This meeting has been called to order the statement of compliance for the executive public meetings act NJSAM.8 the vision has been advised advertised in accordance with the New Jersey open public meetings act and publicly
accessible in accordance with the law for sure. Rocka >> here. >> Tom Sarah Maria Teresa >> here. >> Rosemary
Dr. Sasso Gina >> here. Mayor Walker and Frank Weber >> here. >> Okay, let's sing the pledge, please. 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 of >> All right. Um, can I make a motion to go into executive session or do we need to go into executive session? >> Yeah, move.
>> Second. I'll be giant and putting our member of the public into >> a waiting room. I'm going to let you back in after executive session is over. All right. And then
>> please come behind. I'll pause the recording >> and I will let our um our guest in who's no longer here. >> She's still there. >> Oh, yes.
>> Okay. >> All right. Um do we I need approval of the regular minute meetings as of March 11th, 2026. If there aren't questions, uh we can move all the minutes together publicly. >> All right. So, I want to move all the
minutes uh A, B, C, and D for March 11th. Uh the executive, the regular the emergency meeting from February 17th, and then the emergency meeting executive session from February 17th. Can I get a motion? >> Move. >> Thank you. Second, then I do. Second.
Okay. Roll, please. >> Sorry, one second. Kevin Lynn. >> Yes. Rocco. >> Uh, abstain A and B and yes to C and D. >> Abain A B and yes
C D. Thank you. Um, hold on. Teresa, >> yes. >> I am. Yes. Um, Gina, >> yes. >> And Frank, >> yes. >> Thank you. Okay. Next. Personnel. Uh the accept the
resignation of library assistant herself Harris who works in passports. Correct. >> She did right. Yes. She was working effective March 16th. So I need a motion for that please. >> So moved. Second. >> Roco moved. Frank second.
>> Okay. Rocco. >> Yes. >> Teresa. >> Yes. >> I am. Yes. Gina. >> Yes. And Frank. >> Yes. >> Lynn. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Okay. And now the library assistance and the technical >> service. So you have
>> um Diane GA, >> you need a motion to accept the accept the employment appoints resation. >> Okay. So accept the resignation of Dan Guna, library assistant, effective May
15, 2026. >> Make it a motion. So moved. >> Second. Yes, good. >> Teresa, roll call, please vote. >> Yes. Um, sorry. Uh, Teresa, >> yes.
>> I am. Yes. Gina, >> yes. >> Frank, >> yes. >> Lynn, >> yes. >> Rafco, >> yes. And then >> you need a motion to accept the resignation of library director Don Jenin effective May 29th, 2026.
Frank second. I'll second. Okay. Um, yes for me. Gina, >> yes. >> Frank, >> yes. >> Lynn, reluctantly yes. Roco. >> My brain says no, but my heart is saying yes, so I'll go yes.
>> Teresa, >> yes. >> And we're sorry to see you go, but best wishes to always. just pages. >> I I will and I I just want to add for everyone and this is kind of talking to my public. Um I love this community. I
love our trustees, um our staff, our municipal partners and it has been such an honor to be with you for what will be the last three years and I am always available to you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Appreciate it.
>> Okay. Um, move on to finance and action on the April 8th bill listings in the amendment that's 274826. Any discussion? Can I I'll make a motion first. Motion. Anybody second?
>> I'll second. >> Who is that? Me. >> Oh, sorry. >> Can I add commentary? >> Yes. Um our uh treasurer was uh in with our new executive assistant for finance
and they spend a joyous hour and a half um going over uh all of our bills with a a fine tooth comb. There was uh one question about why we were placing signage um into maintenance um and it was updating signage. So it was
maintenance and um there were some questions about um future invoices but none of the others >> discussion discussion. >> No. >> Okay. Uh Gina,
>> yes. Frank, >> yes. >> Lynn, yes. >> Roco, >> yes. >> Teresa, >> yes. And I am Yes. Thank you. Right. Old business the only business that we had in the
last time without the GPA with the lighting and the and the guard at the point. So just so everybody knows they've been very busy at the municipality. I sent our um request to use the QA on March 5th. I did not
receive a reply. I sent a reminder again yesterday asking for if it was possible that there was a timeline to understand when we would be able to move ahead because as it is now you're you're looking at fall for the garden. So this is another summer we're going to miss
out on. >> Um and that's unfortunate but I have not received a response to either of those emails and it is a matter that I will ask the board for assistance with because that is a project we could get done before my departure. both of those
projects with a little I will stop them and talk to me on what because I do have questions. >> I I do think it's because they were working on the budget because they just passed it last night. So I know that everybody's been locked in their offices >> and I certainly understand but like I said, you know, this is an important
place for the community. >> Um >> Agreed. >> So that's that. >> And the flower beds up front are going to be worked on soon. >> Oh, wonderful. >> All right. New business. You have any new business?
