the candidates with nomination papers may canvas for signatures. That's what we're talking about places. Right. So we can add that language or a version of that saying that is the exception um to this. >> And I wonder if we even say like per
town requirements. So that essentially this is a fine line that if push came to shove is being created by their advisement rather than us, you know. >> If they ask more, we can just point to that. >> Yeah. I mean that ultimately like our policy may say like Newton's that
soliciting political support is prohibited but we are >> under the town and so there's this canvasing exception per town requirements. >> Yeah. >> All right. So when I reddraft this, let me look at it again.
>> Incorporate >> that. And as Lee made the note per town requirements at the end of that language >> and I will >> and I will um get the formal um response from the clerk's office as to what
>> their language. >> So it may be more of a state level thing versus the town level. All right, cool. Um, see, so instance was 20 pages long for reason. >> Good job
last time. Maybe there's something in here that says that we're all trying to articulate, but yeah. >> Were any of the did any of the other bullets do you think need to be altered for our purposes or um edited? Well, the second bullet says gathering
signatures. >> So that would be >> so I don't know if we want to >> if we want to clarify what that means because there are other signatures we don't allow people to get here, right? Not just nomination papers. >> Are there other want signatures for >> well petitions or you know
>> we could gathering petition signatures. >> Yeah, >> I want to be more >> or gathering signatures and then parentheses except as noted below because then it kind of gives us that. get coverage. >> So just really the nomination papers are the only thing they can get signatures on. Nothing else.
>> Okay. >> Maybe maybe say that >> I I almost start to wonder like the rationale behind the nomination papers one. Does that extend to petitions? >> I I think that was to her point about what was the legal rationale behind this. >> Yeah. So yeah,
>> I also wonder and I don't know how much this would necessarily play into it if someone is collecting signatures to run in a partisan election versus a nonpartisan election. Like for example, the municipal elections obviously in Kingston are nonpartisan. Nobody's
>> delineated by a certain party designation right on the ballot. Would it make a difference if someone is collecting for a primary campaign for a specific party or for an election in which party aligned candidates are delineated like it says Republican or
Democrat or whatever else but people can decline signing like that you know we can't stop them from requesting a signature but people can certainly say oh interesting yeah >> but then back there does that extend to petitions? >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. So I think if we can get these the specific requirement that will be helpful because I think it's important to kind of say like that this is coming from whether it's the town or the state like >> you know this is a line that has to be
somebody needs to know and it's not us who necessarily knows if something strange is going on. So, regarding the solicitation of signatures for initiative petitions and or nomination papers, both the United States and Massachusetts
Constitutions protect the right to solicit signatures on ballot question petitions, nomination papers in a reasonable and unobstructive manner in open public areas. This includes the public areas of municipal property. >> All right, so it sounds like we have to
strike the petition section entirely. Yeah. >> So, >> not that in my experience we've ever had anybody with um petitions. It's always been nomination papers. So, >> I could see like kids wanting to get
involved with something like that. And like honestly, it seems like a good environment for them to do that. >> So, it should say distributing literature, soliciting contributions, and conducting surveys inside but not mention the petition part. >> Yeah. and maybe explicit in the last bullet point about allowed
unobtrusively. >> I just forwarded you that email because it is there's a longer >> okay >> thing. >> I think we're meeting again in two weeks. >> Anything else we want to change while we're
That's good. >> Great. Um the next item on the agenda is the cultural council work nations. You want to speak to that? >> Sure. So, um, we had applied for a cultural council, um, grant for a series
of adult craft programs. Um, I received notification that we were awarded $1,000 for that. Um, we've already begun the series. It's a monthly craft series beginning in February. Um, we did
actually stamping tea towels. um which was that's not something that's in my wheelhouse. However, we have a community member who has volunteered to do the craft programs for us. Um and so we did have a really good turnout for
the um the tea ones. The one for March is going to be a rope wreath program. >> Did you? >> I did. There are eight pencil. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Um and then we we're
going to do a teacup um or mug um floral arrangement wood flowers again, you know, because that's been a big hit. And um one other craft. So um >> Jen Simpson um who is a resident of King of Kingston, um you know, has graciously
volunteered to um host the programs. You so we're holding them over at the farm school and um stuff. So it was, you know, a really good um program last uh two weeks ago. Um and so along with the um council council, we've received more
donations. Um you know, the flip side is unfortunately this is in memory of folks who have passed. Um so um have you know received a few more donations um in memory of them. Um the the main um donations have been
earmarked for materials um for print materials. Um so we will you know honor those wishes and use of funds as such. >> Thank you. And the next item is evergreen. >> Okay. So Evergreen is the new system
that the library and OLN is moving to as far as the um ILS system. There has been ongoing training with for the staff um as well as they've opened up the test database so staff can practice a lot of
the um functions that they normally do the day-to-day. Um with a lot of the training unfortunately there's a lot of local rules that will be impi app implied once we're up and running. So unfortunately during the training sessions, people have questions and
