HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-08 Board of Library Trustees Packet (PDF)
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: 2025-09-08 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 ex cluding
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. Fall Programming / Summer Reading Report
IV. State of the Collection
V. Review: Revisions to the Collection Development and RFR Policy
VI. Discussion and Vote: Revisions to the Meeting Room Policy
VII. Library Terrace Update
VIII. Financial Report
IX. Director's Report
X. Approval of August 11, 2025, Meeting Minutes
XI. Future Agenda Items
a. October
i. Toys for Tots collection request
ii. Discussion and Vote: Revisions to the Collection
Development and RFR Policy
iii. Review: Policy on Distribution, Posting, and
collection of Materials
iv. Financial Forum (October 8 @ RPL)
b. November
i. FY27 Budget - Level 1 Draft
ii. Discussion and Vote: Policy on Distribution, Posting,
and Collection of Materials (as needed)
iii. Review: Gift Policy (as needed)
Collection Development Policy
COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY
Library Mission Statement
Building Community, Creating 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.
The Reading Public Library is a center and resource for learning and civic engagement.
We provide a place and platform of, by, and for the people who can benefit as
individuals as well as contribute to the well-being of the community.
Core Values
● Education
● Equity
● Accountability
● Access
Collection Statement
An important role of the Reading Public Library is to provide library materials selected in
response to the diverse educational, informational, and recreational needs of all
community members of every age and literacy level.
Professional staff select and provide materials in a variety of formats; including but not
limited to, print, media, and digital formats; and in a variety of community languages.
Selection Criteria
This policy is intended to provide direction and guidance to staff members in their roles
as materials selectors. Staff select print and non-print library materials in accordance
with one or more of these criteria.
● Relevance to the library’s mission and core values
● Current usefulness, interest, and/or permanent value
● Popular demand
● Relevance to the existing collection
Formatted: Normal, Indent: Left: 0"
Collection Development Policy
● Standards of quality in content, and format, and accuracy
● Price
The selection process includes the use of authoritative professional reviews, popular
reviews, publishers' catalogs, standard lists of basic works, firsthand examination, and
patron requests.
The Library Gift Policy addresses donations of materials for the collection. The
following collections are selected with additional criteria:
Children's Collection
This collection serves children from birth through sixth grade. Children’s librarians also
select materials and give special attention to books of value to parents, teachers, and
other adults working with children.
Local History and Genealogy Collection
This collection includes material that relates to or advances our knowledge about the
town of Reading, Massachusetts, and its history, people, and institutions. The collection
also provides genealogists with methodological aids with which to begin research and
learn genealogical techniques.
Periodicals
Professional staff consider both content and accessibility of all periodicals. Magazine
subscriptions are reviewed yearly prior to renewal.
Reference
The Reference collection is intended to serve adults and students in middle school and
up. Materials selected for the Reference collection supply ready information on a
certain subject, in an easy-to-use form, or are tools for bibliographic access.
Teen Collection
Professional staff select materials for teens to meet the needs, interests, and reading
levels of young people in grades six through twelve.
Intellectual Freedom and Controversial Materials
The Board of Trustees of the Reading Public Library endorses the Library Bill of Rights
(see Appendix I). The Board recognizes its right and responsibility to provide
worthwhile materials of interest to its readers, including those on all sides of
controversial issues.
Collection Development Policy
The Library does not advocate particular beliefs or views. The s election of any given
item is not an endorsement of the viewpoint expressed. Library materials will not be
marked in such a way as to show approval or disapproval. Access to library materials
shall be controlled only to the extent necessary to protect them from danger or theft.
Library materials shall not be proscribed or removed due to personal, political, or
doctrinal views. Materials shall not be excluded because of the origin, background, or
views of those contributing to their creation. [This language is from pending Mass.
Legislation aka “Freedom to Read”
Parents are responsible for determining what their children may read, watch, or listen to.
Selection of materials is not restricted by the possibility that young people may obtain
material their parents consider inappropriate.
Reading residents with serious objections to specific items in the Library should direct
their complaints to a librarian. If the complaint is not resolved, the resident may file a
“Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” (Appendix II) form to the Director's
attention. The item and the form will be reviewed by the Board of Library Trustees. If
materials meet the criteria of selection, they will not be removed from the collection
because of pressure by any individual or group. After issuing a decision on the
Reconsideration, the Board of Library Trustees will not review additional Requests for
Reconsideration of the title in question for three years. [This is identical language in
Appendix II and need not be stated here as well]
Scope and Limits of the Collection
The Library does not attempt to serve as a depository of record nor to purchase
materials of a highly specialized or technical nature. It does not undertake to support
individual research in any subject field except local history. When requests are received
for material outside the scope of this collection, every effort will be made to borrow the
material from another library or to direct the patron to an agency where the material may
be found.
The Reading Public Library is cognizant of the resources of other public, academic, and
special libraries and will not needlessly duplicate materials. Through cooperative
agreements with other libraries, particularly the North of Boston Library Exchange
(NOBLE), the resources of those libraries are readily available to Reading Public Library
patrons.
This policy recognizes the differing functions of school and public libraries and
establishes the responsibility of the school to supply materials needed in quantity to
support the school curriculum. The Library undertakes to provide a general,
Collection Development Policy
comprehensive collection that will enrich the resources available to students and
teachers.
