HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-10 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 dis cussed
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: 2025-02-10 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 dis cussed
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. RMLD Update on EV Charger Use
IV. Technology Plan Update
V. Financial Report
VI. Director's Report
VII. Discussion: Sunsetting or Extending the Ad Hoc Library
Landscape Committee
VIII. Approval January 13, 2025, Meeting Minutes
IX. Future Agenda Items
a. March
i. Spring Programming Update
ii. Policy Regarding Minors
b. April
i. OESJ Update
ii. New Trustee Introduction
TECHNOLOGYPLAN 2025
The Library is committed to staying
current with technology and providing
resources for the Reading community
to bridge the digital divide.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2024
Meeting Room Audio Visual Upgrade
New Library App
New Events and Meeting Reservation Software
Library staff will stay
updated on the use of
artificial intelligence
tools and other
emerging technologies
by participating in
conferences and
engaging in
professional
development activities.
LearnCreate
Library staff will implement a
redesigned patron tutorial
program that offers classes
and individualized technology
training, covering everything
from the basics to navigating
artificial intelligence tools and
other emerging technologies.
Educate
The library received a
3D printer, and staff will
test its capabilities and
consider how to
provide public access
to this service.
Explore
FUTURE STATE OF TECHNOLOGY
The library will create a
new website using
Communcio, our
current platform for the
library app, room
reservation system, and
events calendar
software.
Thank you.
As of January 31 (58%)Trustee Budget Summary
SUMMARY Orginal $$ Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance % Used
Municipal Salaries 1,754,250$ -$ 992,385$ -$ 761,865$ 56.57%
Municipal Expenses 143,000$ -$ 101,573$ -$ 41,427$ 71.03%
Municipal Materials 283,900$ -$ 153,972$ -$ 129,928$ 54.23%
Fines & Fees 13,606$ 7,227$ 5,671$ 3,002$ 12,159$ N/A
State Aid 75,579$ 33,039$ 32,371$ -$ 76,247$ N/A
Gifts 188,572$ 46,162$ 37,126$ -$ 197,607$ N/A
Trusts (Expendable Funds) 114,983$ -$ 554$ -$ 114,429$ N/A
TOTALS $2,573,889 $86,428 $1,323,652 $3,002 $1,333,662
Municipal Appropriation Orginal $$ Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance % Used
Salaries - Library Administration 468,400$ 266,263$ -$ 202,137$ 56.85%
Salaries - Leave Buyback* -$ -$ -$ -$
Salaries - Collection Services 506,450$ 297,146$ -$ 209,304$ 58.67%
Salaries - Public Services 779,400$ 428,977$ -$ 350,423$ 55.04%
Expenses - General
Library Maint Contract Supp 23,000$ 22,241$ -$ 759$ 96.70%
Professional Development 14,000$ 8,885$ -$ 5,115$ 63.47%
Library Programs 10,500$ 839$ -$ 9,661$ 7.99%
Software/ Licenses 70,500$ 60,357$ -$ 10,143$ 85.61%
Library Supplies 9,000$ 4,242$ -$ 4,758$ 47.13%
Office Supplies 5,000$ 1,731$ -$ 3,269$ 34.61%
Technology 11,000$ 3,279$ -$ 7,721$ 29.81%
Materials 283,900$ 153,972$ -$ 129,928$ 54.23%
Books 52,582$ -$
Audio 1,724$ -$
Video 1,801$ -$
Periodicals 1,019$ -$
Electronic Resources 48,049$ -$
Other Materials 6,149$ -$
Overdrive (eBooks / eAudiobooks) 42,649$ -$
TOTALS 2,181,150$ -$ 1,247,930$ -$ 933,220$ 57.21%
Fines and Fees Orginal $$Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance
Revenue (and Carryover)13,606$ 7,227$ -$ -$ $20,833
Materials 25$ -$ ($25)
Supplies 5,646$ 3,002$ ($8,648)
TOTALS 13,606$ 7,227$ 5,671$ 3,002$ $12,159
State Aid Orginal $$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$ 22,753$ -$ (22,258)$
Library Equipment 4,876$ -$ (4,876)$
TOTALS 75,579$ 33,039$ 32,371$ -$ 76,247$
Page 1
As of January 31 (58%)Trustee Budget Summary
Gifts & Donations Orginal $$ Adj/Income Expended Encumbered Balance
Revenue (and Carryover)46,109$ 16,448$ 12,182$ -$ 50,375$
Professional Development -$ 1,864$ -$ (1,864)$
Recreational -$ 1,643$ -$ (1,643)$
Programs & Services Adults 28,522$ -$ -$ -$ 28,522$
Programs & Services Teens 24,265$ -$ -$ -$ 24,265$
