HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-11 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.
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2018-07-16 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Board of Library Trustees
Date: 2025-08-11 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 excluding
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 will 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 Conference Room at the Reading Public
Library and remotely on Zoom. It will also be available streamed live through RCTV
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Meeting ID: 861 1729 7460
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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.
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I. Call to Order
II. Public Comment
III. Proclamation for National Library Card Sign-up Month
IV. Meeting Room Use Report
V. Review: Meeting Room Policy and Fees
VI. Financial Report
VII. Director's Report
VIII. Approval of July 14, 2025, Meeting Minutes
IX. Future Agenda Items
a. September
i. Fall Programming & Summer Reading Report
ii. Library Terrace Update
iii. State of the Collection
iv. Review: Collection Development Policy/RFR as
needed
b. October
i. Toys for Tots collection request
ii. Policy discussion and vote as needed
iii. Review: Policy on Distribution, Posting, and
collection of Materials
iv. OTHER: Financial Forum
Meeting Room Policy
MEETING ROOM POLICY
Statement of Policy
The Board of Library Trustees of the Reading Public Library subscribes in full to
the Library Bill of Rights as set forth by the American Library Association.
The Board of Library Trustees has established this policy regarding use of the
Library meeting and conference rooms, and is the sole authority in interpreting
these rules and regulations. The Director is authorized to accept reservations for
the use of these rooms in accordance with this policy, and to deny or immediately
terminate permission to any group whose programs or policies are inconsistent
with the best interest do not align with the Reading Public Library’s Mission of the
Library or that violates this policy. The Director's interpretation of these rules and
regulations shall prevail, subject to the final decision of the Board of Library
Trustees.
The primary purpose for the Library meeting and conference rooms is to
accommodate current and future Library programming needs. This includes use by
Reading Public Library, the Board of Library Trustees, Friends of the Reading
Public Library, and Reading Public Library Foundation. After these needs have
been met, these spaces are available on equal terms to agencies of the Town,
Reading not-for-profit groups and residents of Reading regardless of beliefs and
affiliations, provided that the meetings are open to the public. Use of the Library's
meeting and conference rooms does not imply endorsement of the group's or
individual’s policies, beliefs, or programs by the Reading Public Library, Board of
Library Trustees, or the Town of Reading. The use of public resources, such as
public buildings, for political campaign purposes, including promoting or opposing
a candidate or political party, is generally prohibited.
All publicity materials for non-Library meetings, events or programs must state that
the program is not endorsed or sponsored by the Reading Public Library, The
Board of Library Trustees, or Library staff.
The Applicant signing for the organization or resident assumes responsibility for
the conduct of participants and the protection of Library property in connection with
the meeting, event or program. Signee must be at least 18 years old and be an
active member of the sponsoring group or a Reading resident. The Trustees, the
Library, and the Town of Reading will be not responsible for injury to persons or
property while the building or grounds are used by any group.
Eligibility
Meeting spaces may be rented by Town/government agencies, nonprofits that
serve Reading, or Reading residents provided:
1. The meeting, event or program serves an educational, cultural, or civic
purpose to the community.
2. Applicants do not charge any fees for registration or attendance, with the
exception of Library fundraising activities which require permission from the
Meeting Room Policy
Board of Library Trustees.
3. Meetings, events or programs are open to the public and doors remain
unlocked at all times.
4. The primary clientele are Reading residents.
5. Applicants do not offer sale of any goods or services, or collect attendee
information without permission
6. Applicants agree to pay for any additional fees for special services as outlined
in the “Fee Schedule.”
7. Use is limited to twelve (12) reservations per calendar year.
Library meeting room rentals are intended for occasional use. Clubs, groups or
meetups that have membership fees may not use the library as a primary meeting
location.
General Rules for Room Use
1. Meetings cannot conflict with regular Library services or programs.
2. The Library Trustees reserve the right to refuse the use of the Library meeting
and conference rooms or cancel any reservation when they deem the action
to be in the best interest of the Library and/or Town of Reading.
3. The Applicant requesting the reservation will be the primary contact and the -
submission will signify understanding and acceptance of all rules and
regulations, responsibility for payment of all designated fees, and the
responsibility for all rules being followed by the participants in the program.