>> Well, we just had enough. >> That's not bad. >> Okay. So, then we should jump to the directing. >> Did anybody have questions about what I wrote? Well, yes, there will be a question. So, let's start with that. So
um we had an evening where um we had three teens whose parents did not pick them up before closing. Staff their condition for that and they wait. They try to give parents some grace time before calling the police. During that time there was also a person who was
wheelchair bound who was waiting outside for um their taxi and the parents came to pick up the teens. the teams went out not through the main sliding doors, one of the little side doors there and um the
um staff set out. They set the code for the building. The alarm was activated and they left. The next morning, a person came in before opening to the desk who was already in the building and
he had been in the lobby all night. Um, so what he said happened was that after the after everyone left and he had staff had told him that the police department would be um able to um
help him with getting transportation. Now, we would find out later that he was in assisted living where they are not required to check him in at night. He's allowed to have overnight being away. Um, but he's having difficulty. He had difficulty with the taxi. He said that
the door was a jar. So, he was there all night. We're very fortunate. Um, but my first questions, our facility manager was able to check in with the alarm company to understand how is the alarm set. There was no alarm
on that door. That door was not had it had no alarm on it. So it now does. Um so they came in and went through everything and that door functions fine. So I don't none of us can understand how it was open. I don't think that the
gentleman did anything unourred. Um but he couldn't get into the rest of the building because it was all locked. Um, and our staff immediately in the morning got him food, got him um, beverage and started trying to contact where he was
from cuz he didn't have a cell phone and he didn't get picked up until 2:00 >> in the afternoon. So, it's whatever facility he is living in, you know, we reached out to them and then we didn't get much of a response.
So, that was that event. Do we have someone that actually does like a sweep of the building? >> Everyone. Our bathrooms get locked 10 minutes before we close. They start shutting lights off. Everyone is active together. The the study rooms shut down
10 minutes before closing. Every precaution is made to make sure that no one gets left in the building. Um we have cameras that are on all night long. We have the building alarm. So it was really um It's unfortunate that it
happened, but I'm glad that it happened because we went through everything with the alarm. So, >> well, if that door wasn't alarmed up to this point, he potentially could have shimmed the door, done something to give him the ability to get back in because that's where he's going to have a warm
place. >> And and that's that's what I thought. But he's also not homeless. He has a home. So, >> but he didn't have a cab. >> No, he didn't. >> No. So my point is >> they've created an opportunity for themselves. >> I I understand. I understand. Um the
assistant the little place that's the part where I'm confused. >> They don't they don't it's >> not a check in place. >> They don't check in. >> Okay. >> It's independent living. >> It's like it's an apartment that offers services. That's really what >> I understand. Okay. That's why I was confused. >> My my only concern is that granted this
was was someone that could not harm anyone. But yes, God forbid. >> Yes. I would he was very upset if someone was hurt here because this person you know someone that has dementia can become violent
>> and uh that that is my concern. So I I there has to be we don't have motion sensors in here then yeah you need to do that. >> Oh no we do now. Oh we do now. Okay good. >> As part of that sweep after this incident were all the other possible doors checked to make sure they are alarmed.
>> Yes. Now, if the door was a jar he got in, but then once he was in and he closed it, it locked him in. >> It wouldn't lock him in. It would lock anyone else out. >> Yes, he wasn't trapped in here.
>> Okay. >> He could have left at any time. >> Yeah. >> Seriously. >> Excellent point. Um but but yeah this is um you know and this is where staff you know if if you look at this was would have been another
um issue for the social worker and um as the board of trustees we've made a decision with my resignation to table the social work position until a new director comes in um so that we're able to fully craft this program um and you
know so that will be happening but the need is there and like I said for staff to understand how to respond. We've been very fortunate that we've not had you know if if you work in a different community you would have seen other
things happening and we do have people who now try to hide in libraries >> to you know stay overnight in a public place that they think it's great on social media. So we're we're watching out for that. But now you did say that there was more than one this incident. There was there was another incident,
right? It wasn't just >> So we had an incident where someone got in the building after hours and then the other incident is just a a person who needs housing. >> Okay. >> And who didn't stay in overnight or get in by themselves? None of that. They came up and they so they you know staff
were 10 minutes late leaving because they were trying to get him help and referred him to the police station where he went. Do you have any um employee training dates coming up before you leave? >> We can do one um >> we can organize something. I can I have
access to a lot of different people. If we can do a full day, >> I can set up different types of >> full day requires closure of the library. >> But then half day, whatever you need or >> half day would require closure of the library. >> What do you do normally? >> I got one hour. Okay. >> I got 9 to 10 in the morning. >> I will give you 9 to 10
>> and we can do more than one. Um, and then we're not going to get everyone, but we're certainly going to get um as many people as we can, and then notes will be shared afterwards. >> Okay, I'll work on a good point earlier that um when the social worker, if they
ever come on board, will inform the rest of the staff because you're open a lot more hours than the social worker is going to be working. I think who said, 35 hours. >> Yeah, we have 67 hours. >> Okay. I knew you would know that kind of number.