Programs & Services OESJ 11$ 823$ 80$ -$ 754$
Programs & Services Childrens 26,629$ -$ 561$ -$ 26,069$
Programs & Services- Local History 500$ -$ -$ -$ 500$
Studio 30,298$ -$ -$ -$ 30,298$
RPL Foundation -$ 28,891$ 18,891$ -$ 10,000$
Garden -$ -$ 1,905$ -$ (1,905)$
Other Gifts (Combined) 4,685$ -$ -$ -$ 4,685$
Materials 27,552$ -$ -$ -$ 27,552$
TOTALS 188,572$ 46,162$ 37,126$ -$ 197,607$
Trusts Original $$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
Professional Development
FY25 Update (July 2024 – December 2024)
FY25 BUDGET SUMMARY
The municipal FY25 Professional Development (PD) budget is $14,000 and may be
supplemented by state aid and gift funds as needed. We have spent about $8,750 so far and
expect to use the full PD budget with planned attendance at the May MLA Conference, a tuition
reimbursement request, various workshops, and other opportunities.
Actual FY24 expenditures totaled $21,729.34, exceeding the $14,000 municipal budget amount
by $7,729.34 of supplemental state aid, gifts, and trust funds. Attendance at the FY24 Public
Library Association (PLA) and Computers in Libraries Conference was a valuable learning
experience, but is not planned for FY25. Tuition reimbursement requests totaling approximately
$2,000 are expected for FY2025.
Conferences
23%
Memberships
18%
Workshops & Training
20%
Travel & Expenses
39%
FY25 Expenses as of January 1, 2025
Conferences
23%
Memberships
14%
Workshops & Training
13%
Travel & Expenses
41%
Tution Reimbursement
9%FY24 Expenses
PARTICIPATION
All regularly scheduled staff (not including substitutes or pages) engage in professional
development. Employees set learning goals during the annual performance review cycle, with
additional “as needed” training or education every year. Staff also participate in team and
division meetings, NOBLE working groups, professional committees, webinars, community
discussions, and more.
FY2025 (as of 1/1/25)
244 Reported Hours
169 Reported Sessions
FY2024
692 Reported Hours
357 Reported Sessions
All regularly scheduled staff and substitutes regularly attend meetings and undergo training on
a variety of topics including:
• Crisis Prevention Institute Verbal Intervention De-Escalation Training
• Cybersecurity Awareness
• Dementia Friendly Training
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Ethics and Conflict of Interest Law
• Harassment Prevention
• Human Resources and Personnel Policies Review
• Mental Health First Aid
• Privacy and Safety
• Strategic Planning and Action Planning
Admin
37%
Coll. Serv.
18%
Pub. Serv.
45%
FY25 PD by Division
Admin
23%
Coll. Serv.
21%
Pub. Serv.
56%
FY24 PD by Division
FY25 Conferences and Workshops
Staff are encouraged to attend conferences and workshops to develop their professional
knowledge and skills. Staff with conference attendance in their development plan or annual
review goals or who can show a direct connection to their position goals and duties receive
priority funding for these activities. All staff attending conferences are required to write
summary reports to share key learning takeaways with colleagues.
Conference/Workshop # of Staff
Attending
Cost
American Library Association (ALA) 2024 Core Forum
(Minneapolis, MN)
1 $1,242
Association for Library Service to Children’s (ALSC) National Institute
Conference (Denver, CO)
1 $1,797
Challenges and Solutions for Interpreting Enslavement in the North
(Virtual)
1 $25
How the Work of Fred Rogers Supports the Evolution of Public
Libraries (Virtual)
1 $47
Library Journal Budget Management Fundamentals (Virtual) 4 $860
Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) 2025 Annual Conference
(North Falmouth, MA)
11
(tentative)
TBD
New England Library Association (NELA) 2024 Annual Conference
(Portland, ME)
4 $1,463
Social Media Marketing and Engagement for Libraries (Virtual) 2 $420
Strategic Library Leadership Development Program hosted by Library
Leaders in New England (LLINE) (North Andover, MA)
1 $950
TechLogic TLCU conference (Virtual) 1 $99
TOTAL 26 $6,903
• Children’s Librarian Ashley Waring presented a NELA session on Inclusive Programming
for Neurodiverse Youth.