Failure to follow regulations and/or make appropriate payments will affect
requests by this individual’s organization in the futuretimely payments may
impact future requests from this individual’s organization.
4. All rental applications must be submitted online at least five two (52) business
days and no earlier than ninety (90) business days in advance of the date
and time of the event.
5. Payment is due with within two (2) business days of notification of
approval. The Library may cancel the reservation due to non-payment
6. Full refunds are issued when:
a. Cancellations by the Applicant are received at least one business day
in advance of the event.
b. If the Library is closed due to weather.
c. If the Library must cancel the event due to scheduling conflicts.
7. If rental period or services exceed the initial agreed upon fee, the Applicant
will be billed within five (5) days.
8. The rental period is calculated by hour and includes any time for setup or
breakdown.
9. Room rental does not include any custodial assistance with set up or break
down, or general technology assistance. Each room comes with specified
Meeting Room Policy
furniture and equipment. For additional services, please see the “Schedule of
Fees.”
10. The Applicant may request custodial or technical assistance (fees apply) no
less than five (5) business days in advance of the program.
Meeting Room Policy
11. Rates and fees are subject to change without prior notice. Additional fees
may apply when paying by credit card.
12. All meeting rooms must be cleared 10 minutes before scheduled closing time
to avoid incurring additional fees.
13. All publicity materials for non-Library meetings, events or programs must
state that the program is not endorsed or sponsored by the Reading Public
Library, The Board of Library Trustees, or Library staff. The Applicant may
include the Library address and location in any publicity materials, but may
not use the Library telephone number or email as a contact point .
14. The Library reserves the right to send a representative to any event held in
the facility in order to ensure that no unlawful action or action contrary to this
policy or the Patron Rights and Responsibilities policy is occurring.
15. The Library reserves the right to cancel a reservation when the Applicant or
their representative is not present within 30 minutes after the reservation start
time.
16. Applicants and attendees will adhere to the Reading Public Library Patron
Rights and Responsibilities policy.
17. Facilities must be left neat and orderly. The Applicant is responsible for
removing all food and beverages.
18. Library staff is not available to help with set up.
19. Nothing may be attached to the walls.
20. Damage to the facilities must be reported promptly.
21. Light refreshments in the form of beverages and finger foods may be served.
22. No smoking, vaping or alcoholic beverages.
23. Storage of material for groups is not permitted within the Library. The Library
is not responsible for equipment, supplies, exhibit materials or other materials
owned by a group or individual and used in the Library.
24. Any meeting that includes children or teens requires one (1) adult for every
fifteen (15) individuals under the age of 14.
25. When the Library is open, non-handicapped individuals attending programs
are requested to park on those portions of Middlesex Avenue, Deering or
School Streets directly adjacent to Library property. The parking lot is
available for use after hours.
Meeting Room Policy
Fee Schedule
Room Rental Fees Government
Agencies
Reading
Nonprofit
Reading
Individual
Community Room A/B (Max. capacity 120)
Rental includes 50 chairs, 10 tables, podium w/
microphone*; access to projector and screen.
No Fee $20 / 3 hrs $40 / 3 hrs
Community Room A (60)
Rental includes 30 chairs, 5 tables, 1 podium*;
access to projector and screen.
No Fee $10 / 3 hrs $20 / 3 hrs
Community Room B (60)
Rental includes 30 chairs, 5 tables.*
No Fee $10 / 3 hrs $20 / 3 hrs
Conference Room (25)
Rental includes conference table and chairs;
laptop/wireless access to screen.
No Fee $10 / 3 hrs $20 / 3 hrs
*Does not include set up of table and chairs.
Additional Fees Government
Agencies
Reading
Nonprofit
Reading
Individual
Standard Custodial
Monday-Friday 9am-8pm
$38 / hr
(1 hr min)
$38 / hr
(1 hr min)
$38 / hr
(1 hr min)
Weekend, Holiday Custodial $50 / hr
(3 hr min)
$50 / hr
(3 hr min)
$50 / hr
(3 hr min)
General Technology Assistance * No Fee $30 / hr
(1 hr min.)
