Awesome. >> Very cool. >> Yeah, that's that's that's so good. >> You can actually wear it. Well, >> yeah, this is my new haircut. >> Looks great.
Thank you so much. It was such an honor to serve on this board. Such an honor. >> You're here at a really important time. >> Yeah, I was. And I remember important. I don't know if you know the story, but I
walked into the town hall just to pay my like dog license fee. >> That'll teach. >> And there were that'll teach me. >> Yep. And they and Maryanne was talking with some other people down the hall and they were talking and they were talking and then they turned and they looked at
me >> and they turned back and they started talking again and they were like, "Hi, could you come up and you do this?" >> I don't know what that means.
Is anybody else? >> So it's just okay. >> Integrating this meeting down >> lately. So thank you so much. >> Try turning off audio. I know
>> there's more than one person using >> there's two Marians. That's it. That's why >> see it's not too many. It's just too many microphones. >> Just two. Did anybody get to see this? >> No.
>> Oh, I did. That's wonderful. >> That is so cool. >> Isn't that great? >> Did we have room in the to hear about the >> I guess director report? >> Yeah. >> So, did you do you did the minutes left?
>> Yeah. I just Okay. I just when you texted me I was like >> did I and I looked there and I went like yep. >> So now >> okay >> but it should be >> sometimes those get documents and they
get lost too. Maybe I never did something. I don't know. >> It should be it should be that camera but I think it's this camera. >> Oh right >> and I don't >> Yeah. Okay. So there >> view
anyway >> or video. >> Yeah, it's not that. It's um it's this. Oh, that is >> it's not recognizing that camera that you can't >> I it's not giving me any other choice.
>> The integrated camera is right. >> Yes. Is it something you do >> before you log in is >> connected to the computer? >> Yeah. >> Yes.
>> Can you go into your settings? >> She likes the older your computer. >> Uh, I mean, she'll Yes, she likes the older grays, but >> I mean, she used to bottom and click
little speaker, >> right? Your screen bottom right little speaker. >> Yeah. Where's the studio effects camera top? >> And then I can see you. I got my hat. >> Yeah. And thank you so much for the donation to trans health. That was so
thoughtful. Are you a hugger? >> Yes. >> Well, we'll just we'll just use this camera. >> I don't see any members of the public anyway. So, >> no. I just want to see having that space whether it or not.
>> Okay. >> So, I'm not going to say something. >> It's fine. So very >> yeah I'm really glad that I came and thank you so much for the donation for that and the lovely fun
all of you and um yeah just was just lovely just being part of this group for >> I don't know how long I was part of this group >> through all the >> through a lot a lot >> a lot a lot of meetings >> yes >> y weekly meetings working at the
building program exactly Exactly. So, >> yeah. Yeah, it was just a huge honor. >> Wow. >> I know. It's incredible. Absolutely incredible. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> There you go.
Thank you. Thank you so much. >> Yeah. All right. Okay. >> Thank you. >> See you, too. >> Okay. >> Bye. >> Bye. >> Bye. >> Bye. We don't have any members of the public here. I guess we're ready to start. I
think it was my time, right? Yes. Exhausted. >> I hope so. Not prepared. So, >> this is why we >> um so I thought we could probably do the officer elections first and we decide who is who wants to be the secretary this year. Volunteer.
>> I'd be happy to do it. Maryanne brought it up that the person leaving was the secretary. So, >> yeah. But you don't have to fill those. She was up to you. But you know what? I must say when I started, I volunteered to be the secretary. It made me really learn. >> Yeah. >> Like really pay attention and understand
everything because Yeah. You're >> typing and you're thinking and you got to review it. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> All right. Let's do the other election the other position. So, we have secretary. I >> think we have to vote. >> Yes. >> Yes, we do. >> And then um is who would like to be the
treasurer? And we have >> I'd like to nominate Brad again if he's willing to serve. be willing to serve. >> I ask you and then the chair or the co-chairs. >> I would like to nominate the two of you >> again. Okay, I'm fine. Works. It works well.
>> Works well. >> Okay. >> And this is my last term. >> Okay. Last year. >> I will let everybody know. I'll be stepping down after you're from the board. >> So, >> is your term ending? >> Yes. >> So, you have a year to recruit um
>> another Kate Cell. Oh, I hope you get somebody back. Me, too. >> Okay, so um let's vote for the secretary and Graham on Taber. Okay, unless we have to do a roll call, too. So, Elizabeth,
>> yes. And I guess you can yourself, right? Brad. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Sam, yes. Michelle, yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Okay. Treasure. We've nominated Brad to posture to be the treasurer. Um, we'll just do roll calls here. >> You have to Somebody have to second it.