• Head of Public Services Andrea Fiorillo presented a NELA session on Intellectual
Freedom in New England.
• In March, the Children’s Department will engage in a presentation from Mary Grein
Rasner on the “Science of Reading for Kids” and work to expand the decodable
collection.
FY25 Professional Memberships
RPL staff are proud members of various professional organizations:
Organization # Staff Members Estimated Cost
American Association for
State and Local History
1 $45
American Library Association
(ALA)
7 $953
Association of College &
Research Librarians (ACRL)
1
$76
Association for Library
Service to Children (ALSC)
1 $53
Core: Leadership,
Infrastructure, Futures
(CORE)
1 $70
Intellectual Freedom Round
Table (IFRT)
1 $15
Massachusetts Library
Association (MLA)
13 $1,230
New England Library
Association (NELA)
10 $200
Public Library Association
(PLA)
4 $340
RUSA (Reference and User
Services Association)
1 $33
Sustainability Round Table 1 $15
Total 41 $3,030
RPL Staff Day 2024
RPL’s annual staff development day was held on Friday, November 1, 2024. This year's theme
was "Creating a Welcoming Community," and twenty-seven staff members gathered at UTEC in
Lowell. RPL chose this venue because of their important work with young people and their
dedication to sustainability (UTEC is now the oldest LEED Platinum Certified building in the
world).
The staff heard from New Americans Librarian Katelyn Duncan from the Worcester Public
Library there. The afternoon program included a Boott Cotton Mill Museum tour and a talk by a
National Park ranger about the historical and current impact of immigrants in Lowell and the
surrounding areas.
The day highlighted RPL’s core values of education, equity, access, and accountability.
Thank you to the Friends of RPL and the RPL Foundation who funded this year’s Staff
Development Day
Selected Activities (Workshops, Webinars, and More)
• A Mindful Approach to Stress
• Achieving Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Local
Government
• Adult Book Buzz Fall 2024/Winter 2025
• AI For Youth Services Workers
• Basic Google Sheets
• Beyond Books & Brews: Engaging Millennials & Gen-Z
• Beyond the Shelves and Manipulatives: Learning
Environments That Nurture Young Children
• Book Bans and Censorship: Managing Public Comments
Sessions and Materials Challenges
• Bridging the Divide: A Panel Discussion on Library Workers
Loneliness
• Building Bridges: Collecting Culturally Relevant Data
• Building Community Through Book Clubs
• Challenges & Crises: Preparing Your Board of Trustees
• Civic Literacy in Public Libraries: Why, What, and How
• Climate Change Communication: How and Why to Do It in
Libraries
• Co-Creating Library Services for Transformative Impact
• Crafting and Maintaining Effective Patron Policies for
Community Success
• Crisis Communications for Library Leaders
• Cultural Humility in Library Work
• Decodable Texts: Tap Into the Power to Support Beginning
Readers
• Digital Safety & Privacy for Librarians
• Disability in the Workplace
• Elements of Data Visualization and Design
• Engaging Beyond Our Walls: Libraries Connecting
Communities Through Outdoor Games and Stories
• Enhance Onboarding with Niche Academy
• Exploring Public Libraries Survey Data for Peer Comparisons
• Foundations of Self-Regulation
• From Audit to Action: Enhancing Accessibility
• Gemini AI: Hands-On Workshop
• Geopolitics of the Internet and Its Implications for the
Governance of AI
• Getting Teens to Work for You: Managing Teen Volunteers in
Libraries
• Hosting Accessible Events and Meetings
• How Do We Rebuild Trust in Authoritative Information
Sources?