$30 / hr
(1 hr. min)
DVD/Blu Ray No Fee $25 / 3 hrs $25 / 3 hrs
Additional Microphone / Wireless Microphones No Fee $25 / 3 hrs $25 / 3 hrs
Meeting Room Policy
Piano Fee ** No Fee $25 / 3 hrs $25 / 3 hrs
Additional Tables No Fee $5 / table $5 / table
Kitchen Access No Fee $10 / 3 hrs $10 / 3 hrs
*Technology Assistance must be requested at least five (5) business days in
advance and is only available during regular Library hours.
**Piano use must be approved by Library Director.
Adopted: June 15, 1998
Amended: August 15, 2016
Amended: February 11, 2017
Amended: February 1, 2019
Amended: July 12, 2021
Amended: September 11, 2023
Amended: September 9, 2024
As of July 31 (8%)Trustee Budget Summary
SUMMARY Orginal $$ Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance % Used
Municipal Salaries 1,810,050$ -$ 129,157$ -$ 1,680,893$ 7.14%
Municipal Expenses 156,000$ -$ 12,935$ -$ 143,065$ 8.29%
Municipal Materials 294,000$ -$ 19,884$ -$ 274,116$ 6.76%
Fines & Fees 12,349$ 1,263$ 3,201$ -$ 10,411$ N/A
State Aid 75,579$ -$ 393$ -$ 75,186$ N/A
Gifts 179,746$ 50$ 19,651$ (18,602)$ 178,747$ N/A
Trusts (Expendable Funds) 107,323$ -$ 288$ -$ 107,036$ N/A
TOTALS $2,635,047 $1,313 $185,509 ($18,602) $2,469,453
Municipal Appropriation Orginal $$ Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance % Used
Salaries - Library Administration 485,300$ 35,404$ -$ 449,896$ 7.30%
Salaries - Leave Buyback* -$ 920$ -$ (920)$
Salaries - Collection Services 537,350$ 37,914$ -$ 499,436$ 7.06%
Salaries - Public Services 787,400$ 54,919$ -$ 732,481$ 6.97%
Expenses - General
Library Maint Contract Supp 24,000$ -$ -$ 24,000$ 0.00%
Professional Development 14,000$ 342$ -$ 13,658$ 2.45%
Library Programs 4,000$ 47$ -$ 3,953$ 1.17%
Software/ Licenses 74,000$ 11,260$ -$ 62,741$ 15.22%
Library Supplies 9,000$ 714$ -$ 8,286$ 7.93%
Office Supplies 5,000$ 147$ -$ 4,853$ 2.95%
Technology 9,000$ 396$ -$ 8,604$ 4.40%
OESJ (NEW) 17,000$ 29$ -$ 16,971$ 0.17%
Materials 294,000$ 19,884$ -$ 274,116$ 6.76%
Books 4,031$ -$
Audio 44$ -$
Video -$ -$
Periodicals 149$ -$
Electronic Resources 9,678$ -$
Other Materials 2,260$ -$
Overdrive (eBooks / eAudiobooks)3,722$ -$
TOTALS 2,260,050$ -$ 161,976$ -$ 2,098,074$ 7.17%
Fines and Fees Orginal $$ Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance
Revenue (and Carryover)12,349$ 1,263$ -$ -$ $13,612
Materials -$ -$
Supplies 3,201$ -$ ($3,201)
TOTALS 12,349$ 1,263$ 3,201$ -$ $10,411
State Aid Orginal $$ Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance
Revenue (and Carryover)75,579$ -$ -$ -$ 75,579$
Expenses -$
Office Supplies -$ -$ -$ -$ -$
Professional Development -$ -$ -$ -$ -$
Materials -$ -$ 60$ -$ (60)$
Library Other -$ -$ 100$ -$ (100)$
Library Equipment -$ -$ 233$ -$ (233)$
TOTALS 75,579$ -$ 393$ -$ 75,186$
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As of July 31 (8%)Trustee Budget Summary
Gifts & Donations Orginal $$ Adj/Income Expended Encumbered Balance
Revenue (and Carryover)38,498$ 50$ 18,614$ (18,602)$ 38,536$
Professional Development -$ -$ -$ -$ -$
Recreational -$ -$ -$ -$ -$
Programs & Services Adults 27,922$ -$ -$ -$ 27,922$
Programs & Services Teens 24,265$ -$ -$ -$ 24,265$
Programs & Services OESJ 2,196$ -$ -$ -$ 2,196$
Programs & Services Childrens 25,870$ -$ -$ -$ 25,870$
Programs & Services- Local History 500$ -$ -$ -$ 500$
Other Gifts (Combined) 3,771$ -$ -$ -$ 3,771$
Garden -$ -$ 1,037$ -$ (1,037)$
Studio 28,415$ -$ -$ -$ 28,415$
RPL Foundation 647$ -$ -$ -$ 647$
Materials 27,662$ -$ -$ -$ 27,662$
TOTALS 179,746$ 50$ 19,651$ (18,602)$ 178,747$
Trusts Original $$Avail/Income Expended Encumbered Expendable Balance
Appleton / Mansfield 8,544$ -$ -$ -$ 8,544$
