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Home My WebLink About2021-03-08 Board of Library Trustees MinutesTown of Reading .a Meeting Minutes ='IM(OPr�t` Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Board of Library Trustees Date: 2021-03-08 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Public Library Location: Address: 64 Middlesex Avenue Session: Open Session Purpose: General Meeting Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: TOWN �CLERK READING. MA. 2021 APR 15 AM 1IR21 Chair; Nina Pennacchio, Chair; Monette Verner, Vice -Chair; Alice Collins, Secretary; Cherrie Dubois; John Brzezenski;Andrew Grimes; Monette Verner Members - Not Present: Others Present: Amy Lannon, Director; Michelle Filleul, Assistant Director; Coleen O'Brien, General Manager; RMLD; Greg Phipps, Integrated Resources, Director RMLD Minutes Respectfully submitted By: Alice Collins, Secretary Topics of Discussion: This Meeting was held remotely on Zoom and streamed We on RCTV Public Participation was available through email at rdgadmin@noblenetorg. Comments and questions were monitored during the meeting. Call to Order 7:02 pm I. Approval of Minutes from February 8, 2021 Motion: To approve minutes (Verried Collins) Vote: Approved 5-0 It. Public Comment: no public comment Ill. EV Charging Station Grant Discussion: Ms. Lannon reported that the RMLD has requested a letter of support for their grant applications to fund EV charging stations in the library parking lot. Greg Phipps, RMLD Director of Integrated Resources and Coleen O'Brien, RMLD General Manager joined the meeting to discuss the two grant opportunities for a Level 2 and/or a Level 3 (fast) charging station. One grant is due March 19t". The WILD has been working with the PTTTF committee for the Town and found that the library parking lot would be a good location for a public charging station which is helpful as the grants generally favor municipally owned properties. The Select Board has authorized RMLD to go forward with the grant applications if also approved by the Board of Library Trustees. The grants would cover the full cost of the charging station. This would be the first public charging station for the Town. Mr. Phipps is asking the Trustees tonight for a letter of support of the both P., I I grant applications. Ms. O'Brien noted that if either grant is awarded, final installation would take about one year. Ms. Verner noted that in other parking lots, the electric charging stations are often given prime parking. She asked if this is something the Trustees should consider. Mr. Phipps answered that it wasn't necessary to put these in prime parking areas. Ms. Verner also asked if these parking spots should be limited to electric vehicles or if they would be available to other vehicles. Mr. Phipps stated that the parking spot should be dedicated to electric cars if possible. He added that the library is a good space for both a Level 2 and Level 3 charger, although the goal is to begin with one. Ms. O'Brien stated that a single charging station could be installed with capacity for an additional spot at a later date with the possibility to expanding up to four spaces. Ms. Collins asked if the RMLD will ultimately decide where to put the stations. Mr. Phipps said that is dependent on the grant. Ms. Verner agreed with the idea of the charging stations, however wanted to make sure that closer parking spots are available for older people who may not purchase an electric car, and need ease of access. Ms. Lannon noted that if this comes to fruition, the library should be forward thinking regarding overnight use and suggested a meeting get input from the neighbors. Mr. Brzezenski suggested an EV library parking policy if this moves forward. Motion: To approve the letter as written for the EV Grants (Grimes/Collins) Vote: Approved 6-0 IV. Phase 4 Reopening Discussion: Ms. Lannon reported the library is currently in Phase 3/Part 2 of reopening. Ms. Lannon noted there is no current sector guidance from the State about Phase 4 reopening. Ms. Lannon said the library is not ready begin Phase 4 immediately. She recommended a limited Phase 4 that might include extended hours and capacities up to 75% capacity with additional browsing and computer appointments. There would also be the opportunity for staff to offer limited registered in person programs such as using the Community Rooms for a small program for children. Self -pick up of holds and the automated return would return, however we would still offer holds pick up for those who don't feel comfortable coming in to the library. Ms. Lannon expressed concern that library workers are to be vaccinated with the general public, therefore full opening puts unvaccinated employees at a higher risk. In view of this, the current recommendation is to wait on full Phase 4 reopening until the staff that wish to can be vaccinated. Ms. Verner asked what the Town Manager is saying about Town employee vaccination. Ms. Lannon said there is desire to get town employees vaccinated, but it is complicated. Ms. Pennacchio asked if the Town Hall is holding off on the opening until they have more information as when the staff can be vaccinated. Ms. Lannon stated that the Town Hall remains open by appointment to control the number of people in the building for the health and safety of the staff. Ms. Verner noted that the Chair of the Brookline Library Trustees asked if Trustees to be put on the schedule with the teachers for vaccination. Ms. Verner and Ms. Pennachio drafted a letter the state also asking that library works be moved up on the vaccination schedule. Page 1 2 Ms. Lannon suggested that any Trustee willing to put their name on the letter could email the Chair or Vice Chair before the letter is mailed. V. Financial Update FY21: Ms. Lannon stated that there are no outstanding issues to report. The salary budget is fine. Ms. Lannon noted the library received the first of two State Aid checks. The amount was $20,040 and is on target with State Aid granted last year. Gifts: Ms. Lannon stated that North Shore Bank donated $1000 to the library, she would like a Trustee to come in and receive the donation. VI. Directors Report a. COVID-19: The library has had 1000 reservations with about 800 checking in. There is a greater number of families coming in with small groups. Circulation has increased. Patrons are generally cooperative and the reservation numbers are similar to December 2020. Study and PC service have been expanded to the ground floor b. February Snapshot The new virtual meeting room service is active. The library is reaching out to various organizations to see if anyone is interested in using it. The Communications Working Group is working on ways to improve accessibility on the website and social media accounts. Binge Boxes are now available. There were 74 programs this month which demonstrates outstanding work of all the public services librarians. Moving forward with our Strategic Plan, librarians have joined the following groups, this will help us make these connections: Susan Beauregard (Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support), Lisa Racine (Human Relations Advisory Committee), Melissa Seldon (Dementia Friendly Reading), Michelle Filleul (CATO: The Coalition of Us). Weekend Wonder bags just ended and it was supported by the Friends of the Reading Public Library The Teen Book Boxes are a hit with parents and teens. c. Personnel Library Associate Judy Newton resigned on February 12 due to some health concerns after 20 years at the library, we wish her well. We are currently seeking a part-time (< 20 hrs./week) library associate. I Professional Development The library has been trying to find ways to assist with mental health, connecting people with reliable health and safety support organizations. This is challenging and needs to be done with grace and integrity. Page 1 3 VII. Other Business Ms. Lannon noted that the Burlington Public Library held a drive for their food pantry and asked about the possibility of doing so in Reading. This could be part of a community service day or week. Ms. Pennacchio felt it would be helpful for the Food Pantry wanted to give a list needed items. Ms. Verner volunteers at the Food Pantry and offered to work with them and library star. She noted that drives that support a speck targets or items are the most helpful. There will be a follow up report at the April meeting. Ms. Dubois suggested we get a pair of snow shoes for the Library of Things. Ms. Verner noted that this is Ms. Collins last meeting and that she will be missed Adjournment: 8:26 p.m. Motion: To Adjoum (Grimes/Collins) Vote: Approved 6-0 Respectfully Submitted, WAI Nina E. Pennacchio, Chair Page 14