• How the Age of Misinformation Can Work for and Against
Your Library: Strategies for Success
• Incident Command Training
• Inclusive Language Skills: Writing about People with
Disabilities
• Introduction to Cataloging and Data Equity
• It's Called Praxis (What Cis Managers Need to Know to
Support Trans Staff)
• Jargon-Free Libraries: Using the Language of Our Patrons
• Leadership Strategies for Building Connection and Defusing
Difficult Situations
• Lessons Learned from a Library Rebrand
• Loose Parts Alive: Exploring Nature with Preschoolers
• Loud and Proud! Maximizing Your Accessibility Info for Guests
• Managing Google Shared Drives
• Managing Your Own Emotions During Conflict
• Media Literacy & Misinformation
• Meet Me at the Corner of Cat and Circ
• Misinformation and Conspiracy Theory Trends: Advice for
Libraries
• Narcan Administration Training
• Partnerships and Building Relationships: How, Why, and Who
• Polls, Politics, and People: Fostering Psychological Safety in
Intergenerational Workforces
• Prejudice: How to Respond to Prejudicial Comments from
Customers
• Preparing for Program Challenges at Your Public Library
• Putting the Patron First: A Subject Based Classification System
• Redefining Accessibility: A Disability Justice Approach
• Reflect, Realign & Ready for Impact: Strategic Data-Driven
Planning for Library Leaders
• Repair Cafes in Libraries
• Resilient Leadership: Powering Through in Local Government
• Science X Design: Incorporating Science & Lived Experience
into Early Childhood Program Design
• Setting Boundaries with Patrons
• Social Media Marketing and Engagement for Libraries
• Strategies for Communicating Across Generations in the
Workplace
• Strengthening Your Communication Skills
• Supporting English Language Learners at Your Library
• The Basics of Online Research for Historic Buildings
• The New England Teen Summit
• Transforming Senior Services and Outreach
• Unlock the Potential of Asset Mapping
• Voter Engagement in the First AI Election: Fighting
Misinformation & Disinformation
• What Counts? Finding Meaningful Metrics
• Who Let the Dogs in? Using Therapy Dogs to Help Your
Patrons De-stress
• Winning Back-to-School Activities for Every Age
• Yoga and Mindfulness Techniques for Calm Kids (and
Librarians!)
1 | P a g e
February 10, 2025 Board of Library Trustees Meeting
V. FINANCIAL REPORT
a) FY25 Update: The FY25 budget is doing well. We continue to run approximately 1.4%
under budget for salaries.
Attached to this report is a summary of the YTD professional development activities and
spending. This is a mid-year snapshot and things are on track. Spending will be less
than FY24 which included attendance to the Public Library Association biennial
conference. RPL is a learning organization and continuing education is essential to
providing services to the Reading community.
b) December Gifts:
DONOR AMOUNT PURPOSE
Judith Holden $1,000 Special recognition of Jocelyn
Guld’s local history research
Phyllis Doherty $25 In memory of Edward B. Doherty,
DDS
Cash Donations $28 General
Total $1,053
VI. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
a) January Snapshot
Physical Circulation Overdrive Circulation
2 | P a g e
Usage January 2025 December 2024 January 2024
Circulation 25,448 25,626 27,307
Locker Use 69 46 41
Meeting Rooms Rentals 33 29 21
Museum Passes 184 152 134
New Library Cards 101 79 51
Overdrive 6,185 5,512 4,361
Programs 58 42 54
Reference Questions 1,975 1,751 2,245
Visitors 15,281 13,138 13,513
Volunteer Hours 13.5 24.5 N/A
b) Services, Programs, and Collections
i) Annual MLK Event: January 20, 2025, was a wonderful community event despite a
little snow. It was a terrific example of teamwork with DPW, Facilities, Food
Services, OESJ and lots of volunteers pulling together to make things safe and fun.
ii) Sparkly Storytime: Another great Pride Storytime went smoothly with over 60
participants. Thank you to everyone who planned and showed up for this event. We
gave away 15 copies of the book for the visiting authors to sign, the guest reader felt
welcomed, and everyone had a blast!
iii) RPL has resurrected LiveWires: Lifelong Learning for Older Adults. The first event
was a folk dancing series at the Unitarian Church- a frolicking success. Thank you,
Elizabeth for getting the series off to a great start. LiveWires first launched in 2007
and ran for about 10 years under that name.
iv) Exam Cram was very successful with about 110 teens stopping by to prep for
midterms.
c) Rooted in Reading Grant (So much!)
i) RPL hosted a terrific Visible Mending workshop with local artist Cathy Karp. This
was a hands-on class where attendees learned about sustainable mending. Cathy
shared supplies and a variety of techniques. Attendees asked for more programs
like this. It was a great opportunity to promote the new Craft & Hobby database.