But um yeah, obviously things are going to happen when the social work is not here. >> And I regularly already, just so you know, public libraries across the country have regular training for people about addressing the needs of the homeless, um those with um food insecurities,
um family assistance, domestic abuse assistance, we know mental um illness training, deescalation because we're public employees. we're already doing that. Um, you know, one of the things that's been going on in the area is
people um going in to do um um a a hearing deafness audit and going in say to the township with a person who's deaf, how would person in the tax office address that? And there are people going
around doing these audits and I understand why. You know what I mean? So, um, you know, would our staff be able to respond? How would they respond to a person with a a vision loss or a hearing loss or, you know, it's why we made sure that our new counter is ADA
compliant. So, um, >> sometimes people are getting that impression too because, you know, we advertise that libraries are warming centers, they're cooling centers. You know, I heard Mike's presentation one Saturday morning and he talked about, you know, places you could go when, you
know, your power is out. So, people are getting the impression that a library is a place I'm allowed to go. And >> and here's they already are. >> We have never asked. We've never asked people. There's no loiter in here. Can do whatever they want to do. Well,
>> with our behavior policy. >> So, >> I have a question. When I walked in, I did notice we have a camera in the corner. Can we look at that camera to see how that gentleman got back in? I'm curious to see if he did, Jimmy, the door to set it up. And >> I don't remember if that was working. And I don't think it gives that kind of
closeup. It's It's difficult to see. I will say that on our on our projects that the facility manager is working on, he's getting um proposals for updating the camera system. Um, so that's something that he's working on already.
And I will tell you, we have uh we have a local person who has business who's giving us excellent advice and they have said, "Those are my tax dollars." So, I want to make sure, you know, that we're getting bang for our buck with the system. So, it needs to be updated and
evaluated. >> When was that cameras? Maybe that time. >> I I did my cameras in my building eight years ago and I've already had replaced all of the cameras. >> Yeah. >> And now I'm waiting for the police department to install
uh a plate reader >> in the at the window in front of my building because 71 keeps getting robbed. >> Wow. Well, um I think unless there are any other questions from what was written in
the director's report, my additions are many. Um so the the list of things, like I said, we have an opportunity that we already discussed with the garden and lighting to see if we can move that forward. The other project I want to work on with staff simply for the sake
of continuity is I already have a proposal for phase two of the furniture renovation, but so that things match and it's not hodge podge. So I'm going to work with um the next phase was our reference and computer area. So, I'm going to work with staff um to get that
and I'm going to ask for children's as well so that you all will have proposals before I leave to look at and go through and Vince will be experienced in the process of how we worked with DPW to get our demolition done and how everything
else is is getting done. Um with our um construction projects um we are close to completion on everything. The office is now done. the finance office there is a server closet
so the person's no longer sitting next to that tower it looks beautiful everyone else is envious and wants new offices I said after public areas are done then we move um that was a safety issue so um it looks fantastic that is
done and I was told today it's wishful thinking I think but who knows that they may be done with the bathrooms next week >> that would be cool >> and That would be well ahead of our deadline which was the end of May. >> How did they look?
>> Haven't looked. >> Have you not? >> Because I want a proper walkth through with the architect. So I I've been trying. Now I will tell you some of our staff have told me their secret hiding places where they go peek
indoors. Um but we are close to being done. Um, and I am making sure, you know, I'm just glad we're going to have a chance to test everything and make sure everything's really been done well because that informs the board moving
ahead. You know, our architect has been very on top of things through the whole process. And then someone approved by the town who works with the town. So, um, you know, that may be someone you want to go with again for the other set of of
bathrooms. CLC has done a great job with the renovation. So, you know, do you want to go with them for the for the second phase? I just think it would be nice if the two desks match. So, I think that's important. Um, so that's what I'm
working on. Um, Diane Puna is here. So, as um with our people retiring and moving around, we will be putting out ads for interim director um director passport hours and
technical services. So, you're going to see a lot of ads out for um library assistance and for those things. Um okay. Um,
I have a proposal which I'll be sharing with um the buildings and grounds committee for next month in our HVAC saga. So, we dealt with the units have been serviced and are
monitored. The boilers have all been rebuilt. there's another issue because we do still have some problems with our um with with our our stability of our temperatures.
