All right. So, we are recording. This is a meeting of the South Public Library Board of Trustees. It is December 9th at 7:02 p.m. >> Uh, Michael McMahon, >> Andrea Bugby, Catherine Fesbach, Amy Sak
the Salon, and Lynn Blair, >> Tracy Mezwar, >> Cindy Warner. Doesn't look like at least in person. Any public comment? Is there anyone online? >> Well, I'll throw there's um Tracy, the volume didn't come through. There's
Tracy Mesoir and um Cindy Warner on Zoom. I don't know if you guys are are muted and whatnot, but >> can you not hear us at all? >> Yeah, I can't I can't hear you. Cindy, >> can you hear me? >> I'm not muted.
>> Can you hear me? I'm not muted. Yeah, I can't hear Tracy either. >> I'm not muted either. So, >> but they can hear me. So, >> so we can proceed. >> Yeah, if you'd like to. I don't I don't
know why I can't hear either of them. Our volume is all the way up to 100. >> But I guess did you want to just continue when if they have Okay. Yeah, >> they'll use the chat. >> Yeah. Yeah. Tracy said she can chat. Yep.
>> I I can too. >> I don't like this. Zoom is never a reliable thing for me. It's already crashed once so far tonight, so we're we're going to hope for the best. All right. So, as Michael said, there was no public comments. Um
the communications, these are the two reports for the monthly department head meetings. And you can just start a pile of extras for me, Tracy. Not Tracy. Tammy. It's been a long day. >> Tammy, Tracy,
okay, so to run through these briefly um for the October report. October we circulated 5,438 physical items. Um you can see the number of programs we had there um for each age group. The most popular events
for October were a session on the gravestones of Southwick. I think Tammy, you attended that one. Did you? >> I don't think they did. No, I was there. >> Oh, that's right. Andre was there. Yep. Yeah. Very, very interesting guy. Um and then the chocolate and coffee pairing
class. And the kids enjoyed a visit from Professor Bugman who comes with bugs and bones and it's Halloween, you know, so and and he's always a hit. Um the events co-hosted with the Pathways for Parents
continue to be popular. Looking ahead to um November. I will cover that in the next one. Uh the memory cafes began in November. The kickoff session was November 7th and the one after that was November 21st. We seem to be gaining a
few more people each time. So, we're hopeful as it continues, we'll keep getting people to come. Um, CPC, I will discuss later. And we partnered with the food pantry. We're doing a collection of food, but also warm weather accessories to um
December 17th. And so, I've already been able to do one drop off and then we'll do another one on or around the 17th. and Defense Basket donations. As you can see, they got a good number of donations. And
we're looking ahead to 2026 to book a few events in honor of the American Revolution. We've booked one so far with Dennis Bard. >> He's good. >> Yeah, he's always really good. He's fantastic to work with. >> Um, and we're hoping to offer about one to two more.
And the American Heart Association, we did meet with them. Um December 1st they dropped off their blood pressure cuffs. They have two. They're going to be mailing us one more. So we'll have a total of three that people can check out and take home to check their blood
pressure. And it comes with all kinds of other educational materials as well. I haven't gotten those ready for circulation yet. My goal is to get them ready in the next week or so and then we'll start to publicize that we actually have them. And then I had also since this goes to the select board you grew you guys have
already seen our action plan but I attached it for the select board to review as well. For November we circulated 4,868 physical items. Our program details are there.
The pasta making class was definitely the most popular. We also had a paper quiling workshop. Um the children's programs with pathways for parents always a hit. and December we had to cancel communicating through dementia. Unfortunately, there just wasn't enough
attendees. Um, but we'll try again in the future. It probably just was the wrong time of year for it, you know. Um, and then Forest Park is coming later this month to bring their wildlife on wheels with five animal ambassadors. There's never anything cute and fluffy.
It's always It's always the lizards and the Yeah. No, I want the cute and fluffy, but the kids love the lizards and iguanas and stuff. I'm going to um our memory cafe this month will be featuring holiday music and we're also going to be doing several crafts.
Food pantry again. Um tickets on sale. The basket raffle drawing if anybody wants to come tomorrow night at 5:30. Their friends are doing a hot chocolate bar. At 6:00 they're going to do the raffle. Um so you can still purchase tickets anytime up until then. I talked about the blood pressure cuffs. Um, I
will talk about our state aid later to give you the exact numbers and um, but I wanted to highlight in here so that the select board is aware of what the state aid means to us and all the things that we purchase because as you know, computer replacements, furniture, none
of that is in our town budget. So, we rely on the state aid to really provide all of those resources for us. And then I just made a few notes of um some nice things that people have said about our staff. Um one patron said Paul and our circulation staff helped her get
a job. And another person said we had the best children's room in Western Mass. And several other people mentioned the friendliness and helpfulness of the library staff. So all very nice things. >> And my guys would tell you how much they love John and Alyssa and Landers.
>> Oh, good. Yes. Okay. I have >> So, you haven't gotten the state aid yet, right? >> I have the I have the numbers in here of the report to you. >> Yeah. and
November numbers. So overall um a you know a decent decent numbers um if you will notice a couple months this year um our our circulations have been going
down a little bit. I do think I do have a reason for that which I will discuss a little bit later in the agenda. Um but otherwise very strong numbers. Um our door counter did die halfway through November. So that's why there's that
little red box in the door numbers. Um I check it once per month to pull the numbers off of it. So unfortunately I just happened to randomly check it one afternoon in November and saw that it had died maybe about halfway through the month. So, I think for November
potentially what I could do is I could just estimate or create an average based on the other months of the year and go from there. Um, I did order a new one from Amazon. It arrived today. I installed it this
morning. Seems to be working. So, we only missed about a week of December numbers. So, not terrible, but not ideal. How much journal things? >> It cost me like 150 bucks. You know, it's not,
>> you know, we have our minor equipment line. So, right, >> that was a kind of a good use for it. I think the old one we have when I tried to um get in there and tinker with it, it's just dead. I tried replacing the batteries, messing around with it, I think we've had it for a very, very long
time, and it's been running too many a time over the years, so it's not in the best of shape. But our new one seems to be working. Um, and and yeah, we'll we'll hope for the best. I think I got the 2-year warranty,
so we should be in good shape. Any questions about any of our numbers? You I don't know if this is what you're gonna discuss, but to me, um, the the drop or stagnancy or plateau in the
circulation um the increase in the online circulation. >> Yep. >> I mean it's the world. >> Um and I can I can discuss it now since everybody's here. It's later in the
agenda, but um just to kind of so you can get a picture of it while you're looking at the numbers. Um what had happened with our um vendor, we used Ingram. So when the two major book vendors, there is Baker and Taylor and
there's Ingram. There's a smattering of others, but those are the two big ones. We've always used Ingram. We have an account with Baker and Taylor. I don't like them very much. You know that Ingram just worked better for us, but Baker and Taylor shut its doors. So what happens when, you know, a major
competitor shuts its doors? Ingram said, "Come one, come all. Everybody come here and we will create you an account." And yeah, they're they've buried themselves with the number of new accounts. Um, and this happened a couple months ago or so.
