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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-03-13 Board of Library Trustees MinutesTown of Reading ('W'w; Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Board of Library Trustees Date: 2023-03-13 Building: Reading Public Library Address: 64 Middlesex Avenue Purpose: General Meeting Attendees: Members - Present: Time: 7:00 PM -FtE,C-EIVED TOWN CLERK READI.NG, MA. P_ 2023 APR 24 AM 9:07 Location: Community Room Session: Open Session Version: Final Monique Pillow-Gnanaratnam, Chair; Monette Verrier, Vice -Chair; Andrew Grimes, Secretary; Cherrle Dubois; Patrick Egan; Nina Pennacchio Members - Not Present: Others Present: Michelle Filleul, Assistant Director; Meaghan Clemente, Administrative Assistant; Allyson Dowds, Public Services Division Head; Michael Terry, Resident; Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Andrew Grimes, Secretary Topics of Discussion: I. Call to Order at 7:02 p.m. It. Public Comment The Tmsteee email account received a Request for Reconsideration of Materials from a resident (Monahan). The request pertains specifically to removing the Teen graphic novel Gender Queerby Maia Kobabe due to alleged depictions of illegal child pornography. Ms. Verner responded to acknowledge receipt of the request. Ms. Verner also replied to the email saying that the request would be discussed at the April Trustee meeting. Collection Services Division Head Jamie Penney will research the book and provide information on the selection of the book for the collection based on professional reviews and awards, a quantitative analysis of circulation statistics, and additional evidence to provide a complete picture of the graphic novel. The Library obtained copies of the graphic novel for the Trustees to review and will provide further information ahead of the discussion in April, Mr. Egan asked whether the United States Department of Justice had pursued criminal action regarding this book and believes there have been civil lawsuits against the author and publisher. Page I 1 Ms. Pennacchio explained that the Library's Kid Lit Fan Gub! Book Group for Adults will discuss Gender Queer at their meeting next week. The book group is for adult fans of children's and young adult books. The Kid Lit book group has adopted a code of conduct to add mindful structure to the discussion group, expecting attendees to read the assigned books and participate authentically, actively, and with kindness. Recordings of the discussion are not permitted, and attendees must also follow the Patron Rights and Responsibilities Policy. Ms. Pennacchio emphasized that Gender queer is in the teen collection, even though Children's Librarians may be running the Kid Lit program. Ms. Pennacchio also stressed that this book club comprises of adults meeting at 7:30 at night to discuss youth literature. Mr, Egan clammed that the Request for Reconsideration of Materials calls for removing Gender Queer from the Library collection. Mr. Grimes questioned the specific parts of the book that are being challenged. Ms. Verner noted that there is a particular page of concern. III. Spring Programming Summary Public Services Division Head Allyson Dowds presented a quarterly update on recent and upcoming Library programming for children, teens, and adults. Over the winter quarter, December through February, the Library welcomed many new faces of all ages, virtually and in person. Programs have been very popular, including registrations for many children's programs filling up in less than five minutes. Additional rounds and slots have been added to certain programs to ensure fair and equitable access for interested families. Ms. Dowds reported overwhelming community support and positive feedback on the quality and variety of Library programs, including the Abolitionist's Foot Soldiers event. Library staff members are happy to connect with new faces, even those from other towns where local libraries are currently under construction. Community connections add breadth and depth to Library services. The Library issued fifty-one new cards to children, demonstrating strong engagement with youth and families. The Library collaborated with the Multilingual Learners Department at Reading Memorial High School to host a movie and pizza event with students and teachers. This event fostered a strong sense of community, and the Library hopes to host similar events in the future. This winter, over 1,000 people attended 67 children's programs. The Library's sole Teen Librarian, Meghan McCabe, coordinated 14 programs attended by over 200 teens, representing strong attendance for this demographic. 