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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-13 Board of Library Trustees Packet Town of Reading Meeting Posting with Agenda This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting. Page | 1 2018-07-16 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Board of Library Trustees Date: 2025-01-13 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Public Library Location: Community Room Address: 64 Middlesex Avenue Agenda: Purpose: General Business Meeting Called By: Amy Lannon for Chair Cappy Popp Notices and agendas are to be posted 48 hours in advance of the meetings exc luding Saturdays, Sundays and Legal Holidays. Please keep in mind the Town Clerk’s hours of operation and make necessary arrangements to be sure your posting is made in an adequate amount of time. A listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates w ill be discussed at the meeting must be on the agenda. All Meeting Postings must be submitted in typed format; handwritten notices will not be accepted. Topics of Discussion: This meeting will be held in-person in the Community Room at the Reading Public Library and remotely on Zoom. It will also be available streamed live through RCTV Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86117297460 Meeting ID: 861 1729 7460 One tap mobile +13017158592,,86117297460# US (Washington DC) +13052241968,,86117297460# US Dial by your location +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) Meeting ID: 861 1729 7460 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keny6p5GTY The Trustees also accept public comments through email: rpltrustee@noblenet.org Town of Reading Meeting Posting with Agenda This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting. Page | 2 I. Call to Order II. Public Comment III. Community Outreach and Engagement Report IV. RMLD EV Charger Update V. Library Landscape Committee Update VI. Financial Report VII. Director's Report VIII. Approval December 9, 2024, Meeting Minutes IX. Future Agenda Items a. February i. Technology Plan Update b. March i. Spring Programming Update ii. Policy Regarding Minors RMLD EV Charger Update Summary from May 2024 BOLT Meeting: Presenter: Ajey Pandey The standard ChargePoint Level 2 charger had been available for almost two years and newer DC Fast Charger had been operating for six months or so. The DC Fast charger is larger and more powerful, upgrading the electric vehicle charging experience. Both chargers have a similar number of charging sessions. The chargers were funded through state grants under the Massachusetts Department of Energy Protection, which has specific requirements. The grant requires separate accessible parking spots. This takes up more existing parking spaces. The requirements lapse in June 2025 for the Level 2 accessible space and October 2026 for the DC Fast Charger accessible space. Proposed pavement lining Level 2 Accessibility Clear 6/2025 Not a viable parking space EV Parking #1 EV Parking #2 EV Parking #3 Level 3 Accessibility Clear 10/26 January 2025 Actual pavement lining Level 2 Accessibility Clear 6/2025 Not a viable parking space EV Parking #1 EV Parking #2 EV Parking #3 EV Parking #4 Level 3 Accessibility Clear 10/26 Meeting Summary – January 9, 2025 RE: RMLD/RPL Parking Discussion Met with Megan Wu, Director of Integrated Resources, to review: • Data reports and statistics for board presentation • Parking space pavement line discrepancies versus state grant requirements RMLD wants to collaborate with RPL and Board of Library Trustees on parking solutions. RPL wants to support community sustainability initiatives. Next Steps: RMLD representative to present options and usage data at the February 10 meeting. Library Terrace Project Recommendation The Library Landscape Committee (LLC) formally recommends that the Board of Library Trustees (BOLT) approve proceeding with the design and development of the Library Terrace project. The proposed terrace will be located on the hillside outside the Conference Room, as outlined in the concept design by Activitas. The estimated project budget is $350,000, to be funded entirely through non-municipal sources including gifts, state aid, and fundraising initiatives. Proposed Implementation Plan: 1. Secure BOLT approval for allocation of $35,000-$40,000 (approximately 10% of the projected cost) for the design bid process. 