It's steadily been happening because Baker and Taylor service was really getting to be very bad. So, people were trickling over to Ingram. They've been slow for a while now, but they've really just they've crashed over over the past month
or two because they've taken on so many new clients and everybody's ordering and they can't keep up. They don't have the staff to keep up. Um >> it it sounds like it would be like if Walmart shut down and everyone is told, "You have to go to Target and Target
says, "Wait a we need more employees. We need bigger warehouses." you know, >> I I think they took on a lot of the new accounts before they took on new employees. So, now they're in the point where they're trying to play catch-up. Um, so we have gotten I don't know if you It hurts my heart. And if you are a
big reader, it will hurt your heart, too, because we're not getting any of our new books in. We've gotten nothing. I wouldn't say nothing. It's like a slow trickle. You'll get a book of a box of 10 things here, a box of one thing there, and it's just we have so
many things on order. Nothing is coming in. >> I presume other libraries are experiencing the same thing now. >> Yes. >> Yeah. And yeah, we we've kind of been discussing amongst each others. So now here comes number three into the picture and Amazon says
>> we can do this too. >> And they can. So I originally when Ingram was having issues, I'm like, well, let's let's think about this for the next fiscal year. Let's try maybe July, start fresh. If Ingram's still having problems, we'll switch over to Amazon. I've just been extremely frustrated with Ingram and not getting
anything in is not providing. Our patrons are upset because we're not getting anything in. They want this book. It's released. Why don't we have it? You know, it's it's it's just not a good look for us. You know, we we're the trusted resource and we want to be able to provide what people want.
So, what we've been doing is just obviously we still have our account with Ingram. Um, books that are published in November and December in Ingram are marked as an inprocess status. I can't cancel them. >> How long you don't know?
>> Yeah. For however long. I can't cancel them. The only things I can cancel are the ones that are in backordered status. So, I went through and I just canceled everything. moved all of our orders for the future over to Amazon for now. Um,
so we still have about $5,600 worth of orders from Ingram. You know, obviously we haven't paid for anything yet, but the money is already tied up in that. I can't cancel anything. Their customer service has been because they're just so buried. You cannot get a hold of a
person to assist in any way, shape, or form. So, um, I've just cancelled everything that I can cancel. I'm moving everything over to Amazon and just putting it all into shopping lists there. So, we can just go in and, um, we
send something to the accounting department this morning to close out our open purchase order with Ingram. Um, we'll have the money set aside for the order items that we still have on order. Close out the rest, open a new purchase order with Amazon. >> Can Amazon deliver? They I I did a small
order as just like a test run. Ordered on Friday, they were here on Monday. Okay. >> It was fantastic. >> And is pricing similar? >> Pricing is similar. And actually Amazon, they they're really new to the scene, but they're doing they're making a good effort and I have good faith that
hopefully it'll stay that way. Um, you know, some things are about the same, some things might be a tad bit more, but most new releases are actually like 30 to 50 cents cheaper per item. So, it's not bad. >> It It's in the ballpark. >> It's in the ballpark. Yeah. So, it's not
bad. And I'm hoping I think if Amazon gets a whole bunch of libraries moving to them, I think they have the infrastructure to handle it. >> Um, so I think that they would they would rise to the occasion because they seem to there's been um trainings and webinars with actual Amazon
representatives and they seem to be really making a good effort about moving into the library space. So, that is kind of what our temporary solution is going to be. So, as soon as I get that purchase order back from accounting, um, I'll be able to start ordering through
Amazon. Unfortunately, you know, we can't order duplicates because that just doesn't make sense for us. So, all of the November and December new releases, bestsellers are just kind of in limbo until Ingram decides that they want to
ship them. So, can Amazon do your purchases where you get the book, you then get the bill, etc. Can they operate in the same kind of process? >> They can. Yep. Yep. Because we have an account with them already. So, we order like program supplies, office supplies,
whatnot. So, yep. We'll get the items, they'll send an invoice, and we pay just as we normally would. So, but that long story short that I think is I mean one of our biggest areas of circulation is our adult new fiction and we haven't been getting anything in and
so hopefully in theory once we start getting stuff in for our January new releases we'll see the kind of numbers start to pick up again because it's just things haven't been coming in. >> Have you let patrons know on the website
or Facebook or whatever? I mean, I I haven't I feel like it it might be too confusing, okay? You know, and I mean, we still have access to CWRS and other libraries are still lucky enough to have the things. So, we can still request items.
>> There's just a bit of a wait, you know, when people ask, I explain it to them, but >> I don't It doesn't feel right to to kind of blast one company on, you know what I mean? I >> If if if you'd like me to, I'd certainly >> No, no, no. I I didn't know.
>> Yeah. >> You needed to say that there was a supplier went out of business or >> Yeah. Usually I explain that to people when they ask or when they're concerned because, you know, the new things aren't on the shelf as they normally are. >> But yeah, so I'm I'm hoping things will
change in in January. I have most of our January carts ready. It's just a matter of just deleting everything, moving everything over, which is just it's been a very >> It is. Yes. Yeah. Me and Heather have been working on it. I worked on it all
day yesterday and a good three hours this morning and Heather's been helping out as well because the problem is when you try to move things over, Ingram's website isn't it's not the most userfriendly. So, it's like you have the price of the item, but what was the discounted price that we ordered it for?
Of course, the discounted price doesn't show up. you have to calculate the discount on every single one. And yeah, it's you would think there'd be a button to click where it could just come up with all the discounted prices. So, it's been a very long painstaking
process, but good things will come of it, I hope. So, that's that's the explanation for that. October. Father. Thank you. So, do we have any corrections or
anything to the October minutes? We can move on. >> You move me to I move that we accept the United present. I second. >> All those in favor? Michael? Yes. >> Andrea? Yes. Kathy? Yes. Emma? Yes.
>> Cindy? Yes. >> Thanks, Cindy. Tracy, that is a yes from Tracy and a yes from Sydney. Okay. Um, so old business, just a quick update, our action plan was approved by the MBLC, so we will work on that. And, um,
our next one will be due next December. And so, new business for the fiscal year 27 budget planning. I have a couple things for you guys to look at. Um, so this,
as we discussed last time about potentially asking for a new position, I did kind of a mockup draft of what the job description would look like. >> Um, I worked with, uh, the union steward to kind of come up with a fair pay rate.
So we decided upon 1750 an hour um which is kind of between what the circulation librarians make and then what the um part-time children and reference librarians make. And so essentially the position as we talked
about it would be um the main thing would be assisting me with publicity and marketing for library programs and resources. um that would be a very big component of it, but also assisting with programs. Um
whether it be just attending programs to assist the presenter, helping with technology, and I did also add um handling community room applications and bookings and managing the community room schedule. We've been getting a lot of requests for
community room use and it is time consuming to have to handle each one, go through our calendar, what's available, who can we fit in here and where. Um and then um working with um assisting me with the management of the Leaport
Gallery. So, we did have a volunteer who was running the gallery and then after not hearing from her for several months, I just kind of decided to pick up the slack and just we our volunteers are
great. Um the trick is is you know it's a volunteer position and if they don't have time for it and they don't want to do it then you know that that's fine but it just kind of leaves us in a lurch. So I've just kind of picked up the slack in getting artists booked. The good news
is we're booked until September, October of next year and then we have two people who wanted to book for 2027. So good for them for for knowing where it's going to be the year after next. Good for you. But that's but that's great. So we almost have all of
next year booked. Um but the gallery is not just only booking people. It's also, you know, you have to coordinate when they can put up when they can take down. coordinating with the prior month's artist, making sure they're down before the other one can put up, handling the paperwork, they have to sign a release
form, everything like that. So, there is a lot to it. Um and then I did add um assisting with outreach efforts because I figure publicity and marketing kind of goes hand in hand with outreach and you know some of us um you know the
school every so often invites us to things and we try to make it um but if we had a person who was kind of dedicated to helping out with that that would also be great as well. >> And do you still go to Southwick Village periodically? They have I was there last
month and then we kind of paused it until January. They have a new person in place. So I have to touch base with her about going back um sometime in the new year. But again, I mean it it does take time. So if we had Did you need a Do you need a water, Tammy?