they're like, "Sorry, we can't answer that because yes, you can do this, but your local rules might not let you do it." >> So there's still a lot of that. So um you know, a lot of vagueness um in some of the the features and things. Um
>> is that one driven by us or the town or >> it it's it would be OLN. So, so for example, Evergreen comes and says, you know, you can place a million holds, but OCLN might have, you know, we might have bylaws that say you can place a hundred
holds. So, people will ask those ask questions that, you know, will have to be answered locally within OLN. Um, because there's a lot of there's a lot of questions that haven't been asked or answered yet. and OCLN, you know, from
their management side of implementing this, like it's like they don't know what they don't know. Um, so it's kind of like they're learning as we're learning um sort of thing because they are trying to get this expedited to get it done um and implemented by um the end
of April um because they wanted to get it done before school got out and before summer reading started. >> So there's still more training coming. >> Okay. I believe I was going to say now we're on the green street project. >> Okay.
>> So the paper that you have in front of you is or leave it was shown to you is um a draft. >> Yes. Um so I had been approached by the town planner about some work that is being done um on Green Street. The town
had received an a grant. I believe it was an ADA grant um to make Kingston more walkable and accessible. Um so they met I met with the um the head of Streets
and Parks and um one of the town engineers. Um what they're doing is they are implementing um crosswalks from one side of Green Street to the others. and in the process and
and making them ADA compliant um crosswalks which is something that you know we need. And um one of the other things that they discussed is um potentially redesigning
the green street entrance to the library so that we lose the um the half circle and it becomes more of a traditional parking lot entrance. With that we would gain more green space. So, there were suggestions made
to me that, oh, we can put benches out there, what have you. Um, but I'm not jumping to there until we see what the final, you know, look is. Um, so they, you know, wanted me to submit this to the board, you know, just as more of an
FYI. Um, it will, we believe from the design, it will help curb a couple of the issues that we have with the current setup. One of which is um even though we've painted arrows in that entry and exit way um people are still going the
other way and when people do enter certain ways they're kind of flying in. >> Um where this will give it more of a natural kind of turn >> force them to slow down. >> Yeah. Yeah. Um and there would be
an ex the sidewalk would be redone um along the parking lot and there would be so at the front entrance the high curb. So if you're standing at the entrance of the library looking at that parking lot that big high curb that would actually
be gone and it would be redesigned. It's still because of the slope of the parking lot, it would it would be designed so that it would still um direct water away so that when it rains, you know, normally the water comes back, that big curbing directs it away from
the the entrance. Um but this design, um they kind of got technical with me on it, so I said that's fine. If you know what, you know, you're the experts, if that's what it's going to do, I just want that end result that we're not going to get water. um in the entrance.
Um so it will impact that. Um they are trying to get it done um as well before school gets out. >> Wow. >> Um you know and so um because they basically have the funding, it's just a
matter of implementing things. um they will be working with um facilities as far as that there might be some overlap as far as um as we know that the you know awning to the front of the building collapsed
during the snow um and so that is being replaced and so um it that is at this point I believe it is like four or five weeks out because they being that it's not a um you know a
>> it's custom yeah so um so there is some a time frame with that. So, it we're going to um you know try to get both things to complement each other and you know it may as far as the um >> the canopy shouldn't impact the um the
entrance area as far as access um they said they could actually come in and do it on a Sunday afternoon and get it completed. Um then um but this the green street project work when they're working closer to the you know the entrance
there may be a day of closure due to you know the machinery and what have you that they have working in that general area. >> So they're pretty confident that they're going to get this done before summer camp starts. >> Oh yeah. Yeah. >> The sheer tra well as you know the traffic that comes with the rec camp
ends up working. >> Yeah. actually. So to the it's strange to me that from the summer street side you have to cross the street twice to get into the building. >> I mean if you're coming from here you
have to walk all the way here cross and then cross again to get into the building as opposed to just having the crosswalk here. So initially, so initially when we had the first conversation, the the discussion was that they were
going to be putting two crosswalks in on Green Street. So one would be further here, so it would be closer to Summer Street and then the the one that is shown on that. Yeah. um which is would
be to the left of the existing entry that we have now. Um and then when I got that draft, that's what they c that's what was I'm thinking about is I've seen because I do it myself and people turn right on the green street from summer. people come roaring up that hill and I
would be worried about using that crosswalk because someone by the time they see you then they'll slam on their brakes and it might be too late because I you know people kind of go to get up that hill >> so it might be a I don't know if that's the reason but that occurs to me >> I mean that would be my thought is
>> we all do it we all do it >> so I would and I hate that >> we have lives to live we have our pot roasts to come home Do you have any other serious concerns about this plan though? >> No. No. No. No. And actually
>> I actually think this this alleviates so many headaches. People do not know how to drive and that has >> they also use it as a spot to leave the car to run books to the book drop and then it it causes chaos. >> Why don't they park in the parking handicap space like that like I do?