So, um if you'll notice, we have two thermostats here. One is for the boilers. Now, the other one next to it is defunct. Those are out of date. So, I thought that the new thermostats were
controlling everything. They're not. >> So, the new thermostats are controlling the HVAC units. These are for the dampers >> and that's what's been it was not on my radar. So, that's what's been neglected. So, what unit has suggested so if you
were to remove these ceiling tiles, you're going to see electrical components that control the dampers and that goes into our medicine system. So, I called Unite Tempmp in to give our new facility manager some um instruction on
using that system because there's no reason why that we used to pay $5,000 for the medicine people to come in. There wasn't a lot of movement with that. And then when Unit came in, they were able to to move ahead and they said they don't even know the system as well as others who do. So, I'm going to
continue to get Vincent instruction on that system because he and our custodian can handle that. So what UN unit suggested was every year doing one update to an area of the building. They're suggesting the children's room
in that area in the back first as being most in need. So I'll send on the proposal. It's about $5,500. Um so I can either move ahead with that or we can um table it until next month.
Um, but it's going into the ceiling, removing those electrical controls, putting in new thermostats. And they're suggesting, like I said, I think doing the building in quarters and doing one every six months just to to keep the price down. We have the money. So, if
you want me to get we have two alter we have a two things we could do. We can get a price for the whole kitten koodleoodle and put it off until next month or we can um do this piece or we can hold off and do this piece next month. All
>> right. So, he wants 5500 per section. >> Yeah. And that's um like I said, I I haven't you know, we haven't had a chance for everyone to review that proposal. So, if you want to wait till next month, I'll just make sure that the
proposal gets sent out. >> Yeah. And it's not an emergency. We just have people complaining because it's occasionally 64 degrees in their office. But um get a sweater. Sorry.
All right. Um the roof the roof is having new and different problems from the metal. Um there are portions of the roof that are membrane that uh so
outside of temporarily I put myself into one of the study rooms while the offices were getting done. I've noticed that there's deterioration on the sophets substantial deterioration. So Vincent has gone and gotten um proposals from um
roofers to come in and take a look. Um, those can also, um, until we have them all and I'll send them to buildings and grounds, I sent them over to the Department of Public Works. I haven't had a response on that either, but
they're saying that we are taking on water and what it needs to be is repair to the membrane that has cracks that we're getting water in. And then you need the cosmetic repairs to the they're not cosmetic repairs for the faucets, the sophets because they look like
they're they're crumbling. >> So that's where the water's going through. Is that me? >> That's me. >> No. >> Um so I am hoping that we'll get a response with that. But I do want to push on that and I'll get um Bill, >> but we need to, you know, we need to
look at those proposals to see if they're under bid threshold and get those in. So Vincent and I will have a report for next month. Um, all right, that's there. Um, the cleaning contract will be coming up in June. So I want the board to have an
evaluation of that next month so that you will have my recommendations before we get to that. So Vincent has already been meeting with planning companies and looking at proposals and and what do we do? So he was, you know, I thought it
was kind of innovative to come up and have overnight cleaners three nights a week instead of every night of the week. Three nights a week for the overnight cleaners because the study rooms can't get done during open hours. There's a lot that can't get done. >> But um like I said, we'll we'll have
those in and I would look to a substantial increase. We're currently paying $4,000 a month for cleaning of this whole building open seven days a week. I don't >> Well, they're really not cleaning up >> and and there So, I'm just going to tell
you there's been drastic improvement um with getting things done and with Vincent here to work with the contractor for him to pick up the slack with vacuuming and things like that, get everything in order. It's really It's really been wonderful. >> But he shouldn't have to do that. We're
paying the cleaning company to clean. He shouldn't. our main loss guy should be doing really >> and and our and our and our custodian like Vincent's got our custodian now changing his hours to come in at nine so that he can start instead of putting down new floor tiles anytime there's a stain he can remove the tile power wash
it let it dry and put it back down so he's they're they're really putting things together >> you you pull it up you >> I have them in my building okay >> you're reusing them is he gluing them back down >> they are looking for those that aren't heavily stained
>> but have something visible. I mean, the one area where we have where there's just a lot of wear and tear is um in the children's area >> and he said it looks like Thanksgiving in there every day. >> Lovely.