>> No. >> Oh, okay. Um, so if you know it would be nice to have just a dedicated person who could who would have the time to do that. I mean, don't get me wrong, I enjoy doing it. It's again, it's just another thing that's very time consuming. And if we had a
person dedicated to it, I don't want to feel like I'm doing a rush job. I want to have somebody who has time to kind of take the time to really, not that I don't put effort into, but you know what I mean, to have time to to really give it their all. Um,
so this is what we came up with. Um, for >> does this have to go to the Oh, that's where >> they'd have to fund the physician first. >> Yes. That's that's the that's the big ticket. Yep. Yep. Um, so again, I think it's going to be a tight budget year. I
don't really have high hopes, but if we can, you know, we >> our our assessments on real estate in town have gone up five or 10% depending on the neighborhood of the particular house. >> Yep. So, I mean, we'll see.
>> So, that's I will include that in our budget request. Um, when we met in October, um, I can't remember what your specific question was, Andrea, but it was, um, I created this chart to look at the past
bunch of fiscal years, and I'm sorry for the small print. Um, I couldn't get it to fit nicely on one page, and I tried to make it uncomplicated, but >> in doing I know. I was like, but but me, too. I'm pull my pull it up here so I can see it
is a comparison of um circulations. Keep in mind that the fiscal year 26th year um I pulled this together in late October, early November so that the numbers are as of then um but the prior fiscal years you see the circulation
digital library counts um door counts program numbers um and then also meeting room usage. So, as you can see, it it has the meeting room usage and using that as a way to kind of advocate for that position to help out with that. Um,
the meeting room usage, it includes our programs, but it also includes outside events and meetings and such. Um, so that has gone up. And then the the little tabs at the bottom are just my own kind of tally to just to
count um you know in November and December how many um inquiries we've gotten about the community room and how many dates we've actually booked. >> So thank you for doing this to me. I don't know if it's just the way my brain works, but to see like a 5year since
2022, like look at your circulation has grown by what 12,000 >> like that's a lot. That's really remarkable. Um I don't know. To me, that's a bigger picture of >> Yes.
>> why more staff is needed. >> Absolutely. >> The door couch dumped. >> Mhm. very strong. >> Yeah. >> And that to you and your staff as well.
Yes. Absolutely. Absolutely. I would say I I would say honestly as of as of this year I think looking at like the director's reports obviously we're not going to get a full picture of this year yet the numbers you know fiscal year 2025 things jumped but it was also
like that was you know it was a year of just flat out marketing all that kinds of stuff and I think it may have plateaued mode a little bit this year because we just can't keep up with our own success
without burning ourselves out. So, I may have just kind of pulled back a little bit this year and just kind of, you know, because last year we did fantastic, but it was it was exhausting. Um, so, you know, yeah, to go from what
we did in 24 to 25 was it was a lot and it took a lot. Um, >> and over the last couple of years, you've had employees on medical leave or whatever. You've had different things going on. >> Yeah. There's there's there's also other
factors and things like that as well. Yep. Yep. Um, I don't know if you were able to, Michael, were you able to see what other departments had? >> I I've got to do that. >> Okay. Yeah. Because that that would also
help help um us. I'll I'll answer your question in a second, Sydney. Um, it'll also help us kind of get a picture of like what we're asking for, you know, because I don't think what we're asking for for the position is is out of the ballpark. It would be helpful to see what other departments have, you know,
added in the past couple years and how we kind of compare to that. >> When is the budget going to be due? >> Good question. So, um, we are still waiting for the budget packet and the last I've heard it is due January 9th.
So, Yeah, we're we're cutting it very close. Um, so, excuse me. >> And then the finance. So, you submit the request and then the uh finance committee holds their meetings on
Saturday for the public to attend. You know, it's like three or four. >> So, that's in January. >> No, those those are usually in like March. Um, February. Okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. We submit in January and then the finance committee does their magic. um and then works on the budget
from like then until um the meetings usually in March. I don't think they're going to do Saturdays again this year. It sounds like probably not. So >> really, >> we'll see what comes. Um so, but we can still expect a meeting with them at some point in March or so.
It's just since the main departments, they're paid Monday through Friday, but a lot of committees and commissions and all are made up of totally of volunteers. >> Yeah. >> That's why they've held these things
typically for the last 20 plus years on a Saturday because these people are working. >> Be it in a factory or lawyers or >> Oh, yeah. >> teachers or whatever it might be. I'm sure they'd be in the evenings at some point, but I I will keep you all in the loop as to when we can expect the
meeting. So, yeah, are we are very close on um which is also my my other question for you is um we will need to find a time between the the next town meeting is on
January 13th, which is when our normal meeting would be anyway. So, obviously that's not going to happen. The budget is due January 9th. So, we would need to find a time before January 9th to meet and approve the budget. And it's the holiday season. So,
>> it'll be h after you get the packet whenever that >> Yeah. And keep in mind, I mean, as soon as I get the packet, I can pull things together in a relatively quick time frame. It's just a matter of two important lines in that budget are um
they come from maintenance. So, I have to wait until maintenance lets me know what they want to plug in for those lines before I can complete my budget. So, and I know it's it's Steve's first year doing the budget, so I don't want to don't want to pester too much because I
know he's got a lot on his plate. Um, so, and it's it's also the holiday season, so we lose a lot of time as well. We could potentially do um
we could potentially do obviously this week is out. Next week would be out as well because I don't want to I don't want to um rush Steve with trying to get his numbers. I would I would safely say that the week of Christmas is out as well. We could potentially meet um
the last week of the year on potentially Paul's checking the doors um the 29th or the 30th or the first full week of January which would be I would say either the 5th, 6th or the 7th in the evening.
>> That would probably make the most sense gi you know around Christmas give or time. >> Yeah. maybe having events or travel or whatever it might be. >> Yeah. Is um
would Monday the 5th work for people? Um I know Tuesday night's the book club and I don't want to push them out of the room and then Wednesday we have an event. I can reschedule it. It's just me doing it so I can reschedule it. But um
if Monday works for people then that would that would be good. Um so Tracy and Cindy would would Monday, January 5th um at
700 p.m. work for you. I can't make it, but it sounds like you'd have a quum. >> Yeah, we Yeah, we would have bud. Is it good for you, Tammy? Okay. >> Is that going to be the full meeting or just budget? >> We'll just do budget. Yeah, we'll just
do budget and then Yeah. So, I don't um if the town meeting is on the 13th, did you want to try to make another meeting later in January, Michael, or would you what would you >> do you think there'd be anything else that was
>> if there's I mean, if there's something urgent, I can let the board know. Yeah. But >> if you wanted to just do the budget. >> Yeah, let's do that. Okay. So, we'll stick with 7 PM. Um, all right. That's all right.