>> Yeah, I think so. >> Second it. >> Okay. Um, so Ann, >> yes. >> Elizabeth, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Michelle, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And then co-chairs. Um, should we lump
this together or >> I think you can lump it together and Kell. And does somebody want to second that? I second that. Okay. All right. with the role of it. Okay. >> Elizabeth, >> yes. >> Brad, >> yes. >> Pam,
>> yes. >> Michelle, yes. Yes. >> Okay. All right. We have our We have our >> We also have an unofficial position which Elizabeth I believe has been which is the leaison to the friends of the library. Are you
>> I can get the nomination. Yes. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Although I haven't been coming to friends meetings recently. They haven't had a meeting rec [laughter] that's a named position. I think that's >> so just grateful things from the board, I guess.
>> Okay. >> Okay. Are you taking notes yet? >> Yes. >> Um, so we just got the the main minutes, so I don't have a chance to look at them. >> Maybe we can table it until next one. >> Next time
>> it's okay to table. Let's do that then. Okay. >> And we're doing that. Review the long range plan next. >> Okay. Great. So, does everybody have it? Okay. All right. Um,
I like I like >> I thought it was a great >> Turn it out, >> right? Our >> Did they like Did they send you a form? >> Yes, they did. Yes. >> Okay. So I don't have their form, >> but but yeah, so if you send me their form, I can print it. Yes.
>> The Corey. Yeah. >> Has anyone else? >> I just turned mine in today. I printed mine out and I haven't >> Yeah, I turned mine in today. >> Okay. So I just laggered it out. I still wasn't >> Michelle, you sent the
>> Yeah, I sent Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Because uh they answered my question via the trustee email so that I >> Yeah, I just forgot to tell you. Okay. Yeah, we can just drop. >> I have to say I read through land from
the last time and just seeing that on paper all of the stuff that was done >> was really I was like, "Oh my heavens, that was so much work." And you know, I knew that, but it was like reading it.
[laughter] I was like, "Wow." >> I know. seeing that $900,000 that the friends raised >> again. >> Unbelievable. >> It was really moving. >> It really was. >> And I like the way, you know, because you have used Google forms for your survey now. Like it looks so
professional all thes, bar graphs, the you know, I just love it. >> The whole thing. It's so >> well the formatting is um that's a lot of that is Sam um and which is great because she has time to do it. Yes. Yes.
Um >> you call it appropriate delegation. >> Absolutely. Yes. Thank you. [laughter] >> Yes. >> What does that question and there was one more of a font issue. >> Okay. I kind of >> the question the question is under core
values page number and there page numbers >> there are page yeah the core values are on page six >> okay >> okay there >> yeah so I didn't know what meant in third place for connection >> I I was going to ask about
>> I didn't know what that meant >> it's it's a it's [clears throat] like a sociology term for like it's not your home and it's not your workplace that it's a third place, a place that belongs to the public. You might want to give a citation or note there.
>> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Like concept. It is >> like cafes are considered third, >> right? >> Okay. >> During co
>> I I heard a lot about it because we all lost our third places. >> Yeah. second too. >> Yeah. >> Okay. And then the font issue was just under the goals. All of them were a pretty large font. They get the number
six. It looks like the size got smaller. >> If they're Marian. >> Okay. So, what page is that? >> I still didn't see the page numbers. Oh, it's eight. >> Um, yeah. The strategic goal. >> So, yeah, >> I see the thing, but I don't see P. Oh,
I see page. >> Yeah, it's way down here. >> Bottom. >> Yeah. >> Which one looks smaller? >> Connect. The library looks smaller than the font above. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> One through five. >> The bold bold part. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Other than that, I was like,
>> impressive. >> No, I think it's I Yeah, I think it's fine on in here. It's all the same. >> Okay. >> Okay. [laughter] Um No, it does look You know what? I think it might be >> it might be a different font.
Yeah. Okay. So, I'll just um >> um I have a um a comment or whatever edit possibility that Melanie was just here. Is that right? >> Mel. >> Yes. No,
>> Mel is listed instead of me. >> Oh, yeah. Thank you for pointing that out. Yeah. Um, okay. >> And like you, I have an E also. >> Okay. Um, so let me find where the
trustees are listed. The first page and yeah, both. >> Are the trustes listed at the beginning, too? I didn't notice that. >> Uh, yeah. Oh, yeah. >> So, let's see. Okay. And
>> then G. Oh, look at that. Came right up. Um, okay. We'll go ahead and put it in if you're going to be so smarty payments. Great. Good. All right. And then we'll take Mel out. Anything
else? Let me >> This is really picky. >> That's That's good though. >> What you expect from me? [laughter] >> Appendix A, which is the survey. >> Yeah. >> It's just very long.
There's a lot of white space in there. >> Uhhuh. and if there was some way to indent it so it didn't take I forget whether it was four or five pages >> smaller font >> smaller font and or smaller line spacing but it's
>> probably a pain to reformat >> I bet we can do it though I'll just um a >> related to that appendix B the title is on a page of its own well this is in my download
>> sometimes Things change windows, right? So, I don't know. >> It printed out. So, >> you have appendix B at the top of the page. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. >> This just must be my my download. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Okay.