>> No. Unless you have car. >> Yes. And I leave the door open. No, you got to push the clock anywhere button. >> This maximizes inconvenience. You don't understand. Let's look at that. >> So, I will say that um you know, I got I got this um from the engineer and then I
spoke to the town planner today. I had gone down because I wanted to confirm the changes from the discussion, the in-person discussion to what I see there. Um and you know I did you know kind of plant the seed and about the you know that definitely that there is a
need for additional parking for the library and the atom center. Um you know I vocalized you know some a lot of the challenges that we have over there as well and stuff. Um so I think that parking will be a future bigger
conversation to have um you know as we move forward. So, as far as like thinking about benches and what have you, uh-uh >> need more parking spots. >> Yeah. Yeah. There needs to be, you know, something done for both buildings. Um,
but as for now, as the, you know, what has been sent, I think, um, you know, would help us, you know, as far as getting, you know, that curbing is a tripping hazard. Um and you know so I think that would eliminate that and the you know
redesign would you know and it'll be a traditional entrance of you know you have a solid line so one way >> it's so funny because when you handed it to me I was like okay so you know what's complicated about it meanwhile it's just a standard entrance into a building. >> Exactly. Exactly. >> So there's nothing complicated about it.
>> Yeah. What's the catch? >> Exactly. You go in and out. >> Yes. >> So it's like any other road where you drive on the Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. Perfect. Um the next item on the agend is the Adam Center.
>> Okay. Uh >> which is we put this together so long ago. I'm like what exactly was it? >> You know when I >> Yeah. Well, it's you know basically um so it's about funding. Um so I've had um
which was actually in one of my director's point. So it's it's reports by the January one. >> Um you know so I had spoken I met with the um facilities manager to discuss the issues um as far as restoration and
preservation for over there. Um he had put a request in to the CPC for funding. Um they basically kicked it back um needing more details and and things like that. So it was actually withdrawn from
him by him. Um, but it goes to say that, you know, this being a historic building on the National Register that, um, you know, trying to get funding for the necessary historical repairs as well as
the um newer um addition, you know, is becoming somewhat of a headache and troubles because there are issues showing up as far as the overhang.
um lighting above the entrance to the um glass section that you can see that there's been water infiltration and paint is flaking and that needs to be replaced. The windows um from the um stairwell um during any good good
rainstorm water is infiltrating you know it's dripping from the screws um and stuff. So um there definitely is a need for an assessment. So, I had spoken to him about um getting a um
preservation specialist in to basically do a walkthrough of the building and come up with a checklist and you know, one of the things for example is like we need the columns replaced over there and that was what the request was to CPC. One of those columns is
$9,000 and um you know some of the points that were made were that you know their concern is that it being that true to the historic nature of the building. Um
so what was missing was exactly what did a bowel column from 18 what have you actually look like? And so stuff like that was, you know, um, you know, omitted from the the request and that's
the type of stuff that they, you know, that they're looking for. Um, you know, so it will be a deeper dive into, you know, trying to find more historical accurate um, support, you know, to request for funings from this particular
agency. Um with that said, we also one thing that I'm looking into is with the addition whether or not that if there's any work on that side that if that also because it is the Adam Center in its entirety whether or not the new addition has to go
through the historical commission as does or is it just the historical part of it >> right and like you'd think that it wouldn't but >> the technicality may be there. Um, so just trying to come up with a game plan because I have no problem in, you know,
as I explained to Rob, you know, have no problem taking the time researching, you know, using the resources that we have in the archives um to draw up information about, you know, features that need to be replaced or um, you
know, um, restored or what have you and you know, going through that leg work. But I don't think any necessarily any grant entity is going to be open to like you know $9,000 for a single pillar. It needs to be so basically the pillar needs to be replaced. The facade of the
building in the front there like that whole front entryway has to be replaced and stuff. Um so that's why I want that specialist to come in so that we can get this overall like it will be the atom center project >> and it be you know we can check things