So, we talked about the numbers. Um, a couple other quick questions as I'm I'm doing as much as I can before the budget actually reaches me. Oh, Cindy just said, "Please answer my question." I'm sorry, Cindy. I got
sidetracked. So, the door counter actually works. Um, it counts people going both ways. So, what we do at the end of the month is just divide that in half and that'll just give us the count for one person coming into the building. And yes, it does count employees as
well. It counts everybody. Yeah. So for the budget um obviously the programs line we could always use more. They give us 5,500 a year which doesn't take us very far especially now that presenters are
charging more. Um, so we could ask for more, but I think what we're going to be, from what I'm hearing, it sounds like we're going to be asked to present kind of maybe the same as in the past, like a wish list, you know, what would
the ideal budget be with increases level funded and then a 5% decrease. So >> back back to the three budget >> 500 I again, I'm not sure. I don't have anything in front of me. Um, obviously we could use more in the programs line
potentially. We could ask for more. It would be nice to have more, but we also balance it out with state aid. So, Mike, I we kind of have to wait and see because I know the maintenance really wants to increase the maintenance lines because as we've discussed with the the plumbing issues and everything, the
maintenance line has been spent for the year so far. So, I think next year they're going to try to ask for more. So that will in turn affect our um so Kathy we have to spend 19% of our budget onformational materials which are things
that people can check out so anything you know books audio books magazines whatnot um ebooks as well so anytime um and that is 19% of our entire budget so anytime that one line goes up
that number also will have to go up as well If if you know what you know what I mean. Yeah. Yeah. >> So if maintenance needs a large increase, >> you know, then that other line would have to go up as well. So I'm I'm going to kind of see what maintenance needs
and go from there. >> Do you know of any uh looming things for maintenance? >> I do not. Um >> Okay. >> But then again, we did not know that the second >> it was a looming problem as well.
Maintenance is a black box that we're usually provided very little information as to what's in the box. >> Well, I was kind of basing it on really residential, you know, like, oh, well, I think the furnace is good for another
five years unless something happened, that kind of thing. >> Yep. >> And I know this building has had some issues. >> It has. Yep. Yeah. We we've had um usually continued issues with the HVAC system and whatnot because I mean it's
25 almost 26 years old now, right? So, >> yeah, >> it's Yeah. Um so, yeah, we're going to work with maintenance on trying to figure out that aspect of the budget and >> it it's just a tough thing with a a new person in charge of buildings and grounds.
He doesn't have the background in terms of both what stuff do we have duct tape on throughout the town and what stuff did we already replace in the last 5 years or 10 years whatever.
>> So he's only kind of learning that. >> I'm so sorry. >> He's doing a fantastic job though. He really is. Um, so >> about how much does a typical uh presenter ask for?
>> Somebody local would probably ask for like 150 to 200. Some people do it for free, which is really nice. Um, some of the bigger names can go upwards of $500, $600, but usually the ones that we pay like
the $500 600 for are the ones that I try to do at town hall so we can get more people to attend. So, it really varies. But based based on that line item, the budget, in effect, you're probably doing 12 or 15 programs
approximately per year, which is, as far as the public's concerned, that's a chunk change. You know, looking at your survey results and stuff, they want more than one program per year. and they wanted, well, something for teens, something for little children, something
for older Americans, you know, type thing. So, I can see why you have to rely on >> Yes. >> some money from the cultural council and then state aid. >> And we do spend quite a bit. The the
programming line is usually more topheavy with the way it's spent because we tend to tend to do the bigger things during the summer. So like in in July, those are our big ticket programs and so those really burn through that budget right in the beginning of the year.
>> Um so couple other things that I just wanted to ask because I'm just doing it again as much as I can before I get the actual packet in front of me. Um >> I was going to calculate do we want to ask for we always try to make sure to ask for an increase for the assistant director.
>> Um so that way she's because she's not part of the union. she doesn't have a contract. Um, I was just going to calculate in just a 4% cost of living increase. What would you recommend? >> That that sounds good because it's the old adage, if you don't ask for it, you
won't get it. You may get half of what you're asking for or 3/4 of what you're asking for, but if you ask for zero, it's not moving. Or if you ask for 1%, well, we'll get you three quarters of 1%. >> Oh, yeah. No.
>> Um, and then the summer page each year we've kept it at $15 an hour, which is >> that's minimum wage or under minimum >> because it's in minimum wage. >> Hasn't it gone above 15? And that's still Yeah.
>> Um, which I mean, we could try asking for a slight bump in that and do like maybe$,550 an hour. again. Do we want to try to ask for that when we're trying to ask for another position? >> Yeah, maybe we'll just >> leave it at that for now. I mean, mostly
what we get is is um you know, college students who mainly want it. Obviously, the pay isn't fantastic, so they're doing it for the experience and the resume building. So, >> right, >> keep it as is. >> Um, the good news is our assistant our assessment for the cost of CW Mars is
only increasing by $167 for next year. >> Wow. >> So, that's good. Um and then for the utilities lines, we have to kind of keep an eye on those. Um the
telephone line I am going to ask for a tad bit more I believe because um you know we have our monthly bill each month and then we have to pay $25 each month for the firewall and then um accounting comes in and takes out a purchase order
for this year it was $1,700 for our share of Verizon. I don't quite understand how that works but they take it out of our telephone line. >> What is it for? It's for our share of Verizon. So, >> what service? >> Yeah. So, that that portion is taken out
of our telephone line each um each year. >> So, we budgeted 4,000. I'm probably going to try to ask for 4,200 next year just in case of increases. Um >> the fuel line seems to be good. Um >> that 8,400 or whatever the number is.
>> Yeah, eight it was 8,000. Um our spending seems to be good. We might be safe to leave that as is for next year. However, the electricity um we have spent a little bit over half of our budget so far. I will keep an eye on
that and check in in January or February to see how you know the December, January, February bills come in >> and if we need to ask for more for this this current fiscal year then we will need to do that. Um >> so the CW Mars includes the internet. >> CW Mars includes the internet. Yeah.
Okay, cuz apparently the town is planning on wiring part of the town with their one or two million dollars or whatever. And I talked to Doug, I don't know, three or four weeks ago at some meeting and he said that that's
probably like two years off type thing. >> Yep. Yeah. So, we can always um we can always look into that closer. Um >> Right. I just mean it's nothing imminent. >> Oh, sure. that's going to increase or decrease >> Sure.
