Minutes for February 24, 2022 – Board of Library Trustees
In attendance: Wendy Neil, chair, Gloria Parkinson, Colby Armstrong, Karen Nugent (via telephone), Francisco Ramos (via telephone), Marie Letarte, library director
(Gloria left at 6:15)
Call to Order at 5:27 by Wendy Neil
No Public comment
Motion to approve minutes for January by Gloria, 2nd by Wendy.
Motion to accept amended minutes by Wendy, 2nd by Karen. Unanimously approved
New business
Director’s report
Community room painted, chalkboard removed, carpet scheduled for installation March 18, chairs ordered but being held until they can be put in the room,
Shared programming with other libraries continues
In person Ask a Muslim Anything March 31
Live Program March 9th – Ruth Bader Ginsburg
February was Library lover’s month
Budget on track
Awarded a Preservation Grant from MBLC – to hire a consultant to assess spaces for housing materials and produce a report about climate control, mold, insects, etc. Whatever would affect the space and preservation of materials.
New hires started this week
Museum passes going out more frequently than in the past year
Donation bin for copies more beneficial than just charging for copies
Mask mandate
Governor lifted mask mandate requirements, optional according to the board of health, Trustees had a discussion about continuing the mandate or not. Some topics:
- Staff’s opinion – personal choice, remove requirement, follow state guidelines
- No vaccine for kids under 5, should be required in children’s room until there is an appropriate vaccine
- One policy for all departments
- Trustee’s opinions –
- hard to go stronger than the mandate
- protect children,
- not mandatory but should be advised, offer masks to children under 5,
- wouldn’t stop individuals from wearing masks, personal choice rather than requirement
Motion to make mask optional by Gloria, Gloria – yes, Wendy – no, Colby – yes, Francisco yes, Karen no – Approved 3:2
Library sign requested to traffic committee
Director’s room assessment
Cleaning for the purpose of being able to reach the shelves, renovating space, Director’s office may be moved, removing books
Old business and subcommittee updates
Advocacy and outreach
- Friends issues, find new members
- reach new members in the community, inviting to meetings
- Traffic committee must approve sign
Old book collection project
Items have been counted, ~32,946
Motion to put collection out to bid following procurement procedures by Wendy, 2nd by Colby. Wendy yes, Colby yes, Francisco yes, Karen yes – Unanimously approved
Community room subcommittee
150 year recognition of library as a town department, 1873 – 2023, Would have library’s branding, outside branding professional
Motion to approve advocacy subcommittee having recognition of 150 years celebration by Colby, 2nd by Gloria. Unanimous Approved
Date of next meeting: March 29, 6pm
Motion to adjourn at 6:34 by Colby Armstrong, 2nd by Wendy Neil, all approved
Minutes submitted by Gabrielle Turcotte