Edward Appleton 38,060$ -$ 288$ -$ 37,772$
R/M Babcock 3,555$ -$ -$ -$ 3,555$
Stephen Foster 7,893$ -$ -$ -$ 7,893$
Charles Torrey 1,377$ -$ -$ -$ 1,377$
Donald Tuttle 1,159$ -$ -$ -$ 1,159$
Elaine & George Long 37,581$ -$ -$ -$ 37,581$
Barbara Hewitt 7,408$ -$ -$ -$ 7,408$
James Rawstron 1,746$ -$ -$ -$ 1,746$
TOTALS 107,323$ -$ 288$ -$ 107,036$
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$
"…for the purchase of books other than those listed as fiction" (NONFICTION BOOKS)
"Purchase of books, paintings, engravings, works of art or other suitable useful furnishings for
said library.
James Rawstron
Donald Tuttle
Elane & George Long
Barbara Hewitt
R/M Babcock
Stephen Foster
Charles Torrey
Appleton / Mansfield
Edward Appleton
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FY26 Supplemental Spending
Summary
The Library’s FY26 municipal operating budget is $2,260,050, with the following breakdown:
Salaries $1,810,050 80.1%
Materials $294,000 13%
Supplies, Licenses, Equipment Maintenance, Technology $121,000 5.3%
OESJ (New) $17,000 0.8%
Professional Development $14,000 0.6%
Programs $4,000 0.2%
TOTAL: $2,260,050
RPL receives additional funds through State Aid, gifts, and income from trusts. FY26's
recommended supplemental spending is $85,000 or 3.8% of the municipal budget.
State Aid $35,000
Gifts $17,000
Trusts $28,500
TOTAL: $80,500
These spending recommendations will:
▪ pay for final design and bid work for the Library Terrace Project
▪ supplement professional development and tuition reimbursement for employees
▪ provide additional funding programs and events
▪ fund all marketing and communications efforts to raise awareness of library services
▪ purchase general furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) to enhance staff work areas,
patron accessibility, and outdoor spaces
▪ supplement the materials budget
These amounts do NOT include $18,602 for the Library of Things Lockers. These funds were
encumbered in FY25 and fully expended in FY26.
State Aid: Description and Details
The Library maintains certification standards and requirements to receive State Aid. State Aid
funds may be used for any purpose. RPL uses State Aid for marketing and communications
costs, purchasing new or replacement FF&E, and supplementing various municipal operations
budget lines. Please visit the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners website for more
details on the State Aid to Public Libraries program.
State Aid spending recommendations are usually based on the previous fiscal year’s award. Due
to expected cuts in federal and state funding, FY26 spending will be 53% of the FY25 award of
$65,859.
FY26 Recommended State Aid Spending ($30,000)
At the end of FY25, the available State Aid funds totaled $105,463. As noted above, the budget
for State Aid spending for FY26 will be 53% of the FY25 award.
Equipment, furnishings, and technology $10,000
Materials (as needed) $4,000
Professional Development $8,000
Marketing and communications $13,000
TOTAL: $35,000
Gifts: Description and Details
RPL receives directed and unrestricted financial gifts. Please see the Library’s Gift Policy for
more information.
The Reading Public Library Foundation (RPLF) regularly gives money to RPL to be used at the
discretion of the Board of Library Trustees, provided the funds are not used for salaries or
expenses that are the responsibility municipal budget.
Financial gifts are reported to the Board of Library Trustees. Donors receive a card or letter of
acknowledgment in thanks and for tax-deduction purposes. If requested, RPL also sends
acknowledgments of gifts to third parties.