off as we get funding for it or whatever. Um so even a timeline so that if the person says you know okay your walls look good but you know what every so many years that particular kind of horsehair plaster blah blah blah needs to be you know should be repainted to
secure it's you know structural whatever you know stuff that I know nothing about. >> Have you been able to identify a preservationist you can come in and do the work? So, he um has um he did a little research and um he did have
somebody um that um you know could do that, but then it's a case of like needing to fund paying that person. >> And so, which that doesn't necessarily scare me. It's just a matter of like, okay, let's see if we can get this thing to work. Um and you know, get get our
to-do list together. Um >> and long term, it should save money, right? Who's going to identify? >> Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. So, basically, you know, if we, you know, instead of being reactive and responsive, you know, we're being proactive, >> um, and actually doing maintenance to
it. Um, so that's the goals with that. So there may be times um you know that I will be researching heavily and um trying to find out as much information as I can to help support um you know any grant applications or what have you for
you know getting restoration and preservation of the building over there. The MBLC does offer preservation and services but it's specifically for materials. Um I would I wish that they would you know offer something you know because
there are other build libraries in um OLN that are historic. Um I was at a roundt meeting and Brockton was one. Um I think Rockland was another and you know they basically add the same you know challenges. So so it's not unique
to Kingston. >> Thank you. >> Um we're just going to roll right into the director. Oh, fantastic. All right. So, um I will try to keep things brief, but you know, going back a couple of months.
Um so, Nick and I had met with the Kingston 300th committee um to outline the full calendar for um calendar year 2026 for programming related to Kingston's anniversary. Um
the I attended depart various department head meetings. Um now that the um budget process is in swing um we are meeting this Thursday actually. Um I have a
meeting with the finance committee. I was notified at the end of last week that they would be reviewing our budget this week. Um, so I do have an appointment set up for tomorrow to speak to the town administrator and the um, finance director to review our budget
request. Um, no one is seeing be a um, an issue with the request as far as, you know, it was within the parameters um, you know, of a 2% um, as we've had staff turnover. There was savings there um, as we moved into the new fiscal year. So
increases in the book budget was offset by you know higher paid staff um you know leaving um and stuff like that. Um so luminaries which was so long ago we had over,200 visitors that night. Um the
polar bear was a huge huge success. >> Um >> um so yeah then I attended the legislative breakfast that was held in Plymouth. And so legislative breakfast is a breakfast event um that's held at
public libraries um with local um senators and representatives, town officials to go to discuss and go over um you know their presentations to go over um bills that might be currently um being reviewed or the challenges,
funding issues etc etc. Um so I have after attending that I have spoken with the director in Wayamoth and so we are we touched base last week again um so we will be working in collaboration to host
another one further in the year um together it will be hosted in um and what normally happens is that a little while ago when this one was was taking place is when libraries do them um just
as the budget season is starting. Unfortunately, what one thing that has been said is that um you know by the time we get to ask them for stuff and support they've had people listening they've been listening to people all year round. And so our thought myself
and the director in Wayouth was that you know if we can get other libraries to do like do one every couple of months or you know you know do it quarterly or what have you then we will be in the air throughout the whole year.
Um I did host one in when I was the director there. Um >> and there I think there have been once here in the Kingston library. >> Yeah. Um so yeah so we'll be collaborating and the idea with the collaboration is then we're getting a crossover of representatives versus you
know um you know Plymouth so Plymouth has been hosting one like I think this is the third this was like the third one they've done um so obviously you're getting the same reps and stuff. So this is an opportunity to you know kind of shake it up. Um
and let's see and so then we move on to the February report. Um I gave the new town administrator um a tour of the library. Um as part of that we went to the back storage space. Um he is very um
fluent in procurement. So um he's ready to work with us to get things going with that project. Um so that was breath of fresh air. I I also attended the MBLC um strategic planning focus group. Um the
MBLC um had different focus groups across the state and this one was held at the Lakefield Public Library. Um basically it's the closest one unless I want to go Northshore or Western Mass. >> Okay. >> Yeah.