>> And so we're going to have to revisit food in the library. >> Um I'd like to see that be part of the renovation that I'll leave for you all to look at. But that half wall down there by the book sale, I wanted to remove that. Move the magazines over,
put down waterproof rugs, put down some booth seating. That's the only area in the library where people are eating. But that's a culture change. >> Do we have one of these? >> I just made sure we do before they go out of pattern. >> Just have I have to replace all the
entire room because they're discontinued. This is this is why when you ask the questions, I get this big grin because I said, "Let's make sure we have backup before this pattern is discontinued." So, they've done that. I mean, there's a limit to how much we can order, but to make sure that we have a
reasonable amount because when it goes, >> it goes >> and you're going to have to do the whole building. So, um, next, the copier contracts are also all being evaluated. Another fun and interesting. So there was movement
towards Xerox continuing with them. Um I we've looked at local companies and all that kind of thing, but that recommendation will come before um next month's meeting so that the board can take a look at that moving ahead. But again, that's our IT manager.
So I I just hope everyone sees that rather than me doing everything, it really is nice to just be able to bring this to you. Um okay. Um, I just wanted to make sure with the board we have had any of the friends of the library. So
any of our adults who volunteer are all through the friends of the library and our only opportunity for adult volunteers right now is managing the book sale. So um, when they do that, everyone has a background check to make sure that nobody's in the library who
could be confused and might have any issues. So, we at times have um some folks in who have job coaches who want to participate in that. I just want to make sure everybody's aware when the job coaches come in, we don't require them
to have a background check because the um groups that people are being referred by, they vet the job coaches. So, I just want everybody to know what's going on there. Um yes, two things. um the 250th
anniversary of Declaration of Independence. >> So um we've seen other communities that we may take inspiration from who did um they did um professionally printed pamphlets for the celebration I believe down in Long Branch. But we are getting
all of our activities together including the ones that have already happened. But I think we have a dozen or more activities planned that um everyone needs to know about in one concentrated marketing place. So that'll go to the school. So they're working on that right
now. But we have a lot of activities. They just haven't been marketed as such in that way. Um and that goes for our health programming too, Rosemary. But I keep getting things that I know you want to be the clearing house for those things. Um I believe you do.
>> Yes. So, I'm sure you're aware of the YMCA health fair. >> Yes. So, there's healthy kids and healthy cities. Okay. We participate with them also. >> Yep. And that's what we're doing with the schools and things like that. I just want to make sure that when we're doing health things that you're aware of them.
>> Yep. And and the school also. So, I think Samberg is having a health fair. The high school is having their health fair >> and we're going in and doing at the high school mental health that's set up. So, it's another good collaboration. One other thing for you that our ESL folks
just brought to me. There's an entire guide for people who um speak other languages that gives you all of their health services in their language specifically for them. And if someone
maybe is from China and only speaks um Mandarin and they're going to the doctor and they don't have anyone to go with them, they find a person to go to the doctor with them. So, this is from our ESL group. I asked them to send it to me electronically so I could get it to you
because you need to know about it. They did not. >> I'm going to follow up on it and I'm going to get It was wonderful to see Spanish and and Gujarati and every language and it's written in their alphabet so they can read it. Just really really nice things. >> That's fair.
>> Easier than going to Google Translate. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So then next um is >> actually do we have many librarians here that speak other languages that we do not use? >> And I started putting that on not the job description but the job ad.
>> Okay. >> That we um that people speaking additional languages will be preferred. >> Not that that's a requirement but just that >> helpful. Yeah. >> Do we have any programs here we need to plug into that we can do?
>> No. And the language assessment is interesting because the languages that we would need programs in are not what is typically needed. We have not had a we have more people coming in who speak
Hindi or Gujarati than we do Spanish. >> So this is where some of the cookie cutter services don't lend themselves well to us. Um but staff do they're they work with um you know Google translate and some other things like that um you
know where where they feel not confident but ready enough but I do think we're going to need and that's a consideration especially for the social worker as well. >> Absolutely. I needed somebody today but spoke Kenzie I ran into the senior census somebody that helped us.
Um, okay. And then, um, is everyone familiar with the Arbor Day celebration that's coming up? Shade. >> So, I just wanted to make sure because it says it's being held at the library and that's April 28th and that's 2:30 in
the afternoon. Um, but it's outside. >> Yes. >> But it's at the library. >> Got to plant a tree. >> Got to plant a tree. >> Got to plant a tree. And I told DPW, I feel like a lot of our trees are coming to the end of their life cycle. >> 28th. Okay. So, have a conservation officer here. 23rd.
>> I'm gonna I'm sorry. I don't want to step on toes, but when I see a tree coming to the end of its life cycle, like to get a new one started so that we're ready. >> We could we could get more than seedlings. So, that would be helpful. >> Yeah. Yeah. Understood. >> We have a very big budget.