Revenue in the form of gifts varies from year to year. In FY25, RPL received $15,294 in
donations. Additionally, the town’s insurance provider, MIIA, reimbursed $3,088 for the
purchase and installation of ergonomic equipment and upgrades for employee workstations.
FY26 Recommended Gift Spending ($17,000)
At the end of FY25, the available gift funds totaled $160,405. Planned supplemental spending
from these accounts is $17,000.
Equipment & Furnishings $11,000
Programs and Services $2,000
Miscellaneous $4,000
TOTAL: $17,000
Trusts: Description and Details
Town meeting establishes trust funds at the request of the Board of Library Trustees or
community members. The Commissioners of Trust Funds, a volunteer town board appointed by
the Select Board, oversee trust investments to generate revenue and provide sustaining
support outside the tax levy. (https://www.readingma.gov/325/Commissioners-of-Trust-Funds)
RPL has nine (9) trusts managed by the Commissioners. Each trust specifies what the funds may
be used for (e.g. audio, nonfiction, etc.). In FY22, the Trustees voted to transfer $60,000 of
undesignated donations from Gifts to Trusts, allowing these monies to earn interest. These
funds can be spent on expenses including materials, furnishings, or special projects . In FY25, the
expendable funds earned $14,388 in interest.
FY26 Recommended Trust Spending ($28,500)
At the end of FY25, the available balance of expendable trust funds totaled $111,514. Planned
FY26 supplemental spending from these accounts is $28,000 and will be spent according to
individual trust guidelines.
Library Terrace $20,000
Materials $8,500
TOTAL: $28,500
Respectfully submitted,
Amy F. Lannon, Library Director
August 7, 2025
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AUGUST 2025 Board of Library Trustees Meeting
VI. FINANCIAL REPORT
a) FY26 Supplemental Spending Recommendations
b) July Gifts:
DONOR AMOUNT PURPOSE
Various Cash Donations $74.00 General use
Total $74.00
VII. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
a) July Snapshot
CIRCULATION TRENDS OVERDRIVE COMPARISON
Usage July 2025 June 2025 July 2024
Circulation 30,859 25,555 33,814
Locker Use 97 63 77
Meeting Rooms Rentals 14 28 25
Museum Passes 286 202 216
New Library Cards 143 99 149
Overdrive 6,017 5,865 5,328
Programs 39 44 45
Reference Questions 2,135 1,974 2,217
Visitors 15,868 15,526 16,699
Volunteer Hours 41 68.25 113
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b) Facilities Update: The Facilities Department continues to work with the vendor on
ongoing issues. One of the two compressors is still not working correctly. However, the
remaining compressor has managed to keep the building cool even during the recent
extreme heat. This taxes the existing compressor, but we are hopeful two new
compressors will be in soon.
c) ARIS Report
RPL submitted the Annual Report Information Survey (ARIS) to the Massachusetts
Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). Overall trends include
• reduction in traditional physical holding, but with continued levels of use for these
collections;
• increase in electronic resources and use;
• increase in popularity and engagement of passive activities across the library;
• overall fewer programs, but with an increase in attendance;
• slight increase in visitors to the library and use of public computers.
ARIS collections library statistics for both the State and Federal governments. The
MBLC uses this data as a factor when calculating State Aid awards.
d) Collections, Programs, and Services
• Due to federal funding cuts, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
(MBLC) had to reduce the number of statewide database subscriptions as of July
1. Reading Public Library (RPL) and NOBLE still have a robust offering of
electronic content. However, we are very disappointed with these cuts. To learn
more, visit: MBLC Federal Funding page.
• Due to these cuts, RPL now subscribes to the Boston Globe online via ProQuest.
Patrons can access this via the Online Resources page on our website.
• The Friends Speaker Series did well in July. RPL promoted four different events:
o A YA talk that had 12 views over two weeks
o Two children's talks with 29 views in three weeks. This included 13
viewings of the Spanish language author talk with Raul the Third
o An adult author speaking on the topic of neuroscience received 18 views
in less than 24 hours on the topic of neuroscience.
• The July 7 Bee Program for teens was well attended. The speaker was engaging
and informative. Attendees were able to see parts of the hive and how it works.
While they were unable to identify and find the queen bee, each teen left with
their own hand-made beeswax candles.