94 Children's programs are scheduled for March through May, including a Hello, Neighbor series that celebrates various cultures and languages through collaboration with residents. A Dia Celebration on Saturday, April 29, will feature various culture and language events, such as movies, songs, and an indigenous storytelling session with Thomas Green, a member of the Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag. The Library will host a final exam cram event for teens at the end of the school year. A teen art showcase will showcase artwork in the studio. Programs such as a DIV Zine workshop help teens focus on their creative expressions and share their voices in collaboration with community partners. Page 12 There are forty-four adult programs coming up this spring. Many of these programs are part of a series that spans several sessions. A job search series has been popular with people of different ages and points in their careers. In partnership with the MIRA Coalition, informational immigration sessions will cover multiple topics, including policy updates and family. Other programs include a series of mindfulness sessions facilitated by a community member. Educational programs help foster connection and enjoyment while also tapping into wellness. Local History Librarian Jocelyn Gould is working with other libraries across the state to facilitate a historical lunchtime lecture series. A paint night for older adults ages 55 and older will be held in collaboration with a community partner. A Tween Advisory Committee is working to assist with planning ideas for the new tween space in the Children's Room, which is still in the early stages of development. Musical programs such as concerts and an adaptive stories and songs series continue. A new seed swap seed library allows patrons to bring seeds in and swap them for other seeds to promote gardening, fresh produce, healthy eating, and outdoor fun. In partnership with the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support and Public Safety Clinician Taunya Jarzyniecki, a series on postpartum depression and perinatal mental health will help serve young families and combat the rise in family violence. Ms. Jarzyniecki also uses the Library as a safe space to connect with clients and families during weekly Wellness Wednesday events and other private appointments. Collaboration among local partners and other libraries remains strong and helps increase program offerings and access. The Library recently partnered with 24 libraries across the state to host a virtual event featuring Isaac Fitzgerald, the author of Dirtbag, Massachusetts. The Library also partnered with CATO: Coalition of Us to host a screening and subsequent community conversation of the new Bill Russell., Legend documentary. A graphic medicine collection is being developed for the Health Nook by Community Health Librarian Susan Beauregard. Graphic novels offer an alternative format to access information and can help improve accessibility to the complex medical content in this collection through vivid images and simple text. New gaming computers are being installed in the Children and Teen areas to improve user experience with fast -paced games like Minecraft. The computers in the Children's area will be unveiled soon, but young patrons have been very happy with the new computers in the Teen Area so far. Ms. Pillow-Gnanaratnam thanked Ms. Dowds for her presentation and commented that they are one of her favorite parts. Ms. Pillow-Gnanaratnam was shocked that Children's program signups filled up in 5 minutes. Ms. Dowds noted the strong support of regular families but also stressed the importance of providing fair access for everyone and expanding program offerings. Ms. Verner also thanked Ms. Dowds for her presentation. Ms. Dowds thanked the Board and excused herself at 7:23 p.m. Reading Resident Michael Terry introduced himself. IV. Library Landscape Committee Update (as needed) Ms. Dubois reported that the Library Landscape Committee held its first official meeting on February 13 and elected officers. Committee members provided introductions and expressed potential interests and ideas, but nothing was decided as the Committee Is still in the early stages. Page 1 3 The Committee will meet again later this week and has a 24 -month lifespan unless extended. Ms. Dubois noted that the group plans to visit public gardens for inspiration and develop ideas to incorporate on the Library grounds per the Library's mission. V. Financial Update Ms. Filleul reported that the Finance Committee reviewed the Library Budget at their March 8 meeting. FinCom asked questions regarding the pay and class study assessment of the Director of Equity and Social Justice position, extemal funding sources such as the Friends of the Reading Public Library and the Reading Public Library Foundation, non -municipal budget spending, and the allocation of expenditures for digital content and physical items. Ms. Verner inquired whether the answers to these questions were satisfactory. Mr. Egan believes that solid explanations were provided. The Office of Equity and Social Justice is housed at the Library for budget purposes. The Friends of the Reading Public Library and the Reading Public Library Foundation operate as separate nonprofit organizations from the Library, similar to Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTO). The kindness of strangers can help supplement and provide for Library services outside of the Town budget, but donations do not fund certain expenses like salaries. Ms. Filleul reported several donations recently received by the Library. VI. Director's Report Circulation has remained