>> the internet cost. >> Yeah. So, our our electricity, we spent a little bit over half this year. Um, >> so again, we may just need to budget for an extra couple thousand next year just to be safe. I believe the electricity was the one that was the one that they
cut last year to put more into the fuel line. So, obviously cutting it just doesn't work >> right. Um, but again, the hard thing with these budgets is we're trying to calculate for next year when we aren't even all the way through this year. It's
it's difficult. We just have to kind of estimate >> because you've got less than six months worth of data. >> Yeah, exactly. All right. So, the CPC project update. So, I don't
know how however many of you saw the article in the Westfield News. That was fun. So, our CPC project from what I understand, um, and you you saw it, Michael, so you can you can you can fill
in a little bit. >> Yeah, you filled in gave me a kind of an update after you saw the article and you talked to town hall. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, so it sounds like our project should never have been approved to begin with um because it doesn't fit
their funding criteria. >> So, yeah, >> they were so positive at the meeting. They were, it just seemed like a shoein at the meeting, like, oh, we were. >> But then there was the article in Airfield News and I looked I said the
health >> was it the reporter who did the research or did >> no. Um, it sounds like actually I don't have the article in front of me, but it sounds like a um, and correct me if I'm wrong, Michael, that state official had caught that it was approved and brought
it back to our board, our CPC. somebody from the state came to a CPC meeting and >> again I don't know what caused the person to come >> but apparently said yeah
>> huh yeah so unfortunately um they they gave they gave two options um one was giving the land to parks and wrecks so that it could technically be a park >> and the other would be to just go to the select board for funds for it um both of
which I don't think are very good options for us. I I think that it's it's our prop parks and w doesn't need another thing to worry about and and it's also our property, right? >> And like anytime we wanted to do something outside, we'd have to go through another group and it just doesn't make sense. Um >> and then I don't want to go to the
select board for money because we have more pressing needs than >> you know. >> And once you give up land, you don't get it back. >> Yeah. Exactly. >> Exactly. Yep. So that's where that is. Um, >> how long ago was that article? >> Couple of weeks ago.
>> Yeah, a couple weeks. Maybe like around Thanksgiving. >> I have to go get that newspaper, I guess. >> Yeah, it was it was around it was around Thanksgiving. Maybe the week after. I remember. Um, >> so yes. So, what I and basically those
those two options, they just don't they don't seem feasible to me. So basically what I I talked with the um CPC coordinator before I and then I talked with Michael and just you know um decide let's just decide to resend our current application because obviously as
you know we went to go ask for more funds. Um so to just rescend our current application and then we're working on um giving the funds that were already deposited to us back in 2024 back to the CPC. >> Joe, have you already done that?
>> Not yet. Um, the good news is all we spent out of that budget was um, $855 on an outside camera. So, that I'm just going to take out of our state aid. Call it a loss. I mean, it's a good thing. We we need an outside camera in that area. So, it's not, you know, it's not the end
of the world, but um, and then Yeah. And then I'm I um the accountant just got back from vacation, so hopefully when she has a moment, and they're they're during budget season, too. So when they have time um whatever we need to do to just move those funds out of our account and just put them
back in >> and the private donors haven't actually given money that doesn't have to be given back. >> So yeah, that was my next thing. Um I contacted as soon as I saw the article and I talked to the people I need to talk to, my first thing was I need to
talk to the donors. >> Um so I just let the friends know they haven't given us money yet. I did let Cindy um know so she could pass the message along to obviously the Wolf family. Um they hadn't given us money yet, which you know obviously it would
go back. Um >> and then I talked to the Mastriani family. They had already given us funds that were deposited. Um >> so I talked with her and she was very understanding. Um and what we're doing now is she just wanted to know was there
any other things that we wanted to work on here? Yeah. Yeah. Was there any other things that we needed to just kind of use the funds for that? So, our staff put together a few ideas of kind of wish list items we could, you know, it's it's a it's $1,000 they donated. So,
obviously we're not putting up a park outside with that, but there are some things that we could use in the library that would, you know, work. Um, so I sent her a list actually earlier today and she'll just let us know, you know, they they were very understanding. Um, so
Cindy, can you um just pass on to the Wolf family our appreciation um for their incredible support, their willingness to help? >> I'm sorry because I think wasn't their mom they remember their mom. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Yes.
>> Yeah. So, unfortunately, that's that's where that stands. Um >> how much was the CPC going to >> Wonderful, but I mean maybe there's something we can do in the future on a smaller scale. you know, it just is what it is for now. >> Yep. Okay.
All right. Moving on from that happy note, uh what was the funding promised from the CPC? Uh then off the top of my head originally what they had appropriated in 2024 without having the account
information in front of me it was about like 22,000 that they had originally given us >> and um we had to go back and I think our second request with the cement work and everything was about 24,000 or so.
So yeah, there there was quite a bit there, but >> 24 total or >> there's no rewriting the application. So it's the CPC requirements. >> No, from what it from what it sounds
like, the biggest issue was um that it would need to be a park if I was reading that correctly. and we're we're not a part. >> I don't I don't understand because it's been used at town hall in the front
windows. It's been used at the police station, which is a building, not a park. >> You can't just go in to wander around the police station. >> Wasn't it used for the cigar factory? >> Yes, it was.
>> Which it's a museum, but you can't just go in now, will it? And it's not owned by the town. >> In fact, they just gave the the historical commission, the historical
society 10 or $20,000 to buy >> more land next to the uh the museum. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Um so to answer your question, Cindy, it
was Yes. It was 22 plus 24. >> So I if you'd like I can send you the actual numbers, not the top of my head numbers tomorrow. >> Um and then I'm not sure why we aren't considered a historical building. Probably because we aren't old enough,
>> right? >> So that would be my guess. Um okay. All right. So uh this is just so we I'm working with
um CW Mars about um irate is a program through the government that gives funds for um different technology like internet um I don't know if you want to fill in any Michael I think have I think we may have
done it before in the past >> it rates been around for a long time and I don't think Southwick got any money direct on that? >> No. No, we never have. The reason I'm looking into it is because um -ate funds
some of the CW Mars internet lines and since we use the internet line from CW Mars and there's the potential issue of state budgeting becoming a problem in the next couple fiscal years >> I'm looking into potentially seeing if
we can do anything through CW Mars will apply for us because a bunch of libraries go through them to apply so they would apply on our behalf. um because it sounds like they're anticipating having some issues getting funding from the state um and that could
potentially cause our internet line to go up. We're kind of in a weird place because like what you said, the town may be having something come in. So, I'm just kind of looking into options right now. >> You have to >> um so obviously I wanted to mention it just because it's something we're looking
into. So what we it would help um offset our internet costs. Um and then it would also provide funds for additional things as well if we needed them. Like one thing that I would really love to have done but we've never had done because
it's too expensive is take all of that wires and junk in the corner of my office, all the routers and this and that and just move it downstairs in the basement where it should be. Um, so that is something that they said at -ate could help out as well.
So if we wanted to apply for CW Mars, we would just have to do a couple things over the next 6 months or so. Um, the biggest thing is we would need to look into um becoming SIPA compliant. And SIPA stands
for, and I might slightly butcher this, it's the Children's Internet Protection Act. So, we would need to have some type of filtration on our computers. We currently have it on the children's computers, but it would need to be on all of the computers. >> Oh, that that would impact people doing
any kind of research or anything >> potentially. Um, I'm trying to get a quote from one of the vendors that CWMs recommended. Um, I did they did a little walkthrough for me and it sounds like this system is actually pretty smart and
that it's not going to be blocking a lot of things that it shouldn't be blocking. So, I'm still waiting back on a quote from that because that will kind of give us an idea if it's something that's even feasible for us. So
>> well you had included in the packet uh what was it Chape and some place else and their opinions about filters >> and they were adamant about anything on the adult community.