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• Please stop by and take a look at the framed Community Beading Project. The
artwork is displayed right behind the Seed Library on the first floor.
• As part of our new strategic and outreach plans, a small group of staff is working
on connecting with the changing needs of Reading's older adults. Ideas include
connecting with town senior-service providers and exploring the idea of a Senior
Advisory Board for the Library.
• RPL hosted Reading Public Health Nurse Liz Bartolomei for a successful "Stop
the Bleed" workshop with fourteen (14) attendees. Ms. Bartolomei donated a
military-grade Stop the Bleed kit to the library, and we plan to offer additional
training to library employees.
• The new website is generating more "Book Detective" requests, and we are
seeing increased use of text/chat interactions.
• The Writing Workshop, part of our Summer of Story series, was very successful,
with seventeen writers in attendance. Two professional writers from the local
Writers Collaborative Learning Center taught an engaging session. It was a good
partnership with another local organization, and we hope to collaborate with this
group again in the future.
• There were over 100 participants at the "Backyard Bash." This was a freeform
event that featured a popular dunk tank with two brave staff members, as well as
Connect 4, chalk, hula hoops, frisbees, Tic Tac Toe, bubbles, and giant Jenga s.
e) Personnel
We received twenty-eight (28) applications for the part-time Library Associate position.
We offered interviews to nine strong candidates. Two withdrew their applications, and
all the remaining interviews were completed August 8. We anticipate making an offer
this week.
Congratulations to Olivia McElwain, who was selected to attend the 2025 Library
Freedom Institute in Philadelphia this month. Library Freedom Institute is a unique
privacy and intellectual freedom training for librarians. We look forward to hearing all
about what she learned at one of our upcoming staff meetings.
f) Professional Development (selected)
• A Library is Not a Computer: Librarianing for Social Flourishing
• Annual Report Information Survey (ARIS) Workshop
• Aspen for Public Service Staff
• Calling it Quits: How to Evaluate Library Services and Decide What to Stop
Doing
• Decode the Funder’s Playbook: How to Read Between the Lines of an RFP
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• Exploring the Essential Roles of Leaders & Managers
• Fortifying Your Library: Protecting Your Library and Staff Through Policy
• Grant Writing Basics: Practical Steps and Strategies for Beginners
• Graphic Jam: Graphic Novels Book Buzz Part 1
• How To Talk with Infants and Toddlers to Build Receptive and Expressive
Language Development
• Introduction to Web Accessibility
• Random House Children’s Books Fall 2025 Preview
• Stoytelling for Advocacy
• Trauma-Informed Care or Services for Teens in the Library
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Fang Lannon, Director (she/her)
August 7, 2025
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
Page | 1
2016-09-22 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Board of Library Trustees
Date: 2025-07-14 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Public Library Location: Conference 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;
Kelli Bacon; Andrew Gregory; Monette Verrier
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Michelle Filleul, Assistant Director; Meaghan Clemente, Administrative
Assistant; Joseph McDonagh, Finance Committee Liaison to Reading Public
Library (remote)
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Andrew Grimes, Secretary
Topics of Discussion:
I. Call to Order 7:00 p.m.
II. Public Comment
No public comments were made in person or remotely.
III. Library Terrace Update
Posters displaying design schematics for the Library Terrace project were on display at
the June 20 Community Garden Party and are now in the Library lobby near the
elevator. This display has piqued public interest and generated positive feedback.
The Library Terrace project has received Administrative Approval from Community
Development Director Andrew MacNichol, which means the project does not require a
full site plan review by the Community Planning & Development Commission (CPDC).
However, future updates, such as adding lighting, would trigger a formal review in the
future.
Activitas is working with Town Engineer Ryan Percival and Procurement Officer Katie
Gabriello to finalize bid documents for a tentative bid opening date of August 7. A plant
schedule consisting of all regionally accepted Massachusetts native plants will be listed
as “Alternate #1” to help with pricing and allow for modifications or additional fundraising
as needed.
Page | 2
IV. Financial Report
Ms. Filleul reviewed June donations, including several in memory of beloved Library
patrons Jennie Maria and Thelma McCulloch.