>> But I It's an impressive document. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Like this this is all we got basically. It's like, can you make this tinier? Right. >> Okay. Okay. And I think it's um you know I was
like is this going to guide strategy? Is this going to guide your decision making in the way that you need? And >> um I thought it was very clear and you know mission and goal focused and you
would know whether you'd achieved it like you could measure whether you've done what you set out to do. It was smarty as we say. >> So um do you know like you know what I'm talking about. So, um I just really appreciated it. >> Yeah. And the links to all the different
things besides the survey, the um inerson thing, the sore thing. Yeah. >> I forgotten what that was. I'm like, "Oh, yeah. That looks familiar. It was there." >> Yeah. >> You just didn't remember so whatever it stood for, right? >> But yeah. No, I think because it shows you that you had different ways of gathering the information. Really good.
>> Yes. >> Sam did really good. >> She did great. >> Yeah. Pass that out. and she's she learned a lot and she's doing another internship here in the fall. >> Fantastic. >> So, yes. Yeah, it's um >> it's great and it's
>> you know, so I thought like is there more that she can learn here at Absolutely. you know, um and >> it's a great opportunity to get a new brand new library. Yes. >> Really moving. It's fantastic. >> Yes. Yes. And now that I know how to get
interns from Simmons, >> yeah, >> maybe that, you know, um maybe that'll be something that can happen, you know, because Sam will be graduating at the end of this year and they're not going to let her do a third internship. [laughter] >> So, so great.
>> Yes. >> Yeah, that's a nice source to know about. >> Yeah. >> So, anything else? This is this this isn't something we Is this something we go to approve? >> Yes, you approve it and then um and then
I'll need at least one of you two to sign the last page and like with an actual signature and then I send it to the MBLC. >> I move we approve the >> Okay, >> okay, roll call vote. Nan, >> yes.
>> Um Elizabeth, >> yes. Brad, >> yes. >> A yes. >> Michelle, yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. Okay. And I see your name. Okay. Yes. Who Who are you over there? Okay. >> So, I'll do the formatting and then I'll print out a page and let you know when
it's ready to >> I mean, there are no substantive edits. So, if it's easier for us to just sign the back page and leave it with you, I'm happy to do that. >> Okay. Actually, I can just um The only thing is the pages are numbered. So, let's work for you.
>> Okay. That's if I >> Yeah. I get you. >> Um, let's see. >> Okay, >> we're ready to review the long the uh hybrid meeting policy. Some of this makes total sense to me and
some of it's like this. We have a guest. >> Yeah, we have a guest. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. Good. Okay. >> All right. All right. Well, we noticed that. Okay.
>> All right. So, we were just talking about the um >> with the new policy on public meetings. >> Yeah. Okay. >> So, anyway, so I was just starting to say that I think it's important to acknowledge that there's work involved in it. It's, you know, I think hybrid
meetings are a good thing and it's good. Absolutely. that you know if somebody was if somebody's out of town they can still join the meeting. If people from members of the public don't want to come out at night they can still join the meeting but we should acknowledge that
there's work involved. You know I had to set up the technology in this firm. We have to post the meeting in a different way. You have to add the Zoom link. Um and none of that magically happens. So um but I'm not saying it's a bad thing.
It just is a thing and somebody has to do that work and that's more administrative work that falls on me and and that continues to build up.
I when I read this I felt like it was the town trying to get more in line with Steve >> right >> more >> and the all of which sounded as you said incrementally more work um but then I
got to the end the permanent OML standard effective next year next July >> and that says basically we can't meet unless Yes, we have a quorum physically present
>> including the chair, right? >> And so, not that that's a bad thing, but it's not what we've done. And so, I just wanted to underscore next year that's a an issue. And it also sounds like they really want us
to meet in person if we possibly can. We have to have an excuse to not. Um, so be it. Right. And I don't think that's coming from the town. I think that's from the state. Right.
>> Yes. >> And you know, and I was thinking, well, we have the technology, but we just had a blip where we, you know, um and um >> and that is going to happen, you know. Um so
>> I mean, in that sense, it's good to have protocols for when it happens, >> right? Yes. Yeah. And the protocol is if it if the meeting times out for more than 10 minutes, you return, right? >> Yeah. And that's actually nice. It's nice to have that guidance. I really
appreciate that. >> Yeah. >> But I >> my sense is that as a body there's not a decision that we need to take. We have to adopt this. And so we're this is just a become a >> tone.
>> Exactly. become familiar with it rather than a decision that we take today. >> Okay. Just wanted to be clear. >> Yes. >> And it sounds like the town wants feedback, >> right? >> When we feel like there's anything that is particularly challenging because of
the technology or having somebody to do that of whatever. >> Well, I mean that is the you know it's >> Yeah. >> It's the reality. >> It is work. >> Right. Right. Right. Right. Yes. Yes. But I suppose it the the one question
that I have is is uh is that work equally distributed? In other words, we're fortunate that we get to meet in the place that we serve with a permanent full-time staff member
who then has more uncompensated work to do, right? Because we meet outside of library hours. So I I just want to name that because other boards might not have that, right?
