HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-14 Board of Library Trustees MinutesOFR
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Board of Library Trustees
Date: 2022-03-14 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Public Library Location: Community Room
Address: 64 Middlesex Avenue Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Meeting Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
RECEIVED
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Chair; Nina Pennacchio, Chair; Monette Verrier, Vice -Chair; Monique Pillow
Gnanaratnam; Cherrie Dubois; John Brzezenski
Members - Not Present:
Andrew Grimes
Others Present:
Amy Lannon, Director; Patrick Egan, RPL Foundation President; Elise
Ciregna, RPL Foundation; Lynne Cameron, RPL Foundation, Stephanie
Filipski, RPL Foundation
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Andrew Grimes, Secretary
Topics of Discussion:
I. Call to Order and Welcome at 7:03 p.m.
II. Public Comment - None
III. Approval of Minutes from February 14, 2022
Motion to approve minutes as presented (Brzezenski/Verrier)
Vote: Approved SO
IV. Introduction: Dr. Sudeshna Chatlerjee, Director for Equity and Social Justice.
Dr. Chafterjee introduced herself, mentioning her work in diversity at Opus partners and
her academic research and expertise (gender and equity). Sudeshna started as the
Director for Equity and Social Justice on March 1, 2022. She is working on scheduling
focus groups and meetings with stakeholders and developing a vision and strategic plan
for the Division of Equity and Social Justice. -
V. Recognition of Service: John Brzezenski
The Board of Library Trustees (BOLT) and Reading Public Library Foundation (RPL
Foundation) recognized John Brzezenski for his leadership, service, and contributions to
the Reading Public Library. Mr. Brzezenski was appointed to the BOLT in January 2014
and served two additional terms. He was on the Board of Directors for the RPL
Foundation from 2003 to 2022.
VI. Discussion and Vote: Safe Child Policy
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The Board reviewed this policy and recommended changes for review and vote in
March. Ms. Lannon presented the updated policy. Ms. Dubois and Ms. Verner
requested corrections and clarification.
Motion to update the Safe Child Policy with corrections and clarification (Dubois /
Verner)
Vote: Approved 5-0
VII. Review and Discussion: Internet Access Policy
Ms. Lannon reviewed the general history of the policy and recommended changes. The
Board discussed the policy's purpose, issues around monitoring use, and the distinction
between using personal equipment on WiFi vs. patron use of the internet using Library
PCs. The Board also discussed the new section that explicitly states that minors have
access to the internet. Ms. Dubois and Ms. Verner made corrections, clarification, and
formatting recommendations. Ms. Verner requested that the updated and corrected
version of the Internet Access Policy be reviewed and voted on at the April 2022 BOLT
meeting.
VIII. Gift Nathalie Nordstrand Seascape Oil Paining
The Board agreed to accept this gift and add to the existing collection of Nordstrand art
owned by the Library.
IX. Financial Report
There were no outstanding issues for FY22. Ms. Lannon reported no questions or
problems at the March 9, 2022 FINCOM meeting on the FY23 budget.
X. Director's Report
Ms. Lannon reviewed the February list of activities and services. She noted recent
issues with the service hoopla. The streaming service had included Holocaust denial
and white supremacist content which has since been removed. hoopla has also
committed to a more transparent collection policy. Ms. Lannon discussed another book
challenge in the NOBLE network (item not owned by RPL) and the complexity of
balancing curated and reliable resources without falling into censorship issues.
XI. Executive Session: Personnel Discussion
Motion to enter Executive Session at 8.01 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue
(Pennacchio/Dubois)
Vote: 5-0
XII. Resumption of the regular meeting
Motion to return to the regular business meeting at 8:43 p.m. (DuboisrPennacchio)
Vote: 5-0
XIII. Other Business
Ms. Lannon presented a request by a Reading resident to use the library space for a
free QiGong class where participants would have the option to donate to the National
Bank of Ukraine to support Ukrainian citizens impacted by the current conflict. The
resident has family in Ukraine, but donations will go to a public charity hosted by the
bank.
Motion to permit the class and collection of donations to go to the National Bank of
Ukraine to support Ukrainian citizens impacted by the current conflict. (Dubois/Pillow
Gnanaratnam)
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Adjournment 8:49 p.m.
Motion: To Adjourn (BrzezeaskilDubois)
Vote: Approved 5-0
RespectfullySubmitted
Nina Pennacchio, Chair
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