>> Yeah. Okay. Good to know. Cuz I I would take up some of that. >> Are you giving them away? seedlings we give away. We don't give away big trees, but we give out the seedlings. We get them um every >> Oh, no, that's not true. I've seen you give away a big tree. >> No, it's in the mayor's office. Trust
me, you were giving away big trees and we get phone calls. >> No, but we give away big trees in certain areas that that part of the township the seedlings >> people take them and nine out of 10en times they just like what to do with them. >> Sorry. And that's um so every month um I
do the column and we're going to have it for the new director. It's be called off the page. So I wanted to talk about our seed library again, but I wanted to talk about the library's focus on experiential learning. So I said when you plant a seed, the seed either germinates or it doesn't and it starts
to decay. That's one way of transferring information. The other thing that we have is when you pick a seed, touch the soil, plant it, water it, it's hope for it to grow. It's a very different experience. And that's what our our idea
farm is and that's what experiential learning is. So, our seed library is taking off already. I don't know if you noticed when you came in, we found the old cart catalog. staff decorated it using the Cricut machine with all of the
flowers and vegetables and it was nearly empty of most things in the first weekend really and that's been an excellent collaboration with Ruter's master gardeners and with the senior center um with them stuffing envelopes
with seeds and doing all of that. We may need to do an educational campaign on what a nesters is because no one has taken those. What? >> Oh, but if you say daffodil, people know. And and netorium's a a climber.
>> So we we eat those. >> Really? >> You can eat that. >> Those are edible flowers. >> Nice. Well, we have all of this wonderful connection and activity happening. I don't like the word synergy, but sometimes it's appropriate
to get our our kids and our Lawrence Herbert folks working with our central branch folks with the senior center with the gardeners. All of this is really how you see us being a place for connection. So, Arbor Day will be here. Very nice. I would like for you to just share with
the board even though we won't be working with you with the new social worker, but you had a nice twist on the marketing of it. So, I I would like for you just to share that with everybody. And this came it started with one of our candidates. She pointed out something to me that I hadn't thought of which is
when you go to you know if you have to go and ask the town for help from Rosemary to help you find housing takes a lot of courage to do that >> and not everyone has that. So there are people if they're out here filling out
SNAP benefits that staff may be able to say, "Do you also know that we have social services that are available so that they can start to recommend them?" So one of the things I thought was instead of saying the library has a social worker was that we could say, you
know, think of some branding was in our first year we're just marketing what does the library do? There's going to be a lot of questions. Are we offering therapy? is you know what what are we doing? So I thought about calling it life support at the library and I that
could be confusing. My sister said people are going to come in to get an EKG. I I don't I I just think >> you can put that on your board too. >> I I think I think you could come up with um some branding for it. Like we have library live for our concerts and we
have library learning for for our lectures. I think you could come up and I think life support is great because that's what it would be. >> I just I like that and I like the thinking outside the box. Yeah. Taking it because it's true because people don't like the system. They've been burnt by the system. They don't trust
the system. So sometimes they will walk away thinking that oh this is just an extension again of the county or the state not realizing that you know maybe due to circumstance but come sit with us and let's see how we can help you. And that's why I really thought that there was value to our getting um interviews
and conversations and all of those things because regardless of whether you want to, you know, now or or the delay, it's it's going to happen when it's supposed to happen, right? And hopefully with not forcing it, it's going to have time >> to germinate. And anyway, um not to be
so corny, um those are the things, like I said, projects that I want to prioritize. And I will start working with staff tomorrow to make sure um that the focus is that I want them to be ready for a new director because if they
can put forward a solid program where they're getting things done and they know their business, then that's going to be a big support for a new director and there's going to be um less fear about the change with a new director if they come in and we're already strong
with what we're doing. That's all I have. >> One question. Has the March 15th report been submitted to the state? >> Yes. >> I'm sorry I didn't put that in there. >> It is. Yeah, the state report was um
sent in. Just so you know, we did have a slight delay with it because I didn't realize I should have asked Gina to sign at the last meeting. I forgot about that and then I had to get sign off from the town. So we were delayed about a week but we we are done.