>> And where so the board members themselves might be responsible for setting up the Zoom and and all of that and is that anything that we want to consider? H >> I think what they're wanting is you know
feedback about how it impacts >> right us you know the library and library related boards >> and >> the general answer to that is it's adding labor >> yes
>> so who is to report back to the town >> I I feel like I can do it I think it's you know just a quick email Um, and I think it's I think they're aware. Um, so but it's I think it's also important
to just have it be >> said out loud, >> you know, be said. >> Mhm. >> So because the thing is if the state is mandating it. Um, and and there and there are for small towns like ours,
there are so town hall has one hybrid meeting set up. There used to be meetings upstairs in two different rooms and then downstairs in two different rooms. Now they have one hybrid meeting set up. If meetings have to be hybrid,
we don't have the technology for that. And so that's why like we have it in two rooms here, although this isn't working today. Um and and we could at the teen room, but then then it becomes then is
the library then responsible for helping boards manage their hybrid meeting. >> That's that was kind of where I was. >> Yeah, that's a really good point because yeah, the old days there were all like tons of meetings, three meetings going on at once. >> Right. Right. Right. Yes. And sometimes
we'd be over at the library and there'd be three meetings over time. >> And those meetings are all still happening, >> but most of them are just online. Finance committee meets online. Conservation Commission meets online.
>> So that will be I was thinking there was >> at least one committee that I've visited that was almost always online. Yes, >> that's going to be a big change for them when they're here. >> Trying to manage the space is going to be interesting that maybe people are going to start requesting to have
meetings every year. >> Right. And then I thought of um like in the winter it's it's nice to not have to come out here in the winter. >> Yeah. I remember one night when you said it's too icy, we should say,
right? >> It was. It was. Yes. So yeah, I just I don't know that we're there yet, but there might need to be an adjustment to the meeting room policy for town bodies, which says that if you want to use the
meeting room, >> yes, >> you don't just need permission, but you also need to be trained so that you can do the Zoom, right? And you won't require library resources for not reimbured. >> Should we be proactive and talk about that next month? >> Yeah, I think we should wait and let
them finish their policy. Okay. Yes. Okay. >> When when we get there, rather than >> Yeah. >> a meeting policy for other town, >> right, >> bodies, it should be a meeting policy for anybody >> wanting to use the technology. >> Right. Well, we and in our meeting,
>> we do people are supposed to come in in advance and learn how to use the >> I was just wondering whether we wanted to make it clear there wasn't an exception, right, >> body, right? >> Yes. >> More like that. >> Yeah, I agree. you can't >> just because we love you,
>> right? Well, and I think we'll have to like give town bodies keys to the building and let them um but and also like library use comes first. So, u yeah >> and it does say that in the policy.
>> Yeah. So, yes. >> Any other comments about that or should we move on to the director's report? Okay. Um I know you Okay. Um Okay. So, we have some new volunteers. Um
and um and so there are five new regular volunteers. Helen Anne Septton has been coming in on Tuesday afternoons to shelf books. Matt Cult has been coming in and helping with technology. He um works as an IT person. So, that's really great.
Um, and then there are three new teen volunteers who've been volunteering regularly this summer. And there and I think most of them are here just for the summer, but so Opel, Attekus, and Scarlet have been here um this summer.
Um the town has instituted a um some new volunteer paperwork. So there's a volunteer handbook and a waiver. Um and then volunteers have to be Corey checked. So there's a lot more
administrative work on my part to manage volunteers. Um the teens don't have to be Corey checked. Um so but it's it's great to have um especially more teens interested in volunteering at the library. And I just find that to be an
honor um that the teens want to hang out here um and and and they're useful. Um and I feel very important that I have meaningful stuff for them to do. Okay. Um let's see. We're com we're participating in a
community read um that is um organized by the Massachusetts Center for the Book. It's a book called Nothing More of This Land by Joseph Lee. It's a personal exploration of indigenous identity and
the challenges facing indigenous people around the world. This is the Massachusetts Centers for the Book Community Read um in response to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Um, in
September, um, on September 9th, Marge Bruschack, who's a local indigenous scholar, will give a talk here called Recovering Histories of Native Presence in the Connecticut River Valley. >> What is it? >> September. >> September 9th. And then on Tuesday,
September 22nd, we'll have a book discussion here. And then there'll be a virtual visit with Joseph Lee, the author of Nothing More of This Land on September 29th, which we'll broadcast in the meeting room. Um, and um, and uh,
and then, you know, so people can come here, but they'll also be able to watch it at home. Um, let's see. So, I've been selected to participate in another pilot program called um community resilience through small and rural libraries. Um
and um so it's the sustainable libraries initiative and >> yeah, >> it's um it's a training program to help libraries become leaders around sustainability um and community resilience. And I feel like that is part of why we built this
building. Um, and probably the most important topic that we have to think about in the world today. Um, but if I'm going to do this, I need to do it shoots very size, right? So um so um so they wanted us to
pick a project and the project that I would like to do is um is do a community education program and a sort of a pilot project around invasive plants. Um so um so we have a we have a community that's
becoming interested in invasive plants and in native plantings and pollinator plantings. Um, and so I, um, I've talked to the some of the people from the subduoing notweed task force, um, and,
um, and the conservation commission and the Castral Trust um, and, um, about doing a pilot project where we um, where we remove and then tarp invasive plants along a section of road
and shoots fairy that I've already identified. And so the next step is to talk to the select board um and then so there's a small grant that would pay for um tarps and ways to secure the tarps um and a sort of a banner that could be put
up so that people could see what happened what's happening. I'm thinking there's a section of Pelum Hill Road where the town owns a a big parcel of conservation land and there's a lot of notwheat but there's also some bittersweet and some multifllora rose
along that stretch of road and um so I wanted to take out the invasives the the notwheat but also the bittersweet and the multifllora rose and then tarp all of it and then watch it for 5 years and then have it be it's a section of road.