ii) RPL hosted the Climate Advisory Committee’s public session on tree preservation in
Reading.
iii) The “Season Your Way to a Healthier You” had (25) attendees. Not only did
participants learn about the different types of herbs and spices, but the presenter
3 | P a g e
shared her extensive medical background, explaining the tremendous health
benefits of each. Each attendee created their own spice/herb mix.
iv) The Monarch Gardener shared her tremendous knowledge of the monarch butterfly
with a group of 22, including 2 children. Following the presentation each participant
got to make several common milkweed seed balls to spread the sole food for the
monarchs.
v) Check out CR’s Plant Lab with sprouting basil, thyme, rosemary, and more.
d) Horizons
i) February
(1) RPL is working on hiring a Substitute Librarian to fill in RR, CR, GF Desks
(2) February Vacation Week will feature some messy-art-programming (drop-in) and
some registered programming for tweens.
(3) Shelf Joy launches at the end of February, look out for the whimsy
(4) Green Burial program with partner Reading Neighbor’s Network is coming in
February
(5) The next (full registration) English at Large session will run on Mondays from
February through early May.
ii) March
(1) Craft Swap
(2) Teen Author Visit: Tara Sullivan
iii) General
(1) Plans to expand and refresh Chinese-language print collection.
(2) There will be an exhibit sometime this spring that will feature sculptures of
endangered animals created by RMHS students.
(3) RPL will host a group from Simmons' LIS 476 class. Thank you to Jocelyn who
will share her experience as an archivist/reference specialist and discuss a
special project.
iv) Trustee Dates:
(1) March 5 and 12, 2025 FINCOM Budget Review
(2) March 10, 2025, General Meeting
(3) April 8, 2025, Local Elections
(4) April 14, 2025, General Meeting
(5) April 28, May 1, 5, and 8, 2025, Annual Town Meeting
4 | P a g e
e) Personnel
February Anniversaries
• Michelle Filleul (21 years)
• Desiree Zicko (5 years)
f) Professional Development (selected)
• 60 Tips for School and Youth Services in 60 Minutes
• Adult Programs That Work
• Agile in the Library: Principles and Tools for Managing Teams and Strengthening
Change
• AI Hour Community Chat
• Building Community: Strategies for Coming Together
• Doing What Matters: Values in the Library
• Finding Inclusive Reads for Every Reader with Novelist
• How the Work of Fred Rogers Supports the Evolution of Public Libraries
• Let’s Collaborate: Teen-Adult Partnerships to Enhance Youth Leadership
• Massachusetts: Introduction to Public Records
• Standing Up for Libraries: The Next 100 Days
• The Science of Reading in Action: Misunderstandings of the Science of Reading
• Tired of Hearing, "I Didn't Know the Library Did That"? Here's Your Fix!
• “Windows and Mirrors” in Visual Storytelling
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Lannon, Director (she/her)
February 6, 2025
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
Page | 1
2016-09-22 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 Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Meeting Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Cappy Popp, Chair; Patrick Egan, Vice-Chair (remote); Andrew Grimes,
Secretary; Cherrie Dubois; Andrew Gregory (remote); Monette Verrier
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Amy Lannon, Director; Michelle Filleul, Assistant Director;
Meaghan Clemente, Administrative Assistant; Joseph McDonagh, Finance
Committee Liaison to Reading Public Library
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Andrew Grimes, Secretary
Topics of Discussion:
I. Call to Order 7:01 p.m.
II. Public Comment
No public comments were made in person or remotely.
III. Community Outreach and Engagement Report
Ms. Filleul presented an update on community outreach and engagement. These
strategic initiatives forge community relationships and facilitate access to library
programs, services, and resources. Outreach efforts target infrequent users, nonusers,
and traditionally underserved groups such as immigrants, refugees, New Americans,
and people experiencing hunger, homelessness, poverty, and geographic isolation.
Community engagement efforts empower library users, residents, and organizations to
take the lead in services and programs that benefit the community. The Library is
committed to connecting all community members with opportunities to grow and learn
and strives to provide resources to support a welcoming and engaged community.