>> Yes. So these these were examples that CW Mars had shared about libraries that do have policies on um internet safety >> that would make them SIPA compliant. So we would need to have we do have our
internet policy which I also included for you to review as well. Obviously it would probably need to be a little bit updated. I don't yeah it's not been updated since 2023. So we would need to update that as well. Um, but this would just kind of give you an idea of what other libraries are doing, have done as
far as the filtration. Um, but also I wanted to just get the board's opinion and any feedback before we kind of really dig into actively pursuing this and see if there were any questions, comments, concerns. >> What do you think personally? You know,
you you're the professional >> Yeah. the library. I mean, I from what I've seen through the trial of the vendor um who provides the filtering software, again, it seems to be a really smart system. So, I don't think we're going to run the issue of it blocking a lot of things that it's not supposed to
be blocking. And it sounds like we would have the control to if somebody came up and said, "Hey, I'm trying to access this." You know, we could do it ourselves and get them through to what they need to access. Um so, again, but it all depends on how much this is going to cost. You know, if
it's if it's some kind of a one-time fee or an annual fee. >> It would be an annual fee. Yep. Yep. >> And do you know of a library um in our area that uses e-re?
>> I think I think Chapie does. I think Chopy does. I think that's why I think that's why CWMR's recommended their policies. So, so if you're SIPA compliant and if if if Chapi is SIPA compliant and they can
have this policy which really does seem to be protecting adults rights to information. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So yeah, like I like I said, I just wanted to get any before I really dig into um because if we need to become
SIPAC compliant, obviously we would need to update our policy and then what we would need to do is have a public meeting about the filtering and they said that that can just be a part of a regular board meeting. Um but that's just so the public is aware in case there's any comments or questions or
anything like that. >> So in effect would pay for the internet service. It would it would decrease the cost >> and then we would have to pay >> and then we would have so it's just a matter of figuring out you know
>> but for the sake of argument let's say internet was $100 a month so we're having $100 paid for outside of our budget but then if it if the
software cost 50 and you saying, "Okay, well, they're paying half the cost and we're still paying the other half." >> Yep. There's the catch. >> I mean, just ballpark and just get some idea. >> Absolutely. Yeah, there's the catch. Um,
yeah. So, essentially, the bottom line is is C we pay through our internet through CW Mars. CW Mars is projecting that they're not going to be able to get the same um discounts through um the state for offsetting. We we currently
get a an offset of a discount through our internet because this they get money from the state to pay for that. If that goes away, obviously our internet bill is going to go up. Um so they are recommending that libraries look into the rate as a way to kind of defay those cost.
>> Do we have any idea how much we'd get out of? So from the person who handles the technology at CW Mars um she says our line speed as an annual cost of 4500.
They discount it um with -ate funds by $2,839 and they also apply state funds for $91. And so the annual cost of our internet was $767 and then without the state funds it
would be $1,668. So yeah, it's it's not a huge amount, but again I think there's just a lot of uncertainty with the budget in the future and what could happen. So they're just recommending libraries look into as
a possibility to defay the costs. >> What do people think of this? I applaud Lynn's proactivity in looking at it and there's, you know, information is only helpful and then,
you know, make a move if you need to, but right now there are too many unanswered questions. >> I was hoping to get a quote from the filtering software before tonight, but unfortunately people are sometimes hard to reach this time of year. a specific
filtering software. Y are there different >> there? There are different ones. I just was >> I'm just I'm just breezing through this structure and statement and it's saying that they kind of agree with the ALA that
filtering software cannot distinguish between protected and unprotected speech and that they oppose the filters in libraries. giving examples down below that things that have been blocked um include breast cancer, AIDS, women's rights, and animal
rights. >> Just wondering like >> what's more information if there's more background on >> Yeah. >> what may or may not be filtered. >> Yeah, absolutely. Well, and if it's based on algorithms too, I mean, then it
really is is it based on words or just what's it based on? >> From what I understand when I was doing the vendor trial, it's it's based on um more of websites than actual words. So, if it recognizes the website as
potentially being something hazardous, then it would block the website. >> Yeah, that's >> Yeah. Yeah. So, so this way you guys get the full picture of kind of what we would be looking at with like the Bergkshire at the took a very strong stance on that.
>> It It's just the rules as of today 700 p.m. As we know rules can change three times before we get up tomorrow morning. >> Oh yes. And this our atmosphere right now
without the budget is just there's been and will continue to be an awful lot of blocking and so I hate to add to it. >> Yeah, that's that's particularly fine. That's why I wanted to kind of bring it to the board just so number one that
you're aware that obviously the internet crease could potentially be going up. I mean, if it sounds like the cable or fiber or whatever Doug is talking about is certain or like >> that the town has money they have to
spend that purpose and it's this portion of the town >> because there's a there's fiber cable going down underneath the rail trail and that's what they currently use apparently at town hall and the
firehouse and the 911 system, etc. And it's from that that they're feeding they're going to feed off some of these little >> streets around here and they would also serve the library. >> So maybe what the you know since there's hesitation about about it, which is fine. That's why we presented all this.
Um maybe what we can do is just anticipate knowing that if the fiber doesn't come around C our CW Mars internet line may increase and that we will just need to absorb it through state aid or another >> I mean I think there's always there
there's every year so if it's something we wanted to do in the future >> then we could certainly do it in the future but >> of course may not exist in six months. >> That's the other thing. That's the other thing. >> I understand the Institute for Museums
and Libraries is finally getting some money again. >> Yes. >> Okay. Is there any other questions, comments about the internet stuff or shall we plug along?
Um, Andrea, did you have anything? Andrea attended the Massachusetts Library Trustee Association conference. >> Yes. And I will be brief. Um, I did want to say,
so, um, on November 21st, US District Court, um, ruled in favor of 21 state attorneys general, including Massachusetts, um, determining that Executive Order 14238, which sought to
dismantle IMLS, exceeded presidential authority and violated laws governing agencies established by Cong Congress. Congress. The court ruling permanently blocks that order and ensures that IMLS can continue delivering critical support
and funding for libraries nationwide and prohibits any further attempts to dismantle the agency. So that's a win. Um it you know now for now >> at least it can exist but then then the budget side how much money they give
them to operate. >> Exactly. Exactly. So, um, yes, I attended the, um, Massachusetts Library Trustees Association conference. It was very helpful. Um, it was not, you know,
it wasn't doom and gloom, but it was very realistic. What Lynn is saying about, you know, expecting less money from the state, um, is pretty much what they were saying. Um they
talked a lot about when we ask for money to remember that a lot of people who volunteer for libraries support libraries. We do it because we love libraries. Um we're emotionally connected to libraries, but the town governing bodies um and the people
making the budgets want to hear words like we are supporting and these are all true. It's just packaging our message for um for what we need. So we are supporting literacy. We talk about lifelong learning. Well, lifelong
learners are also lifelong earners. So we're supporting um our population. Um it's uh offers tech support to the community. um our library they talked about oh use the phrase nowhere else in
town does this happen because that is very true for much that the library does um so and then um they they suggested try to collect and you've been right on this um try to collect stories so what
you asked your staff to do um what are some real stories about how the library has impacted your life well it helped me get a job that's something that will be very meaningful The other thing it does is like it connects young families before the schools and you know a
community that that is bound together people who are neighbors and know each other then they're a community if there's you know a like that storm we had when there was no electricity when we all kind of know each other we all then support each other so we become a
group for mutual aid rather than anyway I thought that was very helpful >> um oh And they also mentioned the more that the library collaborates with other departments, which again, Lynn, you have really been very and it's got to be exhausting, but the more the library
collaborates with other departments, the more integral to the community it is. Um, so you're you're definitely in that wheel and to not fund the library hurts all of these other departments as well.