The Board reviewed the FY26 warrant schedule for library invoices. Although the Town
runs warrants weekly, the Library typically participates every other week to reduce the
burden associated with signature requirements. Ms. Clemente has carefully planned the
warrant schedule around upcoming board meetings, holiday closures, and due dates. An
emergency warrant outside this schedule may be necessary to accommodate payment
deadlines for key projects. However, the proposed schedule should allow enough
flexibility for bills to be processed by library staff and paid on time.
V. Director’s Report
Ms. Filleul noted that most air conditioning services in the building have been restored.
Some parts of the Ground Floor continue to struggle due to an electrical shortage issue
with the condenser circuit board on the main breaker. Facilities expects to resolve these
minor issues later this week when a new circuit board arrives. However, as the lowest
basement level, the Ground Floor is naturally cooler.
Before the current issues on the Ground Floor, the Second-Floor air conditioning system
struggled for several weeks in June due to a failed compressor. When indoor
temperatures exceeded comfort and safety standards for public use, library staff
implemented effective contingency operations. Children's Room staff set up an
information station in the lobby, provided item retrieval services for patrons, and
redirected services to the Community and Conference Rooms, where they offered
several passive activities. Overall, staff demonstrated exceptional adaptability and
patience during this challenging period.
Ms. Filleul noted that usage of the exterior pickup lockers continues to increase. The
Collections Services Department will present a formal update on the lockers at an
upcoming meeting.
New indoor locker shelving for the Library of Things collection has been successfully
installed. Staff created signage, learned how to code the locks, and most items have
been stored. We are working out a few minor mechanical issues with some of the locks
and establishing hold and checkout procedures.
The Library was a location for the 2025 Reading Porchfest on June 28. Although the
bands were moved inside due to the rain, the Library hopes to continue serving as a
venue going forward.
One hundred fifty people attended the after-hours Community Garden Party on June 20.
Attendees enjoyed nature-themed crafts, ice cream, and discussions with local
sustainability and green-focused organizations.
The Three Sisters Community Beading Project has come back from the framing shop
and will be displayed near the seed library collection. The Library is grateful to the
Friends of the Reading Public Library and Local History Librarian Jocelyn Gould for
making this project a success.
Community Health Librarian Susan Beauregard and Elder Services Librarian Elizabeth
Weilbacher recently visited the Frank Tanner housing complex for a pop-up “Librarians
and Lemonade” outreach event. They shared information on library services with
residents, including health resources and homebound delivery. Susan and Elizabeth are
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planning additional outreach visits for the Peter Sanborn and Cedar Glen housing
complexes.
The North of Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE) is launching Aspen, a new public
interface for the Evergreen catalog. Visual improvements and more advanced searching
will make both physical and digital content easier to find.
Ms. Clemente celebrates 12 years of service to the Library in July. Library Associate
Judy Terrazano has given her retirement notice after eight wonderful years and will
remain on the substitute staff list. The search for a new twenty-hour-a-week Library
Associate position will begin immediately. Ms. Filleul also highlighted selected
professional development completed by library staff.
The Board previously voted to approve the conversion of a designated electric vehicle
parking space to a regular parking space this summer due to the easement of the
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP) state grant
requirements. RMLD is updating the signage and is responsible for painting lines. Ms.
Filleul will follow up with the Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) and the
Department of Public Works (DPW).
Intermittent network outages have impacted public Wi-Fi access since May. The
Information Technology (IT) Department has checked all Library wires and plugs and
determined that the issue is not within the Library. The IT Department is collaborating
with NOBLE and Comcast to determine the cause and is working to transition library
staff to the Town's Wi-Fi network. However, these frustrating and unexpected
interruptions are difficult for patrons attempting to work remotely, complete homework, or
conduct research at the Library.
VI. Approval of June 16, 2025, Meeting Minutes
Motion: To approve the minutes of the June 16, 2025, Trustee Meeting as written.
(Egan / Gregory)
Vote: Approved 6-0
VII. Future Agenda Items
In August, Ms. Lannon will present supplemental spending recommendations for gift,
state aid, and trust spending outside the municipal budget. Ms. Filleul will report on
meeting room usage and review the Meeting Room Policy and Fees.
The Board requested status updates on the ongoing HVAC issues, the network outages,
and the electric vehicle parking space.
Adjournment 7:26 p.m.
Motion: To Adjourn (Gregory / Verrier)
Vote: Approved 6-0
Respectfully Submitted,
Andrew Grimes, Secretary