The Library has booths at major community events such as the Reading Garden Club
Plant Sale, Friends and Family Day, Fall Street Faire, Discover the Arts Festival, and the
YMCA Health Fair. The Library hosts annual events like Vehicle Day and the Connected
Reading community open house. RPL offers tax assistance at the Library in partnership
with the Pleasant Street Center. The Library also works with the Public Health
Department to host community vaccine clinics. We hosted an Adult Autism Support
Center Resource Fair in November in collaboration with Northeast Arc. The Library hosts
Page | 2
multilingual summer tutoring, allowing teachers and students to build their learning
relationships and comfort levels with the Library.
The Library book bike brought books, bubbles, stickers, and smiles to five Reading
Recreation summer performances. Two Treats and Beats concerts were also held at
local apartment complexes to reach the families of multilingual learners. The Library
hopes to further engage these community members through additional offerings at
apartment complexes and extended day programs.
Deposit collections include materials that have been checked out for extended borrowing
and are not available in the Library catalog. Books are gifted to users of the Reading
Food Pantry. Items are borrowed and returned at other deposit collection sites on the
honor system. The Library understands that some items may not be returned. The
Library will explore the possibility of using excess books donated to the Friends of the
Reading Public Library book sale turret in deposit collections. Excess donations are
donated to other charitable organizations.
Five deposit collections provide direct access to library materials at the Sawtelle Hospice
House, Pleasant Street Center, Peter Sanborn Place, Reading Food Pantry, and the
Solstice House. Staff are developing additional deposit collections for nearby apartment
buildings.
The Library will expand relationships and partnerships with community groups and Town
Departments in 2025. The Library will work on translating promotional materials,
resource guides, and library card sign-up forms into Portuguese to promote accessibility.
Overall, community outreach and engagement enhance the value of Library services for
everyone.
IV. RMLD EV Charger Update
Ms. Lannon is working with the Reading Municipal Light Department to review data
reports, statistics, and parking space pavement line discrepancies versus state grant
requirements associated with its electric vehicle charging stations to determine if at least
one parking space could be recovered for regular public use. Director of Integrated
Resources Megan Wu will present possible options and usage data at the Board’s
February 10 meeting.
The Library’s Level 3 DC Fast Charger offers the only publicly available expedited
charging experience in Reading. Although the Level 3 charger experienced some
downtime over the summer, visitors use both chargers daily. There are no plans to
upgrade the Library's existing Level 2 charger to Level 3. The length of charging cables
and different plug standards on the nozzles allow for diverse charging experiences.
RMLD will analyze usage percentages and the timing of charging sessions to maximize
parking efficiency while continuing to support community sustainability initiatives.
However, measuring usage and turnover in regular Library parking spots is challenging.
Two parking spots are associated with each charger, with additional accessibility space
at each end of the charging area. Both chargers are currently operational, and RMLD is
working to improve communications around any future outages.
V. Library Landscape Committee Update
The Ad Hoc Library Landscape Committee has been regularly meeting for approximately
two years to explore the possible expansion and enhancement of the Library’s outdoor
space. The Committee has collaborated with Activitas to develop a value-engineered
landscape architectural design concept. The proposed terrace will be on the hillside
Page | 3
outside the Conference Room. It will include a small patio/performance area, seating
area, landscaping improvements, sustainable gardening elements, and a historic
Highland School sink fountain. These improvements will enhance outdoor Library
programming, especially during the warmer weather.
The estimated project budget is $350,000, funded entirely through non-municipal
sources, including gifts, state aid, and fundraising initiatives. The Reading Public Library
Foundation has expressed its enthusiasm and support for the project. The Foundation
has committed to funding up to $350,000 for the project through its current efforts,
investments, and ongoing fundraising. The RPL Foundation will revise this funding
commitment if the project exceeds this budget.
The Committee is seeking the Board's formal approval of the project and the allocation
of approximately 10% of the projected cost for the design bid process. These funds will
come from the Library’s existing gifts or state aid reserves. There is also some trust fund
income available. This initial investment will allow the Library Director and a Committee
representative to collaborate with Town Procurement to develop a detailed scope of
work and issue a design bid for the project. Ideally, RPL will select a designer based on
proposed cost estimates once funding is fully secured.
The only other major Library project on the horizon is a potential Teen Space refresh, as
mentioned in the new 5-year strategic plan. The Teen Space project would be similar in
budget and scope to the Tween Space recently established in the Children's Room. That
process involved young patrons working with designers on new furniture, collections,
and other updates. There are dedicated gift funds for Teens.