2. Collaborate with Town Procurement to develop a detailed scope of work and issue the bid, to be managed by the Library Director and an LLC representative. 3. Conduct assessment of current library gifts and state aid assets. 4. Launch fundraising campaign and donor outreach program. 5. Issue design bid once 80-100% of required funds are secured. 6. Select designer based on proposed cost estimates, with the understanding that they will be awarded the installation contract. 7. Pursue additional fundraising if necessary. 8. Proceed with final design and installation phase. Library Terrace Proposal LIBRARY LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE Cherrie Dubois, Vice-Chair Andrea Hogan Cappy Popp Jake Soucy, Secretary Elaine Stone Desirée Zicko, Chair AD HOC LIBRARY LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE To explore functional, mission-driven improvements that continue the vision of the 2016 renovation. Create an outdoor space that… ●aligns with community goals (e.g., Green Communities) ●aligns with Library mission and values (Education, Access, Equity, Accountability) ●provides versatile program space ●improves accessibility for all ●does not impact the town budget or taxpayers BACKGROUND CHALLENGE ✅What will benefit the community? ✅What will enhance the neighborhood? ✅Who visits the library grounds and why? ✅What is a better use of these areas? ✅What is possible? ⬛How to fund this project? ●Landscape designer ●Public listening sessions ●Community survey ●Town staff (Town Manager, DPW, Planning, Facilities) INFORMATION GATHERING MEANINGFUL SOLUTIONS 1.Flexible patio/program space 2.Dedicated seating for 30 people 3.More shade 4.Native plants 5.Easy maintenance (e.g., access to water) BUDGET GOAL $350,000 OUTCOMES Dedicated outdoor space for learning & engagement ●Accessible shaded performance area for outdoor storytimes and events for all ages Interactive and educational gardens ●Focus on sustainability and native plants for easy maintenance Gathering spaces for small groups ●Additional tables and seating for groups of 3-6 ●Welcoming and safe place to meet RECOMMENDATIONS 1.Patio/Program space a.Shaded performance area b.Tiered hillside seating for 30-40 c.Native, beneficial plantings and landscaping d.Historic Highland School basin and pedestal as a water feature RECOMMENDATIONS 2.Sustainable, low-impact maintenance a.Wall-mounted spigots for irrigation b.Rain garden or catchment to manage erosion and distribute runoff c.Low-maintenance groundcover to ease impact on DPW INSPIRATION INSPIRATION INSPIRATION Approval from Board of Library Trustees and support from stakeholders on these recommendations ●Patio/Program space ●Plantings, water access, and maintenance Seek and secure at least $350,000 of private funds ●Promote and market to donors ●Explore other fundraising opportunities (e.g., naming rights) Work with the town staff on a detailed RFP Next Steps Thank you As of December 31 (50%)Trustee Budget Summary SUMMARY Orginal $$Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance % Used Municipal Salaries 1,754,250$ -$ 856,785$ -$ 897,465$ 48.84% Municipal Expenses 143,000$ -$ 99,387$ -$ 43,613$ 69.50% Municipal Materials 283,900$ -$ 134,727$ -$ 149,173$ 47.46% Fines & Fees 13,606$ 5,641$ 5,666$ -$ 13,581$ N/A State Aid 75,579$ 33,039$ 32,156$ -$ 76,462$ N/A Gifts 188,572$ 45,109$ 1,718$ 