HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-06-13 Board of Library Trustees Minutesa
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Board of Library Trustees
Date: 2022-06-13 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Public Library Location:
Address: 64 Middlesex Avenue Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Meeting Version; Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
RECEIVED
TOWN CLERK
READING, MA.
2022 JUL 12 AM 9: 06
Chair; Nina Pennacchio, Chair; Monette Verner, Vice -Chair; Andrew Grimes,
Secretary; Monique Pillow-Gnanaratnam, Cherrie Dubois; Patrick Egan
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Amy Lannon, Director; Michelle Filleul, Assistant Director; Carla Navarro,
School Committee Representative; Joe McDonagh, Finance Committee
Representative
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Andrew Grimes, Secretary
Topic of Discussion:
I. Call to Order at 7:03 pm.
It. Public Comment:
Ms. Verner reported two public comments sent to the Trustees' email account. An email
from Michelle Clopper regarding ADA signage and an email from Mike Monahan
regarding the Trustee's discussion of the Library's Internet access policy. Ms. Verner
responded to both emails.
III. Gift Presentation
Mr. Richard Perry presented an original oil painting by Natalie Nordstrand in honor of
Bob Nordstrand to the Library.
IV. Approval of Minutes from May 9, 2022
Motion: To approve the minutes of the May 9, 2022 Trustee meeting as presented.
(Dubois/Egan)
Vote: Approved 6-0
V. Summer Food Pantry Project
The Library would like to hold a food pantry drive during the summer, similar to the food
drive's held in the Spring and Summer of 2021. Ms. Verner will speak to the food pantry
manager to see what's needed and send Ms. Filleul a list by the end of the week.
VI. Discussion and vote: Tutoring Policy
Ms. Lannon reviewed the changes recommended at the May Trustee meeting. No
further discussion or recommendations.
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Motion: To accept the Tutoring Policy as presented. (Dubois /Pillow-Gnanaratnam)
Vote: Approved 6-0
VII. Vote: FY23 Trustee Officers
Motion: To nominate Monique Pillow-Gnanaratnam as Chair of the Trustees.
(Pennacchio/Verrier)
Vote: Approved 6-0
Motion: To nominate Monette Vernier as Vice -Chair of the Trustees. (Pennacchio/Egan)
Vote: Approved 6-0
Motion: To nominate Andrew Grimes as Secretary of the Trustees. (Pennacchio/Verner)
Vote: Approved 6-0
Vlll. Vote: FY23 Trustee Meeting Dates
Monthly Trustee meetings are scheduled for 7 pm on the second Monday of the month,
with some alternate dates due to holidays and Town Meeting.
Motion: To approve the FY23 Trustee Meeting Dates. (Duboi&Egan)
Vote: Approved 6-0
IX. Vote: CY23 Library Holiday Closings
Ms. Lannon reviewed changes to the Town's holiday policy, noting there are now 12
federal holidays, and holidays that fall on a Saturday will be observed on Friday.
Ms. Lannon opened a discussion of keeping the Library open until 5 pm on Wednesday
before Thanksgiving, usually at 1:00 pm. This change would expand service and simplify
scheduling but is not responding to specific patron requests. Ms. Pennacchio noted that
the public would have some expanded access with the new lockers.
Motion: To approve the CY23 Library Holiday Closings with a i pm closing on
November22. (PennacchiclEgan)
Vote: Approved 6-0
X. Celebration Trust Appointment
The Board of Library Trustees appoints one member to the Celebration Trust Committee
for a two-year term.
Motion: To nominate Phil Rushworth for the Celebration Trust Appointment through June
30, 2024 (Pennacchl&Pillow-Gnanaretnam)
Vote: Approved 6-0
XI. Financial Update
Spending for the remainder of FY22 will focus on meeting the materials expenditure
requirements. Ms. Lannon provided the warrant schedule for the next fiscal year.
The Library received two gifts in May, Including one from the Reading Lions, to support
Braille printing for the Children's Room Storywalk.
XII. Director's Report
• Ms. Lannon provided a general snapshot of May's programs and services.
Circulation remains strong and in-person programming is increasing foot traffic to
the Library.
• Several staff attended the MLA Conference.
• The Director for Equity and Social Justice has been busy with several community
programs. She has created a programlevent request forth for organizations and
individuals to be completed no later than eight weeks before the program.
• The library lockers should arrive and be installed by June 15. Ms. Verner
mentioned that there is a local company, Wrap Solutions, that might provide sign
wrap for the lockers.
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• Juneteenth Movie Night is June 18, co -run with a high school student
organization.
• The Summer Reading Kick -Off event is on June 24.
• Ms. Meghan Clemente will be the new Administrative Assistant starting July 5,
2022
XIII. Other Business
Ms. Verner suggested the mask signage be updated to state: masks welcome and
available. Ms. Verner also wanted to add that the rainbow crosswalk looks excellent.
Adjournment _8:13 pm.
Motion: To Adjourn (Pennacchig(Verrier)
Vote: Approved 6-0
Respectfully Submitted,
Andrew Grimes, Secretary
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