>> You won't see anything from the state for three months, four months. Blue pocket. >> Yeah. And I can tell you with with those numbers, Pam is hard at work on the 2025 community report um to have that available and ready. And she's Did this
put the infographic in the packet? >> I think you got there. Oh, there we go. Sorry. Did I do what I should have done? Yes, I did. So, this is kind of exciting. >> So, in 2025, our museum pass program,
you've got here how many reservations we had, how many checkouts we had. Um, so you can see some of them. And I don't have She did she put the prices on here as well because that's really important. You know, when you look at something
like Wheaten Arts, it doesn't seem like maybe, you know, it's only been reserved and used twice. It's $100 a year. So, we paid more than it's saved, but that's something for us to consider for the
next year, and we're doing a lot of promotion um with it. But you can see, you know, absolutely. I was impressed with Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Um the year before that didn't really get checked out at all. My point being that um
you know you you kind of hold off with getting rid of things because you never know when it's going to pick up and be popular. But you have Pam has gone through and given you the cost for each visit from from the public. And um you know the board will have to decide do
you want to continue with it. Um you know the the monetary the cost per visit is one measure of what we're doing. The second is that Oldbridge is a community that offers this type of event
experiential learning. So um something to be revisited every year. But this is why I'm so excited that we put that position there so that you can get these reports on a regular basis and they look pretty cool. Good job. >> So the two battleships are the most
expensive. >> $500. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But they're also most >> That's great. >> What do you charge for that? >> We charge nothing. >> Okay. Right. >> I did do. >> I was lucky. The company I worked for,
we had our Christmas party in NR. >> Okay. >> Oh, wow. That was nice. >> Yeah. >> We were going to do RTC was going to do Noville, >> right? >> Yeah. They were told they said the tax money. >> I'm so sorry. I said this wrong. I said
that's how much we paid for visit. That's not true. That's how much the family can save. >> Ah, okay. >> With two people, three people, or a family of four. So, this is how we market things. You can save up to $148
with one of our passes. So, yeah, I was going to say that seemed awfully high, but um >> where's the Weatens Art Center? I never heard of that. >> Wheaten Arts Center. It's Wheatens the Glass Museum. >> So, that's in South Jersey.
>> Or you have you know the name Vin. >> Yeah. And I will tell you, I've been there and it's really lovely. Um, so one of the passes that I highly recommend not getting rid of are the the little
the little $100 ones, the Stickley Museum. If you've not been there, I highly recommend that. That's um up in just above Union County or in Union County. And there was the um the arts and crafts movement. And so it's design
and furniture and all of that kind of thing. The Stickley Museum is um it's one of my favorites. >> We used to have the sculpture gardens in Hamilton. What happened with that? Yeah. >> Too many people were coming in from around the state and being obnoxious.
Grounds for Sculpture said, "Not anymore." >> Really? >> There are no museum passes available. And I called for the other one. One of the libraries in New Jersey was being resourceful and they went to Sandy Hook, bought a national parks pass and were
lending it out at their library. I called Sandy Hook. They have no such program. >> Oh. Oh. >> Can we do an advertisement for the families and maybe before school ends? Oh, you did. We put in the school district already. >> So, this is where we've got everything
in a rotation now. Good. So, we just um put it out for um spring break. During spring break, come and get the pass. >> Are we having our meeting off Friday? Were we supposed to have a meeting? Oh, no. >> We were um but you should pick the time. >> Okay. >> Um
>> and um >> Lauren, >> Lauren, just with Lauren, not Pam, right? Because she's out. >> Pam will be out this week. So, if you want to wait for another time. So, what we're doing is in talking about outreach, one of the staff's big initiatives for outreach has been our
bookmobile, which we haven't done. Um, and I've staff have really been doing their research because what does our off-site services look like? Um, you know, we know that when we have the healthcare van go around, you know, people get excited about that. When DMV
comes along with their van, people get excited. So, what can we be doing? My suggestion, which they need you cuz I'm too stuck in this opinion, is to get a new van because our van is aging and then have
the bookmobile be a trailer rather than a an actual bookmobile so that the van can be dual purposed. the um trailer could be parked out of places ahead of time and I I would it's something we'll
discuss, but Lauren wants to go through that with what that part of our outreach looks like. >> So, we'll do it on Friday and then we can bring Pam into it next. >> Sounds good. >> I want to get as much out of you as we can before you go. >> And and I want to I I absolutely want to as well. Um
>> I'm in shock. I was on the phone with you. >> I know. and and I I feel terrible not being able to tell people, but I don't want to tell one person and make them uncomfortable and all those kind of things, but I couldn't look at Linda and blindside her at the It's been It's been a lot. And it's funny because my my
person was like, he said, "Uh, well, now I'm sure you'll be pulling back." I said, "No, absolutely not. I will be pouring it on." Um, you know, because genuinely I do. anything you all do without me, I'm gonna I'm gonna have
FOMO. Fear of fear of missing out. Um and and you'll all have my personal contact information and I hope you'll reach out to me anytime with any question. Um >> the Old Bridge Public Library, >> anything I can help you with. >> I hope you um
>> Thank you. >> Say my heart will be here. My heart will be scared. >> But who who gets this in their life? you know, >> take advantage of that opportunity to have >> run, don't walk.