strong at over 27,000 items in February. Library visits have also been increasing. A busy spring is planned, with many upcoming programs noted in the March highlights Flyer. Sixty people attended the recent screening of the new Bill Russell., Legend documentary, many of whom do not usually attend Library events. Forty-five people participated in the follow-up community conversation event featuring small group discussions. More events in this format have been requested and will likely occur this Fall. Head of Research 8 Reader Services Andrea Fiorillo facilitated a virtual event featuring Isaac Fitzgerald, the author of -Dirtbag, Massachusetts.' This program was a collaboration with 24 Massachusetts libraries and was well received. The recording is still available for viewing through the Library's YouTube channel. Local History Librarian Jocelyn Gould has continued to host one-on-one genealogy research appointments. Research for patrons has consisted of stories about murder, death by train, illegitimate children, Salem Witch Trial individuals, and American Revolutionary veterans. Outside community organizations using the meeting rooms in February included the Reading Antiquarian Society and Reading Softball Committee. Many reservations were for community events, such as Wellness Wednesdays, Office Hours for Mark Dockser and Brad Jones, Narcan Administration Training, free blood pressure screenings, and RMHS Multilingual Learners Movie Night. Borrower Services Library Associate Christine Rutigliano has retired after over 20 years of service. The Library is interviewing candidates and hopes to fill the position in early April. The vacant Children's Librarian I role is currently being reassessed. The Library welcomes Dina Snook into the new full-time Library Associate -Children's position. Library staff confined to participate in various professional development opportunities. Michael Terry excused himself at 7:33 p.m Page 1 4 Director of Equity and Social Justice Dr. Sudeshna Chatterjee has been working with Ms. Lannon, Town Manager Fidel Maltez, and Procurement Officer Allison Jenkins to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to implement a Community Needs Assessment funded by a Community Compact Grant and the Library. The assessment will contribute to the Library's next strategic plan (FY26 — FY30). On March 30, a Disability Inclusion Community Workshop will bring together Library and Town staff, residents, and disability advocates throughout the community to develop action items. A Juneteenth Cultural Celebration on Saturday, June 24, will feature BIPOC vendors, breweries, food trucks, and performances on the Town Common. Ms. Filleul and Communications Specialist Desirae Zicko are working on new signage to go above the elevator, including translations of the word "Welcome" in languages spoken in Reading and the proper translation for the Massachusett tribe. VII. Approval of Minutes from February 13, 2023 Motion: To approve the minutes of the February 13, 2023, Trustee Meeting. (VemerlDubois) Vote: Approved 6-0 VIII. Other Business Ms. Pillow-Gnanaratnam acknowledged Ms. Pennacchio's final meeting and thanked her for her service. Ms. Pennacchio thanked the Board for their gift of flowers and spoke positively of her experience over the past two terms. Ms. Verner inquired about the Gid Rising Club's movie fundraising event, which was canceled due to inclement weather. Ms. Filleul noted that it had been rescheduled to Sunday, March 19. Ms. Verner and Ms. Dubois complimented Ms. Pillow-Gnanaratnam's cover letter in the Board's 2022 Annual Report. Adjournment 7:39 p.m. Motion: To AdJoum (GrimesrPennacchio) Vote: Approved 6-0 Respectfully Submitted, Andrew Grimes, Secretary Page 1 5 PUBLIC SERVICES 2023 SPRING QUARTER PROGRAM WINTER STATISTICS & HIGHLIGHTS • New faces across all depts. • Registrations filling in less than 5 minutes • Overwhelming community support • 51 new library cards in Children's • High praise for Abolitionist's Foot Soldiers event • Movie night with students and teachers from RMHS' Multilingual Learners Department • Strong attendance throughout . r Ir Children's Teens Adults 67 programs 14 Programs 39 programs Attendance: 1,091 Attendance: 225 Attendance: 408 AT A GLANCE: MARCH THRU MAY 2023 CHILDRENS HELLO, NEIGHBOR SERIES TEENS 14 PROGRAMS 3 DAY EXAM CRAM TEEN ART SHOWCASE ADULTS 44 PROGRAMS SERIES: JOB SEARCH IMMIGRATION INTRO MINDFULNESS WHAT'S HAPPENING Education Immigration ABCs series Nature Stories & Exploration Princeton Review: Finding Your Dream College Local History Lunchtime Lecture series (Mar/Apr) Connection Paint Night for Older Adults Citizen Kids Hello, Neighbor! Celebrating Reading's Diverse Cultures & Languages Branching Out: Be a Tween Advisor Enjoyment Teen Art Showcase Spring concert: Women in World Jazz Writing Boxes: A workshop series Adaptive Stories & Songs Wellness Meditation series Postpartum Depression and Perinatal Mental Health PAWS To Read Seed Swap/Seed Library PARTNERS 1 MA Libraries 2 MIRA Coalition 3 CATO 4 Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support NEW SERVICES W SEED GRAPHIC GAMING LIBRARY MEDICINE COMPUTERS COLLECTION