There's not weed, you know, on um Prescott and go going down the hill, but that's not as safe a road to work on. This is a pretty it's a wide flattish road. Um it gets a lot of
through town traffic. Um so I just think it could be a like a community project and that this is what we're doing. Then we'll see if we can um subdue the notweed and the bittersweet and then and then create more interest in it by
people seeing what's happening there. Um um and then another big topic that comes up in the training meetings that we have is um oh what is it called? Um getting people to know their neighbors
and know each other. And there's a word. Yes. Social cohesion. That's it. Yes. So, um, and and so libraries are all about social cohesion. And >> there's a group in town that has organized something called Good Neighbor
Day at the end of September. And last year and the year before, I organized Good Neighbor Day parties. This year, I think I want to do that a little differently. I want to have um maybe like three coffee hours here at the library on morning like one morning a
week for the month of September instead of picking one day and then I want to do a good neighbor bingo where because we've had a um a backyard bird bingo and that has been like one of the most popular ever [laughter]
everybody's doing backyard bingo. So, um, so, so we're working on a good neighbor bingo and then we'll just plan, um, you know, three or four Good neighbor coffee hours just intended for people to come in and meet each other, um, and hang out and talk because that's
the whole idea of building social cohesion is giving people the opportunity to come together and then um, and then that's it for September and for us with this project except that it'll these will be ongoing topics that
we have education around around the nason plants around native planting and we're doing all native planting here at the library. So, it goes with and we're removing the the invasives but I thought it would be nice to have it be someplace with the test plot be someplace
different than the library so that it also shows that it's not just about the library that it's a bigger issue. >> So, yeah. So, okay then. Um, yep. That Okay. So, that was as far as I
got with the director report. I'm work we're working through the punch list. Um, the uh the AIS, which is the annual report information survey, is due August 14th. Um, I've opened it. So, usually
I'm pretty far done, but um and I and it will be done at, you know, long before it's due or certainly before it's due. Um and then there's the financial reporting that's due after that. Um so, summer reading is this is a busy time at
the library and the library is just busier. Um, uh, we had a day, um, the day I was coming back from Ireland, um, there was a bad storm and,
um, and Cynthia wisely chose to close the library. >> Oh, yes. Yes. And so I do want to when I think about climate resiliency, I want to sort of come up with a I think there should
be like a townwide response to storms and it shouldn't be well I think a library employees should be empowered to say geez there's a tornado watch full of glass >> right and and and the skies are really
black and it really looks bad right I think they should be able to say I think this the building should be closed and we shouldn't be encouraging people to come out. I think people should be empowered to say that. And then I also think it would be good if the town could come up with systems because I think
there are going to be more extreme weather events, not fewer. >> Yeah. So yes, I mean we're seeing these effects of climate change that have been predicted all over the world. So >> I run events that get cancelled.
And um usually I'm the one who does the call, but sometimes I'm gone and I have another person who's very shy about making the call. And and >> um one of the things that's important to me is that if I'm not there and and she's making the call, she gets all the
support. >> I don't second guess, >> right? >> I mean, I know you wouldn't, but I just want all of us to say, >> right, >> um if somebody is making that call, we're behind them. It's >> want to consult. are available, but we aren't here to second guess. That's an
operational decision. >> Right. Right. >> Absolutely. And the other thing is sort of implicit, I think, in what you're saying is you have to make the cost of being overly cautious. Zero. >> Right. >> Because you would rather heir on the side of caution.