34,109$ 197,853$ N/A Trusts (Expendable Funds) 114,983$ -$ 554$ -$ 114,429$ N/A TOTALS $2,573,889 $83,788 $1,130,993 $34,109 $1,492,575 Municipal Appropriation Orginal $$Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance % Used Salaries - Library Administration 468,400$ 230,841$ -$ 237,559$ 49.28% Salaries - Leave Buyback*-$ -$ -$ -$ Salaries - Collection Services 506,450$ 257,828$ -$ 248,622$ 50.91% Salaries - Public Services 779,400$ 368,116$ -$ 411,284$ 47.23% Expenses - General Library Maint Contract Supp 23,000$ 22,241$ -$ 759$ 96.70% Professional Development 14,000$ 8,480$ -$ 5,520$ 60.57% Library Programs 10,500$ 19$ -$ 10,481$ 0.18% Software/ Licenses 70,500$ 59,970$ -$ 10,530$ 85.06% Library Supplies 9,000$ 3,976$ -$ 5,024$ 44.18% Office Supplies 5,000$ 1,422$ -$ 3,578$ 28.45% Technology 11,000$ 3,279$ -$ 7,721$ 29.81% Materials 283,900$ 134,727$ -$ 149,173$ 47.46% Books 45,405$ -$ Audio 1,631$ -$ Video 1,625$ -$ Periodicals 669$ -$ Electronic Resources 43,690$ -$ Other Materials 5,083$ -$ Overdrive (eBooks / eAudiobooks)36,624$ -$ TOTALS 2,181,150$ -$ 1,090,899$ -$ 1,090,251$ 50.01% Fines and Fees Orginal $$Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance Revenue (and Carryover)13,606$ 5,641$ -$ -$ $19,247 Materials 25$ -$ ($25) Supplies 5,641$ -$ ($5,641) TOTALS 13,606$ 5,641$ 5,666$ -$ $13,581 State Aid Orginal $$Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance Revenue (and Carryover)75,579$ 32,544$ -$ -$ 108,123$ Expenses -$ Office Supplies -$ -$ -$ Professional Development -$ -$ -$ Materials 4,742$ -$ (4,742)$ Library Other 495$ 22,538$ -$ (22,043)$ Library Equipment 4,876$ -$ (4,876)$ TOTALS 75,579$ 33,039$ 32,156$ -$ 76,462$ Page 1 As of December 31 (50%)Trustee Budget Summary Gifts & Donations Orginal $$ Adj/Income Expended Encumbered Balance Revenue (and Carryover)46,109$ 15,395$ (3,036)$ 15,218$ 49,322$ Professional Development -$ 1,456$ -$ (1,456)$ Recreational -$ 1,431$ -$ (1,431)$ Programs & Services Adults 28,522$ -$ -$ -$ 28,522$ Programs & Services Teens 24,265$ -$ -$ -$ 24,265$ Programs & Services OESJ 11$ 823$ 80$ -$ 754$ Programs & Services Childrens 26,629$ -$ 561$ -$ 26,069$ Programs & Services- Local History 500$ -$ -$ -$ 500$ Studio 30,298$ -$ -$ -$ 30,298$ RPL Foundation -$ 28,891$ -$ 18,891$ 10,000$ Garden -$ -$ 1,227$ -$ (1,227)$ Other Gifts (Combined)4,685$ -$ -$ -$ 4,685$ Materials 27,552$ -$ -$ -$ 27,552$ TOTALS 188,572$ 45,109$ 1,718$ 34,109$ 197,853$ Trusts Original $$Avail/Income Expended Encumbered Balance Appleton / Mansfield 7,911$ -$ -$ -$ 7,911$ Edward Appleton 46,381$ -$ 554$ -$ 45,827$ R/M Babcock 3,323$ -$ -$ -$ 3,323$ Stephen Foster 10,246$ -$ -$ -$ 10,246$ Charles Torrey 1,300$ -$ -$ -$ 1,300$ Donald Tuttle 1,105$ -$ -$ -$ 1,105$ Elaine & George Long 36,201$ -$ -$ -$ 36,201$ Barbara Hewitt 6,878$ -$ -$ -$ 6,878$ James Rawstron 1,637$ -$ -$ -$ 1,637$ TOTALS 114,983$ -$ 554$ -$ 114,429$ Name Non-Expend Purpose 11,000$ 5,000$ 3,598$ "Books on literary subjects and self-government" (BOOKS) 12,000$ "Books … to be inscribed 'Stephen Foster Fund'" (BOOKS) 1,000$ "Books on non-fictional subjects" (NONFICTION BOOKS) 500$ "Books" 5,000$ "Books or Equipment" 8,952$ "Books" 1,613$ "Books on tape& furniture to house books on tape" (AUDIOBOOKS) TOTALS 48,663$ Stephen Foster Appleton / Mansfield "…for the purchase of books other than those listed as fiction" (NONFICTION BOOKS) Edward Appleton "Purchase of books, paintings, engravings, works of art or other suitable useful furnishings for said library. R/M Babcock Charles Torrey Donald Tuttle Elane & George Long Barbara Hewitt James Rawstron Page 2 1 | P a g e January Board of Library Trustees Meeting VI. FINANCIAL REPORT a) FY25 Update: The FY25 budget continues to track according to plan. There are no significant items or concerns that require attention at this time. b) December Gifts DONOR AMOUNT PURPOSE General Cash