Um and it's on my way home so >> you know halfway halfway home. Um and so um it did give an opportunity to you know for library directors and it was p primarily OLN directors. Lakeville is part of the sales library network so I
expected to see more sales directors there but um it was mainly OLN and Western Mass librarians that came up. um you know so it was a case of an opportunity to um discuss you know at our level what our needs are what their
you know visions are for you know and what resources they can see in the future um you know to provide to us. Um I had applied for a Samson fund grant um for the trust from the trust fund. Um
it was to a um to host a Sunday afternoon concert series and um so I spent some time um contacting various musical performers. Um so the funny thing is that I've reached out to multiple performers and
it turns out that they all have the the same agent. I'll just call her the agent. Um, so she's like, "Oh, yeah. I got your, you know, fill out these online forms if you want to schedule, >> you know, a performance and, you know, and I got the, you know, email back saying, "Hey, um, I always see this one,
this one, this one." I'm like, "Ah, make my life so much easier. I'm just dealing with one person." So, um, those will be, you know, um, I will be continuing to work out with those because I'm trying to get six different performances and completely different so that, um, you
know, potentially we get different, um, clientele to attend. >> Um, we already discussed the awning. Um, there is, as you may have noticed, the red tape on one of the tiles, there was some damage to the tiles out there.
Those will be replaced. Um and we did a collaboration with the parks and recreation in the council on aging for the um book and pizza bingo event um at the COA um which was a lot of fun.
Um, we utilized a new book vendor um that provides um severely discounted materials um new they're new materials but they're >> and they're current and they're current. >> Exactly. Um you know literally we bought
books for prizes that were less than $2. Um and for all ages so um yeah so that that was a good turnout. Um, yeah. If there are any questions about my report. >> Any questions?
>> Oh, you mentioned the polar dare was a big success. >> Yes. >> I don't understand my context. I wasn't able to make luminance. My dad and I went to go to see the um the Ravens game in Baltimore. >> Yes. Uh
so basically since we didn't have a Santa Claus um I did drive the the library director did dress as the elf. Um so the um as an option I actually wanted to get
the Grinch. However, they wouldn't allow the Grinch um during this time of the year um because it was being used for other promotional campaigns. Um it's >> Yeah. The publishers. Yeah. Um, so you know, in order to stick with kind of a
winter theme, um, we got a polar bear and, um, the fact of the matter is is that they, um, changed their policies, which was before you contact them, they like, okay, let me check and see if this is available, then they send you the
contract. So, I hadn't heard from them. And then two days before luminaries the um polar bear shows up and I'm like wait a minute I didn't sign the contract with oh oh we've changed that you sign it afterwards. Um so I'm like okay and
that's fine. So the teen librarian Parker he volunteered to um you know be the be the polar bear. We had him in the front lobby area. We have a like a stand up cardboard sleigh and I think there was only one I think there was only one
child that um was scared of the bear but um pretty good. >> He was he was phenomenal. I mean he really got into the character and very playful and dancing and stuff like that. Um >> did he drink Coca-Cola? >> No. >> That that was what was discussed at the
department head meeting that it was the Coca-Cola bear. Um no he wasn't. >> What does our solicitation policy say? >> I know exactly. Exactly. Exactly. >> I don't think >> um so it's his right to be able to just sit there and drink a Coke, right? >> Um >> as a private citizen. Yes.
>> Yeah. So um Yeah. So that that was where the success was. So we I think we I only experienced one person who was unhappy that we didn't have Santa Claus, but Santa was at the rebuilding. >> Yes. >> Yes.
Yeah. >> Yeah, that's the goal there. >> Not seeing any other questions or concerns. We move on to staff reports. And here there was a bit of a mixup, which is I don't really know what happened, but somehow when I sent out the reports for a meeting, the January
teen and children's report were the it was listed as children and teens, but it was the children's report twice. So Lee pointed it out to me and I was like, "Oh, I'll get the report from Donald." So I asked Donald and he sent it to me and it was the donuts report again and I was like, "Nope, this isn't the one."
And so then I tried to explain to Donald the problem. He sent me two reports and I was like, "Oh, this must be it." But then looking at it later realized it's the February teen report. So the January teen report is the report that is missing from all of our reports, but the
February one is in there. We we twice got to enjoy the children's report for January. That's funny. >> But um yes, so somewhere out there is the team report for January. We just don't have our hands on it.
