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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-12-09 Board of Library Trustees MinutesI { 1l 10 PE '`� <` Town of Reading Meeting Minutes F+ �0 2[ Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Board of Library Trustees Date: 2024-12-09 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: Cappy Popp, Chair; Patrick Egan, Vice -Chair; Andrew Grimes, Secretary; Cherrle Dubois; Andrew Gregory; Monette Verrier Members - Not Present: Others Present: Amy Lannon, Director; Michelle Filleul, Assistant Director; Meaghan Clemente, Administrative Assistant; Andrea Fiorillo, Public Services Division Head; Tara Gregory, Resident; Joseph McDonagh, Finance Committee Liaison to Reading Public Library (remote) Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Andrew Grimes, Secretary Tophi of Discussion: I. Call to Order 7:02 p.m. Il. Public Comment No public comments were made in person or remotely. III. Local History and Archives Update Public Services Division Head Andrea Fiorillo presented an update on local history and archives at the Library. The Local History Librarian Jocelyn Gould aims to protect irreplaceable Reading documents and connect people to historical collections. Ms. Gould prioritizes archival best practices for promoting access to the local history collection. Since being hired in 2022, Ms. Gould has focused on Reading's colonial history and the history of native people in the area. Reading's local Daily Times Chronicle newspaper has been converted to microfilm and digitized back to 1854. Nearly 64,000 visitors from various countries have viewed these digital archives on the Library website since January 2023. The average engagement time per use is 23 minutes and 13 seconds. The Reading Public Library Foundation generously funded this $90,000 project. So far, the average cost per visit is $1.40. The database continues to be updated. Since August 2022, Ms. Gould has hosted one-on-one genealogy research sessions with 60 patrons. This high -touch, impactful service has produced glowing positive feedback. Ms. Gould enjoys sharing research on unique stories and people from Pa I r Reading. The Board complimented the nostalgic historical images featured throughout the presentation. Ms. Gould has created a detailed inventory of the local history collection, uncovering interesting artifacts such as a World War I postcard and a postcard containing miniature postcards of Reading landmarks. She is rehousing portions of the collection into appropriately sized non -acidic folders to ensure preservation. RPL is working with Advantage Archive to transfer historic digital scans from Internet Archives to promote stable access. Additionally, we are working with the Digital Commonwealth via the Boston Public Library to scan and upload special collections such as glass slides of Reading Boy Scouts in the 1910s and oral histories of Reading residents from the 1970s. The Library has worked with Massachusett Tribal Artist and Educator Thomas Green to lead a seed beading community art project. A headband, earrings, and necklace are currently on display at the Research and Reader Services Desk and will be permanently featured in a shadow box in the Studio space. Ms. Fiorillo presented various educational tribal maps illustrating proper tribal names, nations, territories, and sovereign lands throughout Massachusetts and the United States. IV. Winter Programming Update Ms. Fiorillo presented an update on the Library's winter programming quarter scheduled for December through February. Highlights include: • A baby snowball dress -up dance party • The Cryptic! Club program featuring mythical creatures aimed at children in grades 3 through 5. • Mara and Motoko concert expanding the Library's popular family concert series. • A tween cooking event hosted by chefs from Kid's Test Kitchen. Last week, teens participated in a drone coding workshop, flying mini drones in the Library Community Room. In January, the Library will host its popular Exam Cram event for teens studying for midterms. The Library will host an adult folk dancing series at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading in collaboration with the Folk Arts Center of New England and a chair yoga series. Ms. Fiorillo reviewed other Rooted in Reading programs focusing on nature, health, and sustainability. • A series featuring Demetra Tseckares of Gardens by Demetra talking about how to recreate sensory gardens, pollinator gardens, and raised beds similar to the ones on display at the Library. • An all -ages Solstice Celebration on December 21 • A presentation on the Bay Circuit Trail and Mystic Link Trail project • A felted woodland toadstools craft for teens • Various presentations will be held on climate change photography, attracting monarch