>> Yes. >> Assuming that you trust someone's judgment, which you should and do, right? So that's that's the thing like they're not going to be >> blander. Yeah. >> Right. Right. >> Yeah. >> Agreed. >> We should talk about this climate
resilience thing. I have a couple of things I want to flag for you. >> Yeah. >> Anything else that you want to share? >> That's it. >> Anything about I don't know going to >> Oh, okay. Picking up an >> award
want to draw your Okay. So I went to Sam Speiziac who was uh who was really the driving force between the she came she found the award and wanted to nominate me um and then pulled together a
crackerjack team of nominators. Um but anyway, we went to the American Library Association annual conference in Chicago um where I accepted my award. Um we went to some educational programs. We met a lot of authors. We heard a lot heard a
lot of authors speak. It was so inspiring. Um Lois Lowry was there. >> That was the absolute highlight of the event. Um uh TJ Cloon was incredibly charming. Um everything I believe about
libraries was affirmed. I'm right. I'm right about libraries. Libraries are important. Um audio books are reading. Graphic novels are great for kids. We should buy them more. or they're great for adults too if they want them. Um uh
and um and then the awards ceremony um was uh was really meaningful and important. Um there were there were about 10 people getting awards at that point. It was on it was just before the
what they call I think the president's address. Um and um it was on the main stage and it was right before Jill Biden spoke. So it was a room with thousands of people. Um and um and so but but we
just went up and got the award and took a picture and then you know and then went and sat down and then and then we had front row seats um for for Jill Biden who also affirmed everything I believe about libraries. Uh and um she
said one really important thing. So she comes from a community college background where um where so people who work in community colleges work very hard to sometimes help people
who come from marginalized backgrounds be successful and and get degrees or certificates. And um so this woman who was married to the president of the United States and lived in the White
House has this real like working with ordinary Americans experience, you know, and and so she said, you know, some people are afraid to come into libraries and you have to
work to bring them in. and um and after the address and I was like, "Yep, you're right. You're you're right. Some people are afraid because libraries um have had a libraries used to be places where people were shushed and they had to pay fines and things were
late to pay for books that they lost and and they weren't always the welcoming place that we're trying to evolve them into still." And um and I after that event I went out you know for a little gathering with some librarians and one person asked if that was true and I was
like absolutely you know like we still have to work to be welcoming and to try and draw people in even in a small town. So so I already knew that but it was nice to hear that charge from a former
first lady of the United States. I'm gonna take it very seriously. So, you know, don't often have first ladies telling me what to do. [laughter] Um, so that was great. And, you know, they gave me that beautiful plaque, which wouldn't even fit in my suitcase,
so I shipped it back. Um and um and um and it was it was really fun and it was I've never I've been to the Massachusetts Library Association annual conference which is great but um but
like this going to a conference like this I think is a really important experience and people should go to them because it it did affirm everything I believe about libraries and it's always nice to be around librarian colleagues
and I came back with about 70 free books to add to the collection. So >> you said [laughter] that that's great. >> Yes. >> Like adult, children are nice. >> Mostly children. Um mostly that's what we've focused on getting. Um and but some adult stuff. Um but I was like I
need the picture bookshelves are empty. Um partly because we have more space but also because we have more use. And >> so it was really fun to bring back, you know, a whole bunch of picture books and to be exposed to new things and to meet
the authors and to tell them that that most of them are signed and to say that the Shootsbury Public Library opened on January 10th of this year. And not only that, but the city of Monu just voted. Monu voted a few days before I left. And I did it.
>> It passed. I think I told as many people that as [laughter] >> because I was so excited about >> Oh, that's great. >> One thing I long wondered about actually was the lack of a professional development >> item in the librarian budget and I did
wonder if the friends might consider that as an item. It feels like maybe not every year, but to to to work the way that Marian does for the communities and as a model for other
places the way that you often do, >> you need to be fed professionally as well as do all the feeding. I think and so I make a request >> to our liaison, to the friends to maybe
raise it if it feels right. No problem. >> Yeah. Awesome. I mean, I think maybe the trustees do still have some expendable trust and we could maybe think of like a matching program or something. Um, but I
would I it's been bugging me for 15 years now and I'm ready to >> make my case. [laughter] So, I will say so there's also a new employee handbook. There's a lot of new policies coming out of town hall which is yeah town of
shoots very yeah which is exciting you know because they're um and >> um >> but it's a lot to like read and process and um and but in the employee handbook it says that employees are are
encouraged to participate in conferences and that there should be funding for that. So it might even be something that we think about building into the budget like our finance activity. Yeah. You know request too
little in there but it's not enough to go to a national conference is really energizing. I had the opportunity to do that a lot earlier on in my career. Money carried up but yeah. >> Yes. Yeah. It really was. It was an inspiring
um thing and it's not and you know like I went to a um a training last Friday on advocacy that was just a small local training and and as far as like a training that's more effective like at
ALA in a room with 300 people. Um, I mean that I heard some I heard about um helping I went to the things I was interested in, right? Um, and that fit [clears throat] into my schedule. So, I went to a workshop on helping indigenous
scholars do research. I'm not going to do that here in this library. But, but it's but it but I learned things. I learned that indigenous scholars, people who are indigenous that are going in and doing research in libraries and finding
things that they might have an emotional response to the information that they're gathering because they might be reading about residential schools where where their relatives were >> abused. Um and and I had never
considered that, you know. Um and um and but anyway, but mostly like the a a training is better on a smaller scale, but a overarching sort of feeding
of your professional soul. This did more than anything I've ever done. >> Great. >> Yes. Yeah. >> So, one little question. So, how did they introduce you? Do they say anything about the Lebanese? >> Oh, yes. Oh, yeah. They do. they um they
each person who got an award, they introduced the what the award was and then what the person did. And so the thing I remember them saying was that I've created a model for other small towns to follow so that they can also
work to build libraries. And >> and I think I think every time a town achieves building a library, it makes it easier for the next one. >> Yeah. You know, so so I think it's so
great that after 30 years of trying, we did this. >> Yeah. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Perseverance, Maria. >> Yes. Yeah. Well, you were right there the whole entire time. >> Yeah. Not the initial time. The second time. Yeah. For a long time. Yes. Yes.