>> Were there was there any other feedback or questions about the reports from the department heads over the last two months? >> I will say I really love the variety of programs that are coming out of the library. I look at the calendar because
I signed up for my rope brief class today. I happened to browse the other things and it looks great. >> Yeah, definitely. >> Yeah. No, it's great. >> So, while Donald searches for that missing report,
>> it's out there in the ether somewhere, I'm sure. >> Um, I don't have a Foundation of Friends update. Did they not end up meeting virtually last week? >> They did not. >> Okay. So, they're in limbo because they they were scheduled to meet the same night we were and obviously canceled due
to the weather. Um, so I don't know when their next meeting will be, but I will ask Jess for a debrief once they have it. >> I believe it's the 16th. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> So, it will be >> Yeah.
>> Um, payment of bills. >> I have paperwork that will get me one step closer. >> Okay. Then we still have no bills. Okay. which is always exciting. >> Old business. We want to tackle dates or wait until two weeks.
>> Wait two weeks. >> We're just discussing that we have to lay out the calendar in advance somewhat, but since we are going to see each other again in two weeks, we can do >> the 16th, right? >> Yeah. >> That's the um regularly scheduled March
um board meeting is the 16th. Um, no other old business. Any new business? >> I have new business. >> Okay. >> Although it's about three months old at this point. >> Yes. >> So, >> no, I don't want to sign.
>> Good. Because I don't want you to. >> No. Um, right after Christmas, I met with our former colleague here on the board, Carolyn, who served as treasurer to begin the process of transferring that title of sorts over to myself. We
signed some paperwork with our folks at Eastern Bank. There was some other paperwork that I needed to bring and I'm gonna have to go back and look at this to see specifically where you, Emily, need to sign, where you, Jen, need to sign. But I need signatures at different points in this paperwork from both of you. >> Okay.
>> And I meant to take care of that in January and the weather got in the way. >> So, there is paperwork here that I do have to It's not that sheet. It's this sheet. I know I need one from you,
Emily. And it should be like it's it's pretty obvious. Your name's already printed, name and title, and then there's just a signature page or signature line further down from it. >> I like how they're calling you the president. >> President,
>> should we start calling you Mrs. President? Shen, I could have I think I might need one from you as well in your capacity as uh secretary, although they didn't print you in here. So, you might just >> Do you want me just add my >> I I might just in case. I I think that's
what they need. I'm pretty sure it's supposed to be you. >> They should sign name, title, signature, >> and then >> I love that we're doing this live. It's >> very exciting. It's just like Congress. >> He's like, "Oh, more C-SPAN.
while we go through our signature process. Were there was there anything else under new business? Um so under new business I would just um yeah say so um >> you're you head of adult services um Steve Miller
um he did leave um Kingston he is um taking another um position at another library. Um so um he left I think a week ago Friday. >> Yeah. So um
so we are in the process of um working out um details about the job descript any updates to the job description. Um so the job has not yet been posted. Um but hopefully it will be in the very near future. >> I did send out a message about that just
so everybody was aware since we were in an odd time frame of not seeing each other. >> Yeah. It's been some crazy times >> any other new business. >> And then the only other thing that I would like to put out is that um so in the coming year we will be working on
the new strategic plan. So that um the current strategic plan for the library expires at the end of 27. Um so we will be holding you know um community forums. So with the so basically what happens is
that um every five years the library conducts a strategic plan. We'll have comm we we may or may not have community forums where we'll have focus groups you know we'll get citizens in ask them okay what do you like about the library what would you like to see changed at the
library you know and a lot of the things are you know either more materials open more hours bigger building you know all those sort of things >> um and so >> we do online we do online and paper surveys and stuff like that and then >> plus sorry
>> and and we'll compile that data and with that we'll create the strategic plan and an action plan and that gets reported to the MBLC. So with the action plan um you basically it's kind of like you know from the data we get we basically just
make a to-do list and we say okay this is what we're going to do this fiscal year this is what we're going to attempt to do in this fiscal year etc. Um, and as long as we're up to date on the strategic plan and the um, action plan,
we then are eligible to apply for LSTA grants. >> Okay. >> Um, if we were not, then we we can't apply for those. Um and so when I first started here in um 20 calendar year 21
um I think it was shortly there after that we did the strategic plan um beginning in 22 and um we just did community survey. Um but this time I want to start earlier and make it a lengthier process so that we can gather
as much data and then utilize that to you know move forward. Thank you. Anything else? Not seeing anything. I will take a motion to adjurnn at precisely. >> I move that we adjourn at precisely 7:5.
Second. >> All in favor? I. All right. Then we are adjourned.