Ms. Dubois clarified that Dr. Genady Pilyavsky had stepped down from the Committee
due to other obligations.
Motion: To approve the release of up to $40,000 from Library gift and state aid funds to
commence the design bidding procurement process for the outdoor Library Terrace
landscape project.
(Dubois / Verrier)
Vote: Approved 6-0
VI. Financial Report
The FY25 budget is on track. There are no significant items or concerns that require
attention at this time. The Finance Committee will review the FY26 budget in March.
VII. Director’s Report
December usage statistics remain steady despite a slight dip due to holiday closures.
The new Craft & Hobby online platform provides patrons with access to a curated
collection of creative educational videos and resources. The Library has also become a
FamilySearch affiliate library, offering access to extensive digital genealogical
collections. Users can access Craft & Hobby both in the Library and at home.
IT and AVI-SPL have completed the upgrades to the Community and Conference room
technology. RPL will highlight these improvements and the new meeting room
reservation system in a publicity campaign to increase public utilization of these spaces.
Program highlights include a Baby Snow Ball Dance Party, a multigenerational K-Pop
Craft Event, a Winter Solstice celebration, and a STEAM-focused Drone Adventure
Workshop for teens. The Friends Speaker Series has reached almost 8,000 views since
June.
Page | 4
Rooted in Reading programming included a multigenerational Green Holiday
Centerpiece workshop, Children's Plant Lab interactive fungi exploration, and a climate
change photography lecture presented by Julia Cumes. Other efforts include expanding
the Seed Library and the gardening displays. A progress report on the grant will be filed
with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners in February or March.
The Office of Equity and Social Justice is hosting a Martin Luther King Jr. Day
community celebration at the Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center on
Monday, January 20, at 9:30 a.m.
VIII. Approval of December 9, 2024, Meeting Minutes
Motion: To approve the minutes of the December 9, 2024, Trustee Meeting as written.
(Grimes / Verrier)
Vote: Approved 6-0
IX. Future Agenda Items
In February, Ms. Filleul will give an update on the Technology plan. Reading Municipal
Light Department Director of Integrated Resources Megan Wu will present an update on
the electric vehicle chargers and parking at the Library.
In March, Public Services Division Head Andrea Fiorillo will present an update on spring
programming, and the Board will review the Policy Regarding Minors as needed.
Adjournment 7:48 p.m.
Motion: To Adjourn (Verrier / Popp)
Vote: Approved 6-0
Respectfully Submitted,
Andrew Grimes, Secretary
OUtreach and
community
engagement
W h a t i s
o u t r e a c h &
c o m m u n i t y
e n g a g e m e n t ?
The ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy, and
Outreach Services (ODLOS) defines outreach as
services for infrequent users, nonusers, or
traditionally underserved.
Outreach
Community engagement
Community engagement involves collaborating
with library users, residents, and organizations—to
address community issues. It emphasizes allowing
these members to take the lead in services and
programs that benefit the community.
building
community,
making
connections
Reading Public Library’s
mission is to connect all
people with opportunities to
grow and learn and to
provide resources to support
a welcoming and engaged
community.
seven
Community
events
Five Reading
Recreation
Summer
Performances
Two Treats
and Beats
concerts
Reading Garden Club Plant Sale
Friends and Family Day
Vehicle Day
Fall Street Faire
Discover the Arts Festival
YMCA Health Fair
Connected Reading
Staff brought books, bubbles,
stickers and smiles to the
performances.
Concerts were held at
apartment buildings near
Washington Park, and at the
Lakeview Ave apartments.
Community Outreach and
Support Initiatives in 2024
Five deposit
collections
Sawtelle Hospice House
Pleasant Street Center
Peter Sanborn Place
Food Pantry
Solstice House
Be present
and active
with the
Community
expand
relationships
with
community
groups & Town
Depts.
Additional
services for
MLL Families
Continue to participate in
community events.
Invite Community organizations to
partner with the library for events
Reading Recreation
Northeast Arc: Adult Autism
Support Center
CATO
Pleasant Street Center
We will continue to meet these
families where they are, at the
apartment complexes and with
the extended day programs
2025 Action plan and goals
Add more
deposit
collections
Summit Towers
Cedar Glen
Augustus Court
Frank Tanner