Okay. Yeah. You kept us numbering we needed it. Okay. >> And I don't remember what it was, but it >> prompted something. I I just met We have brand new neighbors. I met them yesterday. >> Um and >> you know, we'll do our best to introduce
them to town and all, but if there's any anything you would suggest, um it's great having new neighbors. >> Okay. So, um so things I suggest for the new neighbors that you should mention to them, >> send them to the library.
>> Uh send them to the library. You can give them a bookmark with the hours. I'll give you one. Okay. And I also have new bookmarks um for the M practice database of of uh fitness classes. You could give them one of those that they could get with their library card. Um
anybody everybody knows about own practice, right? Um and um and then you should tell them about trash pickup and that they have to get trash bags from town hall. That's important in Shootsberry. Um, there's a new town
clerk and his name is Calvin and he works Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4:30. And that's an important person to know. Um, >> um, it's Monday through Thursday. Did I say
Monday through Friday? Yeah. Um, I think he works 25 hours a week. I think that's what it is. >> Um, so I don't know how many hours that is. Um, and um, >> what was his name again? >> Calvin. I don't know his last name. Um,
>> there was a town announce. >> Yeah. Also in the the five the the Friday five the Friday. >> Yeah. Oh, you should always tell people to sign up for town announce emails. >> Yes. >> Um cuz I think that's that's the best
way to know what's happening in town. >> Well, Friday is a really helpful idea. I love that. >> Yeah. It's like, >> wow. I didn't know I did. >> She's doing Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um, anything else? I know. We seem to have lost our visitor.
>> She was here for a while and then >> Yeah. So, I'm not sure why, but who knows? >> Well, maybe she came for or just wanted to >> I don't know. >> Pop in. >> Yeah. It's all good. >> Yeah. So,
>> okay. So, to um >> the next meeting. >> Yeah. And is there anything we know that we want to talk about agenda? >> We'll review the the uh the May minutes and the
>> July minutes. >> Here's a question. Um so, you know, the library is built. We're going through this is and thats and you've reported on all all of those and I think they're all some of them still in process but
doing fine. Are there any truly notable problems or is it all just slowly being dealt with? >> No. Um you mean with the building? >> With the building. >> Yeah. No. So, we um when we
before we were going out to bid for the project, we decided to take out about half of the landscaping from the bid because we were worried about what the bids would come in and then we wanted to be able to afford to move forward. Um
and then um and so we still need to put in a significant number of trees and shrubs and we thought we would do that. Um at the time we were it was a different highway superintendent who had a lot of
landscaping experience. Um and so we knew that he had the the knowledge for how to plant large trees successfully. Um so that person has moved on and there's a new person and the new person doesn't have the same level of
landscaping experience. But it was also when we went to source larger size native trees. It's um they're all at the Obama Center. I know where they are. >> So [laughter]
So um but I that was harder. So the landscapers that put in the stuff that's already here had a hard time sourcing stuff and then we had a hard time sourcing stuff and then we um so anyway and then we explored different ways and
we said this is not going to be a simple procurement process. So we decided to do it as a change order. Um, and so the contractor, the landscape contractor is going to do it through the contractor. And um, and so that was a big relief to
come up with a solution to that problem that Penny and I talked about a lot. She >> change order actually mean. >> So a change order. So anytime there was a change to the contract for the contractors, so if they um, what are
things that were change orders? Um there weren't a lot of change orders for a project this size, but there were change orders where they So there So this is a shear wall and there are a bunch of them that go all the way down the building and there was and then there are things that go through the shear wall and shear
walls aren't supposed to have more than a certain amount cut through them because these prevent the wing building from falling down during high winds. Um, and so they had to redesign the sheer walls because there's mechanical
equipment that goes through the there's there's mechanical equipment above us anywhere there's a ceiling. Um, >> and so that was a change order because it was a change in how it was designed and it was going to cost a different
amount. Um, and then they, you know, any they had to move. So that's a change order. So, so then the contractor gives a price for the change and you and then you maybe you negotiate it and then
you everybody assign accepts the change order and that's that's what those contingencies construction that's the >> and the change order is. >> Yeah. >> A body of work with a price that's >> right. Exactly. Yes. And in this case,
>> it was taking something that we had excluded from the >> right and we put it back in. We put it back in. >> Yes. We put it back in. >> That was the simplest >> that's good >> solution. That that was a big And now we still have shrubbery that we have to put
in, but we really feel like we can put those in >> doing it with volunteer labor, but we're going to have the trees mostly go in first. So those will go in during the first two weeks of September. And then um the shrubbery would go will go in after that. And then maybe some of the
shrubbery shrubbery will go in in the spring. And then we're going to do perennial gardens. It's all going to be native plantings and Penny is designing most of it. Pam is helping. There are a few little things they they tuck in here and there. Um I watered the grasses.
