Board of Library Trustees Minutes
Sept 24, 2024
In attendance: chair Gloria Parkinson, members Francisco Ramos, Jill Ashton, Jacqueline McGuire (via video chat), library director Marie Letarte
Roll call
Absent: Colby Armstrong, Marty Shaughnessy
Called to order at 6:42 PM
Minutes of August were presented, FR moved to accept, JA seconded
Director’s report
MPLCP Grant update
Grant decisions have been delayed to allow MBTA-eligible Communities to adopt the MBTA Communities Act by the 12/31 deadline. Announcement will be scheduled after 12/31/2024
The previous timeline stands – for submission of design Dec 2025-Jan 2026
Marie will present on status of grant application at Selectboard meeting in October.
Subcommittees did not meet; no reports
Book bike in for the season. Will be out for Halloween walk – Oct 24, giving away books.
Hispanic heritage night – may have booth. Need to confirm date.
Thank you note from trustees to people who donate to the Library Improvement fund, in additional to the CFNCM tax receipt letter. Jaqueline volunteered to draft template. Chair will sign the letter.
Per trustees, Marie contacted Ethic Commission to inquire about director’s & trustees’ roles in fundraising for a capital campaign. Ethics Commission could not give a complete answer without all the facts; will follow up. Also, not willing to give information about Trustees without full authorization.
Director would like to conduct a collection audit. Reviewing a proposal by Baker & Taylor. One option is a three-year complete review for $15k; includes diversity, DEI, and age (publishing dates) of collection.
Other option is for a diversity audit only for about $3k for one year.
Discussion and explanation of future proposal. Marie said that the collection should reflect community. Trustees responded positively and agreed to continue the conversation. Still exploring options. Unanimous support of conducting the comprehensive collection audit
New website needs to be converted to be ADA compliant.
Staff training – half day in Nov 8 and full day in January.
Friends Book sale brought in $1900
Unfinished Business Taken out of order – close at 4 on Halloween? Roll call vote unanimous.
Upcoming events:
- CMLA (Central MA Library Advocates) annual meeting on Thursday.
- October 10 – Advocacy Bootcamp
- MLTA Oct 19. Jaqueline is attending.
Chamber of Commerce mtg. today: Folks are asking about library project. Marie will write a letter to The Item and post to social media about the delay.
Marie’s evaluation. Need trustee input. Friday 4pm deadline.
Coffee chat hosted by Jacqueline on October 6, 9am to 11:30, 300 Greeley St. Marie will attend and answer questions on behalf of library construction proposal
Next meeting Oct 22 at 6:30.
Motion to adjourn at 7:41 by Jill, seconded by Francisco. Unanimous
Adjourned at 7:41.