butterflies, native plants, and pollinator gardens • Evening hikes for all ages at various local sites • A Winter Wonders seasonal science series and various Plant Lab activities RPL has rebooted the Teen Advisory Group this year. Through an application process, staff selected six high school teens for the group. They will develop social, job, and library skills while earning volunteer hours. They will also lead a program series for other teens interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Page 12 Ms. Fiorillo noted that RPL is using the popular LiverWires series to offer thoughtful lifelong learning programs for patrons aged 60 and older. RPL is also offering a new nonfiction book group called the Real Story. Additionally, staff are expanding passive intergenerational programming using a model called "Shelf Joy." The Friends Speaker Series will continue celebrating diverse authors and compelling speakers through live talks and on -demand recordings viewable at home or the Library. Most presentations are viewed at least 70 to 80 times in the month after being shown live. Viewing parties and discussions with multiple attendees are held at the Pleasant Street Center and the Residence at Pearl Street. The series included the Library's first dual -language author talk in English and Spanish with Javier Zamora. V. Discussion and Vote: Ad Hoc Commemoration Establishment ("ACE") Committee Tara Gregory introduced themselves as a Pleasant Street resident and spouse of Trustee Mr. Andrew Gregory. Tara worked for over a year to bring the Ad Hoc Commemoration Establishment ("ACE") Committee to fruition in collaboration with the Town Manager and Select Board. Tara is an active member of the Coalition of Us (CATO), an educational social justice organization focused on empowering black and brown people in the community. Tara is also active with Partners and Allies for Inclusive Reading (PAIR), a volunteer group associated with the Office of Equity and Social Justice. Tara is committed to social and racial justice work and hopes to educate the community about being better neighbors based on Bill Russel's experience in Reading. Tara is happy to attend Board meetings to provide updates on the progress as discussed at the November meeting. Mr. Egan mentioned he attended the Select Board meeting on November 19 to publicly comment on the Board's interest in appointing a volunteer for ACE, inviting volunteers not appointed by the Select Board to contact the Board and attend tonight's meeting. Tara Gregory was appointed as an associate member by the Select Board but expressed interest in being a full member with voting privileges. Both associate and full committee members count for quorum purposes. Motion: To appoint Tara Gregory as the Library's designated Ad Hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee member. (Grimes / Verner) Vote: Approved 50-1 with Mr. Gregory abstaining Tara thanked the Board and excused themselves at 7:27 p.m. VI. Financial Report Ms. Lannon reported that the FY25 budget is continuing to run smoothly. Salaries are running approximately 1.6% below budget. The Library received a $10,000 gift from the Reading Public Library Foundation. Ms. Lannon will present the draft Level 1 FY26 budget to the Select Board on December 10, and lt is expected to be first on the agenda. Ms. Lannon filed the FY26 annual action report with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). VII. Director's Report The Library continued to build community relationships and connections through collaborations with the Health Department, Reading Recreation, Pleasant Street Center, Autism Support Center, Reading Neighbors Network, Friends of Reading 60+, RMHS World of Difference Club, and the Reading Historical Commission in November. Page 13 The second Annual Puule Swap was a great success, with 279 attendees and 250 puules swapped. RPL received good feedback from post -event surveys that will inform the planning of future swap programs. Current plans include craft and plant seed swaps. Future swaps may include LEGOs, board games, and cookbooks to encourage the sharing and reusing materials in the community. Circulation includes digital and physical materials and has surpassed pre-COVID levels based on statistics from 2018 and 2019. Exterior pickup locker use has declined since October, perhaps due to the Library's additional Sunday hours and issues with hold notifications on the new mobile app. The weather may also impact locker use. RPL has resolved the technical problems with the lockers and scheduled additional marketing and promotion. Library staff continues to match volunteers with meaningful projects and opportunities to increase volunteer hours, such as the relaunch of the Teen Advisory Group. Staff met with the Town's Elder/Human Services Volunteer Coordinator