>> Well, fly maybe. >> Is the school district doing anything for the the one 50th anniversary? >> We've we're part of like the whole program that the state has been running. Um, but being that there really hasn't been anything starting yet, but we're planning for things throughout the
school year next year, uh, being that July 4th we're all out of school. a suggestion is the uh one of the biggest battles in the uh Revolutionary War was in Princeton >> Princeton >> and that would be I think perfect for middle school things.
>> Yeah, we're we have a couple of things that um we've been working with at the on the middle school level on the elementary level. We've had a but again we're going to wait when the school year starts next year and kind of do it throughout the school year. >> April. >> Yeah. Well, I think that's I I know that
was suggested by one of the middle schools of maybe doing that book for like a school book for the entire >> for for anyone who doesn't know it's it's a book that changed my life because of the writing when I was in eighth grade um and April Morning because you know the people fighting the Revolutionary War were kids who would
have been in eighth grade if there was an eighth grade. >> So this is um the story of the first battle. >> Yeah. And it's told from >> Samber has been talking about like doing the one school, one book kind of thing.
>> We should do one book, one community. >> How many books can you get? >> 77,000. >> So what's the problem? >> Hi Chris. >> And that budget just came out.
>> I get a motion to end the meeting. >> Wait, before we do, can I just talk about my savvy seniors that's coming? No. >> Yes, we are all the air. >> We don't have any reports, do we? >> Oh, we have both. >> Yeah. So, >> no, just my savvy seniors. So, I'm doing
a savvy senior safety awareness workshop for seniors on April 29th at 2 am 2 a.m. 2 in the afternoon with Professor Doug Hollier from um Middle Sex County. Um he's the professor of committal justice and he also is a former DEA agent. So,
we're touching on three very important topics, which is medication awareness, uh, online security, and fraud prevention because this is something that's been plaguing our community. So, we're partnering up with the library and I'm doing it through the Mars Health and Wellness Council, and we have a scan. My
wonderful um intern made it for us. And for the first 50 participants that sign up, they will get a free medication safety lock box, which is a very good thing. So Doug will talk about how to keep your medication safe. >> And I saw it advertised on the town. I
didn't see the location as library. >> Oh, you didn't? >> It wasn't on the the social it was on the social media post from your little sense. >> No, it's not on >> and it's not on the flyer. >> Okay. >> No, >> I I can ask them to update that
tomorrow. >> Um but yeah, just to make sure you know that there are a number of things you could do. called. All right, >> I'll share those another because we're partnering with the museum as well for some historical stuff. >> Oh, okay. >> So, we want to start promoting them as well.
>> All right. And then also, I have my next bridge uh bridge to wellness networking event next Monday 5 to 6 at the uh 6:30 at the YMC. >> Yay. And I'll also be having my special speaker will be 1800 gambler. So, this is my monthly thing. And just to let you
know, starting in May will be the first one that we're doing is the traveling health fair. We're starting at 100 Mimi Place and that's um low-inccome senior housing and what we're doing is we're bringing as many participants that want to come to table. So we'll have somebody
representing the library there. Library cards and activities and Earth Day. >> Oh, okay. >> Earth is at the township um April 28th. >> Thank you. I'm sorry.
the library >> 46 calendar, but it's the 25th >> right after the 5K. >> Yeah. >> No, they cancelled the 5K. >> Yeah, they rescheduled the five, I should say. But I don't culture.
>> So, yeah. So, we have um the library will have a table there. And one thing I forgot to announce that our uh one of our beloved librarians will be returning from a lovely personal leave in uh
April. Uh Julia Shel will be returning to the library and we very much look forward to her coming back home. Very nice. And just one last thing. So, speaking on cultural arts, the collaboration from cultural arts and the library, we have one of our local artists who's not only an artist, he's
also a township employee that I get to work with um in parks and recreation who is a very accomplished artist and his work is on display. So, you may want to stop and see Michael Gabriel >> and it's really really stunning. I'd love for people in Oldbridge to come and
get to know their neighbors in a different way and see how creative they are. Exceptional. All right. All righty. So, we don't have any public comments. We'll be having the public. >> Um, >> they left. >> They left. >> So, I make a motion to adjourn the meeting.
>> I'll second it. Okay. >> All in favor? >> All in favor? I >> Okay. The next meeting on May 13th, I will not be here. I will be in Italy. Sorry. And I will be with her in