Um, >> I think that that was the real plus and it's late. I just want to make sure. >> Yes. Um, 2026 2027 are projected to be um tough as far as federal money coming
to the state, state money and the town is going to going to hurt too and especially like increases in health insurance. um e regardless of what the vote is at the town meeting. Um that that's it's it's all going to come to the library. Um when we're looking for
more funds, um look for community foundations, local banks. Oh, yeah. They're they have foundations, right? Um the Western Mass Community Foundation um and Mass Historic Preservation Fund.
Shoot. local Rotary clubs. So, they had a list um of places to go to, places to look for money where perhaps we haven't looked before. And then the last thing is, you know, we have to maintain build and
maintain relationships with our representatives, Senator Mark and Representative Buliga. And if there's an opportunity like the gift basket, I don't know if that's one or Paul's birthday party. I mean, not birthday. um >> recognition appreciation.
>> Send an invitation and even if these um representatives and town officials and town and state officials don't come, it's a note that hey, the South Library is a vibrant place. We're inviting you. >> They're doing XYZ. >> And in the past, if they don't come, they usually send somebody
representative for that. >> So, absolutely. >> Thank you, Andrea. All right, Arvin. I do not have official policy for this. I just wrote something up as a point of discussion before Good
Night Paul. Thank you. before we actually um write anything about it. So, as the last meeting or the meeting prior, uh the board approved, as I mentioned, we were having problems with people booking the community room and not showing up. Um, so we approved to
um, you know, if they do that, it'll be a six-month period before they can come in, book again. Um, on the same note, we have also been having a lot of issues with um, people registering for programs who do not show up. So, I kind of pulled
some other libraries on what they do. About half say, you know, well, it is what it is. Um but another half, you know, other others have policies or procedures um in place so that when they do get no shows, um they're automatically put on a wait list for
future events for a certain amount of time or whatnot. Um the reasoning for this being is that, you know, when we book a program and we have registration, it's because there's limited supplies, limited space, whatnot. Um, so when people register and then don't show up,
um, our program numbers are number one less because obviously they didn't show up. Um, sometimes obviously we have wait lists. So people who are on the wait list are very disappointed because they were on the wait list, somebody didn't show up, they could have attended in
their place if the person had let us know. Um, and then sometimes, especially with like our craft programs, our programs or presenters bring supplies, they charge per person. And so when we need the invoice ahead of time, um, so we say, "Yep, book us for 10 people, 15
people," that's what they charge us. So if we get charged for 15 people and only 12 show up, well, that's a loss for us. Um, because obviously >> it sounds like like at a wedding, you have to give the caterer a week or two weeks in advance,
>> 80 bucks a plate. Well, 10 people didn't show up. >> Yeah. like the um I think everybody showed, but for example, the Blue Mountain painting, the one that was over >> Oh, yep. Yep. >> Everyone showed up for that I believe, but something like that. I know that
they charge quite a bit. >> Yeah. Like the resin jewelry had like 10 plus people on the wait list. >> 10 seats, one person didn't show up and it's we paid for 10 people. Um, and our event software sends people a reminder.
And then if there's also a long wait list, I also send an additional reminder to just say, "Hey, if you can't make it, just let us know." You know, no harm done. And obviously, you know, we're not heartless. If somebody's sick last minute or something happens, you know, that's life. But sometimes, and and
often times it's the same people that keep doing it and they register right away and they're one of the first people that register and then they don't show up. Um, >> and those reminders are actually very helpful. I can speak for myself because I forget. Yeah.
>> And the children's room had tried once that we they we were struggling with and the children's room tried once to do a first come, first serve and there were so many people that showed up unexpectedly and then there were crying children because there weren't enough supplies to go around. So obviously sometimes first
come first serve doesn't really work. Um, so I wanted to ask the board for any feedback before I wrote a policy if you guys feel strongly one way or another. Um, you know, if if after somebody registers and doesn't show up, if
they're automatically put on the wait list for, you know, even a month or two months or something. I don't want to make it too harsh, but >> I would say maybe if it happens more than once, I don't want to just penalize someone. That's just my
>> Yeah. But like if if it's like you said people recurring over >> more than two times Yeah. in more than two times in a couple month period then you know >> because like you said things do happen and emergencies happen where they may not be able to play you. >> Yeah.
>> Um but if it's a recurring thing then >> Yeah. Yeah. So maybe you know two two times and like a like a three month. attended, but then I do know that there's >> waiting lists and >> quite quite a few times you have extra stuff,
>> extra spaces. >> Yeah, perfect. Okay. So, if any um >> I don't know where >> Cindy says her daughter's college, they collect charge card up front. The program is free unless you know show and then you're charged. We don't have a we don't have a credit card swiper.
I don't know about that. I could see that working for a college. I feel like that would work really well. That would scare me. I don't want to be in charge of somebody's credit card. Oh, but that would definitely get people to show up though. Absolut 100%. It's like when you
make a reservation and you don't show and they charge you. Um, okay. So, I can put something together and present it to you guys in the future. Um, that's spinach. A lot of these other policies that I had tacked on here. um go was
going through our policy handbook and we should really start updating things every couple of years because some things have sat there for years without being updated. Um since in the for the sake of time since it's getting late, most of these are most of these are not
urgent. Um the only two that I would probably point out are the material selection policy. Um if anybody wants to look at it, I have a copy of it. Um, Andrea made a good point that she learned at the trustees conference um that we limit the requests for
reconsideration to only residents of Southwick because I think what's happening at a a lot of other libraries is people from across the country or across the state are just like >> coming in and causing you know causing a ruckus by challenging things and you
know with our policy we accept challenges from everyone. That's that's a good point. Yes. It's >> Yeah. So, um Yeah. >> I I should have no input on Boston or >> Yeah. >> or somewhere else. >> Yeah. So, so if everyone
>> Yeah. Yeah. So, if everyone is in favor, um how many challenges are you receiving on a regular basis, Cindy? None. We've been very lucky. Um, >> so we have not received any, >> but that doesn't mean that
>> they could happen at any time. Yes. So, at least we have a very strong policy. So, at least this way we're prepared. Um, so if the board were to vote on it, I would just go through and change the request for reconsiderations in here to just only have them state that we only
accept from Southwork residents. So, I >> All those in favor, Michael, yes. >> Andrea, yes. Kathy, yes. Emmy, yes. And yes, >> Michael, if you're fine with it, most of these other things are just things that
we're just needing like updates here and there, but nothing, you know, for the sake of time. The lastly, the other thing I just wanted to um our circulation staff just wanted to update the library card registration form.