>> Thank you. [laughter] >> Won't be for long. They're really possible. So, Penny has been So, we've planted one thing that we did. So, there was that section um in between here and the neighbor
where it was open and we had a plan to put in some roodendrrons there. Those had been planted and Penny managed that whole thing and then she's been watering those. She's away now. So, so Sam and I have been watering them. But, um but you know, so Penny's really been doing a lot
which is great. But that's but she's lending her expertise. >> Yes. And then you came both of you came and helped with the weeding of the >> we have been to make those yet. >> Yes. But we'll keep we'll keep doing it,
you know, through the summer. Um and and it's it's fine. We're going to have weeds, you know. Better that than herbicides. How tall the the ragweed were was really surprising though. Really surprised me. >> So quick. Oh, weeds. I mean, it has been
conducive to things growing very quickly. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Even though we haven't had much rain. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So, um >> Okay. >> But yeah, but there but there isn't really a there's little things like this store is a little funky, but they're
going to come fix it this week. It's little things. >> So great. That's great. So good. >> Yeah. Great. Everything works. Perfect. >> Yes. >> So, do we pick our meeting? >> Yes, we need to pick. No, we need to pick one. And then also maybe like what
whatever else we want to talk about. >> So, I had this idea. So, all of the policies say probably says Spear Memorial Library >> and they need to be updated to >> and so I could say that I will strive to
do one of those a month. Um, and maybe I'll send it out to you. I'll, um, and there might be other things that we'd want to just sort of consider. So, I'll just sort of go through the list, pick one. Okay. >> Change it to Shootsbury Public Library.
Um, and then, you know, so within a week, I'll send you one and, um, >> and we can start doing that, you know, one or two at a time. Sam start your next turn >> September. But she's got >> she's got Yeah, she's got more she's got
bigger stuff. Big bigger fish to buy fry for that. Okay. >> When do we want to meet next? >> How does the 17th look? >> I think that would be our regular >> Yeah. >> 17th.
>> August. I'm only a lot of August. >> Get home on the 17th. I don't know when to get home on the 17th. >> Okay. >> I I won't be here 24th then. >> I can't do the 24th. What about the
10th? Is the 10th better for anybody? >> 10th is fine for me. >> Is that giving you enough? >> That's not very much time between meetings for you. >> It's not very much time at all. Um, >> you can also meet on the 24th without me
>> or the 31st. >> Or the 31st. >> I I won't be here for you. >> We just going to have to suffer with that. >> You won't care. >> That makes it who is besides me couldn't
do the 17th. >> Well, that's a bunch of us. >> Who said the tense? till the 10th. >> Are you Are you most all of August? >> I'm out all of August. >> I'm out most of August. Starting on the
10th. >> Okay. >> Can we just move to September? Because if that's just tricky from us in >> I don't think so. >> Would the Could we do the 14th of September?
>> September. September. >> Yeah, I can. >> That works for me. works for me. Ear replacement on the 21st. >> Okay. >> Oh, that's good. It's good to get that done before you do that. >> I have to something, but I I don't think
I can make it, but it's okay with everybody else able to do it. >> So, we're going to do the 14. >> Okay. Yeah. Okay. Yeah, that'd be great. in person so we get in practice. >> Yeah. [laughter]
>> Is that okay with you? >> Yeah. >> Or should we do Zoom so we can make use of that? [laughter] >> Yeah. And it won't be ukulele. Um so because that's just once a month and that's switching to a different night anymore.
>> That wasn't so bad. >> Determine. >> Yes. I like library. >> I know. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> And I like it. I like it that ukulele was happening there and our trusty meeting is happening here.
>> Two things can exist in the same space. It's >> we are okay. >> I'll chair for September. But any felt like sending me before your meeting gets
placed, I'll I'll welcome that. Okay. >> Believe everything. Michelle, I see what you did there.