Donations $18.00 General Use Total $18.00 VII. DIRECTOR’S REPORT a) December Snapshot Physical Circulation Overdrive Circulation Usage December 2024 November 2024 December 2023 Circulation 25,626 27,644 26,571 Locker Use 46 36 7* Meeting Rooms Rentals 29 35 18 Museum Passes 152 114 150 New Library Cards 79 111 93 Overdrive 5,512 5,148 4,961 Programs 42 57 57 Reference Questions 1,751 1,884 1,700 Visitors 13,138 14,430 12,970 Volunteer Hours 24.5 25.25 4 b) Collections, Programs, and Services i) New! Craft & Hobby: Designed specifically for public libraries across the nation, Craft & Hobby is an extensive online platform that aims to provide library patrons with access to creative educational resources. 2 | P a g e ii) New! Family Search: RPL became one of 1,400 FamilySearch affiliate libraries worldwide. As an affiliate, RPL offers access to FamilySearch's digital genealogical collections, which are otherwise accessible only through a FamilySearch center. iii) In December, staff collaborated with Town IT and AVI-SPL to finalize technology upgrades in the Community and Conference Rooms. We plan to launch a PR campaign highlighting these improvements and our new meeting room reservation system, aiming to increase public utilization of these spaces. iv) The Children's Room bid farewell to 2024 with a Baby Snow Ball Dance Party, featuring games and a photo booth. The event drew an impressive turnout of 118 participants. v) RPL ran a multigenerational K-Pop Craft Event, offering a positive space for Korean Americans and K-pop fans to celebrate Korean culture. This was particularly meaningful in view of the current political situation in South Korea. vi) The Library celebrated the Winter Solstice with a festive crafting session where patrons created ornaments and lanterns. Despite the chilly weather, two adventurous participants embraced tradition by walking the outdoor spiral path and participating in the drum ceremony. vii) Teens were excited to participate in a STEAM-focused Drone Adventure Workshop, learning coding fundamentals for drone operation before conducting test flights. The hands-on program combined technical learning with engaging practical experience. viii)The Friends Speaker Series featured two December presentations: a Smithsonian Institute lecture on gems and minerals and a talk by bestselling author Laura Dave. These events drew 62 views, bringing the series' total to 7,985 views since June 2023, with 198 live viewers and 357 registrations to date. ix) Children's librarians delighted students at Joshua Eaton Ele mentary with an interactive winter storytime. The program's highlight was a surprise appearance by the RPL Snowman (Keri Bradeen). x) Rooted in Reading (1) We partnered with Reading Crystal Garden Club to host a Green Holiday Centerpiece workshop, drawing 17 participants across generations. The program, featuring hand-gathered natural materials, supported our Rooted in Reading initiative. (2) Our Plant Lab engaged seven young scientists in an interactive fungi exploration, combining hands-on dissection with culinary discovery. The session sparked particular interest when students learned about parasitic fungi species and were also able to sample oyster mushrooms. 3 | P a g e c) Horizons i) MLK Day Celebration, RMHS Performing Arts Center on Monday, January 20. ii) Trustee Dates: (1) February 10, 2025, General Meeting (2) March 5 & March 12, FINCOM Budget Reviews iii) March 10, 2025, General Meeting d) Selected Professional Development • AI For Youth Services Workers • Book Bans and Censorship: Managing Public Comments Sessions and Materials Challenges • Climate Change Communication: How and Why to Do It in Libraries • Co-Creating Library Services for Transformative Impact • Decodable Texts: Tap Into the Power to Support Beginning Readers • Loud and Proud! Maximizing Your Accessibility Info for Guests • Misinformation