And the arrows just show you where we just updated some formats. um authorize individuals to pick up holes on behalf and then that to add in that they'd like to receive notices by email, text or
phone call. That way we can check that when they first sign up. And then the last line, the we used to have adults, teen, family, and library links. Nobody knows what the library links is when you first come to the library. So I just put monthly newsletter so that way it's a
easier to understand. And so if everyone is fine with those changes, >> I like those changes. >> Does that sound like a motion? >> Tam makes the motion to the library card registration with the
three changes outlined on the new form. >> All those in favor? Michael, yes. >> Andrea, yes. >> Kathy, yes. TA, yes. >> Yes. Tracy and >> I can't tell if Cindy's typing, but you
can also give me a thumbs up then. >> I can't I have nothing to approve of. >> Oh, Cindy froze. >> I can't see. >> Did I not send that one in the um in the email? >> No. >> Oh, I can't see the form. Oh, I made Did I not send that one in the email?
>> I think you did. >> Okay. >> Okay. Well, I I went I went over the changes. So, it sounds like Cindy will abstain because she can't see the form. So, then second to last, um we were approved in this state aid round um on
November 6 for the amount of $15,12840. So, Andrea, that was $15,12840. Um, so yeah, another really good amount that will go towards
programming furniture, computers, and all of our online software and whatnot. >> How does that compare to the past? >> So, it's it's a little more than we we have in the past. >> And this is this is the first half. >> The second half, assuming no budget
chaos in Boston, the second half will show up in April or May. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, it usually goes up thankfully by a little bit. >> So, it's been very good. >> And when was that awarded? >> Uh, November 6. >> Thank you.
>> With the MBLC commissioners at their meeting, they approve certain talents that have submitted the paperwork in July and the other paperwork October 2nd. We had a low about 10 years ago where it was about $10,000 a year, which would be
5,000 each payment. So, this is very good. Mhm. >> But again, that goes back to the state legislators and the legislative breakfasts in January, February, March, whenever they're held, kind of pushing,
can you stick an extra million in there or two million or whatever some that then is divided among the 350 cities and towns. I think there's two towns that are one library in the northeast part of the state. That's why
it's 350 instead of 351. >> So, I already went over issues of the book vendor and then Andrea covered um most of the update for the IMLS. I know the last thing I heard from the MBLC is that, you know, budgets remain uncertain. They're not sure how much they're going to get and a lot of
services were cut. So, to bring things back, it's just going to take some bit of time. So, all right. All right. >> I have a question. >> Yes. Sorry. know that we're and maybe we've done this, but I honestly cannot remember. I don't think we have though.
This whole year is a big blur for me, but um I know we talked about many months ago now doing a uh review or something for you. >> Oh, yep. >> Is that something that we as trustees want to start working on once we get through the budget?
Like is that okay with you? >> That's I mean that's fine with me. I know um I know that the town is supposed to be doing something at some point, but I I haven't heard anything come down the pipeline about that. So, >> well, even if it's something that we could submit to the town on our behalf,
>> yeah, as well. >> Sure. Whatever. Whatever you would decide. Yeah. Um Okay. So then we will meet January 5th at 7 p.m. to discuss the budget and then so I will get an
agenda out sometime towards the end of this month and then we'll get it posted and then so it sounds like we won't meet for a regular meeting in January. So then after our next regular meeting would be February 10th >> and you'll be notifying the town about
the CPC in the next few days. >> Yes, I've already um Sabrina knows who's the CPC coordinator. I did CC Nicole in on the emails because she had signed the application as well. So that way she's aware of it. Um the accounting
department's aware of it. The CPC's meeting next Wednesday. Um, I may try to join via Zoom if I have time. Um, but I already wrote a letter to them just explaining, you know, where where we stand with the project and that we were just resending our application and that
we're working on getting the funds back to them. So everybody should be aware unfortunately. But >> it it just this was an incident where it would have been
good practice for somebody in town hall to send us a smoke signal of what the CPC had done rather than to read it on the front page of the Westfield News. >> Great. Sorry.
>> Like a week after the event. >> Yeah. Unfortunately, Paul was the one I I'd gone through I was I was towards the end of the day. I was going through the day all happy great Monday and then it's like Paul's like, "Did you see the the news?" And I'm like, "No." So,
yep. Do I hear a motion to adjurnn? I am wondering, do the trustees want to honor the um the staff with holiday treats again this year? >> Absolutely. >> They love it. They loved it.
>> Great. Um what day works for them or how does that work? I should say >> I would say 20. >> Yeah, we're close the 24th. Honestly, if if you could I know some people are on vacation the week of Christmas and New
Year's. If you can potentially next Monday and Tuesday would be ideal. Um >> days >> well we some people don't work every day. So even if you just like give a few things to me and I can set some stuff
aside so that like each each day people would have something >> so that us Monday crew doesn't go through it completely once through all the snacks. >> So what what type of things are you thinking of? Uh last year you guys did um you know packaged snacks, sweets, I
think there was some seltzers and drinks which was really nice. Um crackers and cheese. What whatever whatever you would like to do. Um maybe do it if either if you either do it on a Monday if you bring it in on a Monday or bring it in
on a Tuesday. Most people work either Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. So you're going to catch most people that way. It's if you do like Thursday or Friday, you're going to miss the evening crew and whatnot. So, >> may I suggest we set a goal to have to each um everyone who wants to
participate um we try for noon on Monday and we get it all collected. So, it's >> no >> okay what but I am coming here Tuesday. >> Tuesday that's that's perfect. Yeah, the
timing is >> coming to with Nancy Tuesday morning. So, >> perfect. Yeah. And I can pick because um Cindy and Tracy work too. Like I can pick it up. I'm retired so you could either drop it at my house over the weekend or I could pick it up to
>> Yeah. Yeah. >> I can bring all those boxes from Costco. I think there's like 52 or 54 little bags of >> potato chips and Doritos. It's a mixture. >> Those those will last a couple days. Yeah. >> Um Yeah. When this the afternoon snack
attack hits. Um, Cindy, the date, uh, noon Monday. That would be the 15th, right, Andrea? >> Y 15th. >> Thank you. >> Um, and can I say because it's hard to communicate outside of the meetings. I don't want to slow everyone down, but
um, I live at 77 Tannery Road, smack on the town line. It's a white farmhouse and I have a big front porch. You could put stuff on my if you want like over the weekend, drop it off, right? and I'd be happy to bring them in
if that's helpful to people. >> I I'll just bring in the box from Costco. I'll drop it off. >> That's That's perfectly fine. >> Okay. And is there anyone else who wants to volunteer to bring a specific something right now or do you want to think about it? Think about it.
>> Yeah, think about it. They were so appreciative last time. Any anything is good. It's the holiday season. Any anything goes right now. >> Okay. I think I'm going to bring um like hot beverages, teas, cocoa. Wonderful.
That kind of boxes of >> That's fantastic. >> So, you have uh somewhere to heat hot water? >> Yep. We have we have a kettle in the kitchen and I I have plenty of styrofoam cups, so I can put those out as well. Yeah. Or we all we all have our own
mugs, too. So, yeah. >> Even better. Even >> Yes. I was going to say that seems like a lot, but yeah, we have all our own mugs, so we don't have to waste too much. Okay, >> beautiful. Well, thank you on behalf of the staff. They really appreciate that.
It was very nicely done last year. >> Do I hear a a motion to adjourn? >> I'm so moved. >> Michael, yes. >> And Kathy, yes. >> Yes. That was a big thumbs up from Cindy and it sounds and Tracy says yes as well and Tracy will bring a bag of nuts and
cookies. Thank you Tracy. >> Thanks Tracy. >> Good night everybody. >> Holiday everybody. Good night. Happy holidays.