in the spring to discuss the possibility of a senior volunteer participating in the Town's senior tax abatement program. However, finding the right fit for many tasks can be challenging. VIII. Approval of November 13, 2024, Meeting Minutes Motion: To approve the minutes of the November 13, 2024, Trustee Meeting as written. (Egan/Dubois) Vote: Approved 60 IX. Future Agenda Items The January agenda will include the discussion of a community outreach and engagement report. In February, Ms. Filleul will give an update on the Technology plan, and the Board will review the Lending, Fines & Fees Policy if needed. In March, Ms. Fiorillo will return to present on spring programming, and the Board will review the Policy Regarding Minors as needed, Ms. Verrier and Ms. Dubois have received informal complaints from patrons about parking at the Library, specifically about four spaces designated for electric vehicle charging. Although it appears that these spaces are often empty, the Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) reported strong usage statistics in their May 2024 update to the Board. Perhaps additional promotion is needed to increase electric vehicle charging during Library hours. Ms. Lannon will request updated usage statistics from WILD and remind staff to park on the street if possible. Adjournment 7:40 p.m. Motion: To Adioum (Egan /Vernier) Vote: Approved 6-0 Respectfully Submitted, J� Andrew Grimes, Secretary Page 1 LOCAL HISTORY UPDATE READINGU=— Ah ©00 63,742 total visitors since January 2023 Average engagement time per user: 23 minutes 13 seconds Towns users live in: Countries users live in Reading America Portsmouth United Kingdom Boston Ti . Woburn Australia wu _ London Czechia Belmont Netherlands Cheyenne Sweden Newburyport Brazil 63,742 total visitors since January 2023 Average engagement time per user: 23 minutes 13 seconds Towns users live in: Countries users live in Reading America Portsmouth United Kingdom Boston Canada Woburn Australia New York Germany London Czechia Belmont Netherlands Cheyenne Sweden Newburyport Brazil Genealogy One on Ones attended sessions since August 2022 3 patrons under the age of 16 Multiple family groups coming together to learn together ecstatic to have received all this lderful detailed information. So happy!!" Am CS -1-8 A)� "You provide a terrific service to Reading residents" 44 "I want you to know how much I appreciate the time you spent with me... It inspired me to do more research and put together my family tree." "Thank you so much for... all the links and suggestions. I will reach out to you for further discussions and guidance as I pursue this new interest. You also make this process a lot of fun!" M hrM1 i7xoG.v.� I jf The most unique postcard in our collection is a postcard of postcards Sent to William Hill from his mother, Harriet Robinson. At this time, Hill was stationed on the USS NEVADA during World War 1. PROJECTS 2022-2024 • Rehouse collections into appropriate sized and non -acidic folders Postcards, Stereo -cards, and Oral History • Seed Beading Project with Massachett Tribal Artist and Educator Thomas Green • Local History presentations • Transition from Internet Archives to Advantage Archives LING AND FUTURE PROJECTS Expand access to genealogical books Rehousing collections and removing plastic and acidic items Uploading collections to the Digital Commonwealth via the Boston Public Library o Gtass slides of Reading Boy Scouts in the igios • Oral Histories of Reading Residents from the 1970s Continue to update the Chronicle database • Continue researching unique stories and people from Reading QUESTIONS? WINTER QUARTER 2024-2025 PUBLIC SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS: DECEMBER -FEBRUARY CHILDRENS TEENS ADULTS BABY SNOW BALL CRYPTID CLUB MARA AND MOTOKO MISS RITA, MYSTERY READER AEENS COOK Ai DRONE CODING KPOP CRAFTING TABLETOP GAMES EXAM CRAM FOLK DANCING CHAIR YOGA GARDENING SERIES WITH DEMETRA SPEECHLESS CONCERT ROOTED IN READING • Solstice Celebration -all ages • Bay Circuit Trail • Felted Woodland Toadstools Craft • Climate Change Photographer Julia Cumes • Moon Walks • Attracting Monarch Butterflies Talk • Native Plants and Pollinator Gardens • Plant Lab • Winter Wonders y K . • Solstice Celebration -all ages • Bay Circuit Trail • Felted Woodland Toadstools Craft • Climate Change Photographer Julia Cumes • Moon Walks • Attracting Monarch Butterflies Talk • Native Plants and Pollinator Gardens • Plant Lab • Winter Wonders New & Renewed 0 TAG: Teen Advisory Group T STEM with Calli T LiveWires: Lifelong Learning for 60+ O4 The Real Story: Nonfiction Book Group 7s' 5� Shelf Joy y. FRIENDS SPEAKER SERIES Celebrated authors and compelling speakers to watch live and on -demand, at home or at the library! M. M M M' if _r 13 91 IWWW MM=M is Fa 11,_111: 3 QUESTIONS?