and Conspiracy Theory Trends: Advice for Libraries • NOBLE Evergreen Upgrade 13.3 Session • Partnerships and Building Relationships: How, Why, and Who • Preparing for Program Challenges at Your Public Library • Putting the Patron First: A Subject Based Classification System • Reflect, Realign & Ready for Impact: Strategic Data-Driven Planning for Library Leaders • Strategies for Communicating Across Generations in the Workplace • The New England Teen Summit • Transforming Senior Services and Outreach • Unlock the Potential of Asset Mapping • Youth Mental Health First Aid Respectfully submitted, Amy Fang Lannon, Director (she/her) January 9, 2025 Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Page | 1 2016-09-22 LAG 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; Cherrie 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 Topics of Discussion: I. Call to Order 7:02 p.m. II. 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 Page | 2 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 Cryptid 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 | 3 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 / Verrier) Vote: Approved 5-0-1 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 it 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 | 4 The second Annual Puzzle Swap was a great success, with 279 attendees and 250 puzzles 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 6-0 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 RMLD and remind staff to park on the street if possible. Adjournment 7:40 p.m. Motion: To Adjourn (Egan / Verrier) Vote: Approved 6-0 Respectfully Submitted, Andrew Grimes, Secretary LOCAL HISTORY UPDATE Countries users live in: America United Kingdom Canada Australia Germany Czechia Netherlands Sweden Brazil 63,742 total visitors since January 2023 Average engagement time per user: 23 minutes 13 seconds Towns users live in: Reading Portsmouth Boston Woburn New York London Belmont Cheyenne Newburyport 60 patrons attended sessions since August 2022 3 patrons under the age of 16 Multiple family groups coming together to learn together “I am ecstatic to have received all this wonderful detailed information. So happy!!” “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.” Genealogy One on Ones “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!” “You provide a terrific service to Reading residents” Sent to William Hill from his mother, Harriet Robinson. At this time, Hill was stationed on the USS NEVADA during World War 1. The most unique postcard in our collection is a postcard of postcards 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 CONTINUING 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 Glass slides of Reading Boy Scouts in the 1910s Oral Histories of Reading Residents from the 1970s Continue to update the Chronicle database Continue researching unique stories and people from Reading QUESTIONS? P U B L I C S E R V I C E S W I N T E R Q U A R T E R 2 0 2 4 -2 0 2 5 B A B Y S N O W B A L L C R Y P T I D C L U B M A R A A N D M O T O K O M I S S R I T A , M Y S T E R Y R E A D E R T W E E N S C O O K C H I L D R E N S D R O N E C O D I N G K P O P C R A F T I N G T A B L E T O P G A M E S E X A M C R A M T E E N S A D U L T S H I G H L I G H T S : D E C E M B E R -F E B R U A R Y F O L K D A N C I N G C H A I R Y O G A G A R D E N I N G S E R I E S W I T H D E M E T R A S P E E C H L E S S C O N C E R T R O O T E D I N R E A D I N G 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 1 2 3 4 5 New & Renewed TAG: Teen Advisory Group STEM with Calli LiveWires: Lifelong Learning for 60+ The Real Story: Nonfiction Book Group Shelf Joy 2020 F R I E N D S S P E A K E R S E R I E SFRIENDS S P E A K E R S E R I E SFRIENDS S P E A K E R S E R I E S Celebrated authors and compelling speakers to watch live and on-demand, at home or at the library! QUESTIONS?