Deaccessioning Practice
To ensure that the collection remains useful and reliable, it is evaluated on an ongoing
basis, with decisions made whether to dispose of, repair, or retain items. Material is
evaluated based on use, physical condition, currency of information, number of copies,
inclusion in standard bibliographies, and availability in nearby libraries.
Materials that are withdrawn from the collection are disposed of at the discretion of the
librarians responsible for the designated areas.
The library is not able to save materials for patrons or notify patrons when materials are
withdrawn.
Budget
The acquisitions budget for each department or category is established by the Director
at the beginning of each fiscal year.
Legal Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees to approve policies for the selection of
Library material, formulated by the Director. These policies are administered by the
Director with the assistance of the staff. Responsibility for selection of specific materials
rests with the Director, but the Director's interpretation of policy is subject to review by
the Board.
Adopted: April 2021
Amended: May 2022,
August 2023
Collection Development Policy
Appendix I
American Library Association Library Bill of Rights
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and
ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest,
information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves.
Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of
those contributing to their creation.
II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view
on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed
because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to
provide information and enlightenment.
IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting
abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of
origin, age, background, or views.
VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public
they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis,
regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their
use.
VII. All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to
privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for,
educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data,
including personally identifiable information.
Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18,
1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; January 29, 2019.
Inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996.
Although the Articles of the Library Bill of Rights are unambiguous statements of basic
principles that should govern the service of all libraries, questions do arise concerning
application of these principles to specific library practices. See the documents
designated by the Intellectual Freedom Committee as Interpretations of the Library Bill
of Rights.
Appendix II
Request for Reconsideration of Materials
Reading residents with serious objections to specific items in the Library should direct
their complaints to a librarian. If the complaint is not resolved, the resident may file a
“Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form to the Director's attention. This
process is serious and can take time. The item in question shall remain available during
this process.
The item and the form will be reviewed by the library director and a committee of
professional staff librarians the Board of Library Trustees, using qualitative and
quantitative data and assessments of the material. If the material meets the criteria of
selection, it will not be removed from the collection because of pressure by any
individual or group. The decision may be appealed to the Board of Library Trustees.
After issuing a decision on the Reconsideration, the Board of Library Trustees will not
review additional Requests for Reconsideration of the title in question for three years.
Requests for Reconsideration are reported to the Massachusetts Library Association
(MLA) and the American Library Association (ALA). Pursuant to state law, all
documents and emails received by a public employee or board are considered a public
record unless the content falls within one of the stated exemptions under the
Massachusetts Public Records Law. This will require releasing certain identifying
information, such as the name of the requestor.
Intellectual Freedom and Controversial Materials
The Board of Trustees of the Reading Public Library endorses the Library Bill of Rights.
The Board recognizes its right and responsibility to provide worthwhile materials of
interest to its readers, including those on all sides of controversial issues. The criteria
used by the professional staff when selecting materials are listed in the Collection
Development Policy.
The Library does not advocate particular beliefs or views. The selection of any given
item is not an endorsement of the viewpoint expressed. Library materials will not be
marked in such a way as to show approval or disapproval. Access to library materials
shall be controlled only to the extent necessary to protect them from danger or theft.
It is deemed the responsibility of parents and caregivers to determine what their children
may read, watch or listen to, and selection of materials is not restricted by the possibility
that young people may obtain material their parents and caregivers consider
inappropriate.
The great diversity of the library's customers means that the library must do mo re than
provide materials for the common denominator in order to be effective.
Reading residents may request the Board of Library Trustees reconsider library
materials.
Amended: May 10, 2022, August 14, 2023
Collection Development Policy - RFR
Form to Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials
Date:
Full Name:
Address:
Email:
Telephone:
You represent: Self Organization: (Please Name) ___________________
MATERIAL FOR RECONSIDERATION
Format:
Title: Author /
Date Call #:
1. What brought this material to your attention?
2. Have you examined or read the entire item? If not, why?
3. What concerns you about the material? Please be specific.
4. Are there materials you suggest that provide additional informatio n and/or other
viewpoints on this topic?
5. What action are you requesting the Board of Library Trustees to consider?
Signature _____________________________________ Date __________
Please return the completed form to a staff member at any service desk or email to
rdgadmin@noblenet.org. You will be notified when a decision has been regarding this materials
has been made. of when the Board is scheduled to review this request. Pursuant to state law,
all documents and emails received by a public employee or board are considered a public
record unless the content falls within one of the stated exemptions under the Massachusetts
Public Records Law. This will require releasing certain identifying information such as your
name.
Unit #:
Collection Development Policy - RFR Formatted: Indent: Left: 0", First line: 0", Space After:
36.45 pt, Line spacing: Multiple 1.02 li
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 the use of the
Library's meeting and conference rooms and is the sole authority for 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 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 of the Library meeting and conference rooms is to
accommodate current and future Library programming needs. This includes use by
the Reading Public Library, the Board of Library Trustees, the Friends of the
Reading Public Library, and the Reading Public Library Foundation. After these
needs have been met, these spaces are available on equal terms to Town
agencies, Reading not-for-profit groups, and residents of Reading, regardless of
their beliefs and affiliations, provided that the meetings are open to the public.
When an organization or individual rents a library meeting room, it does not
constitute or imply endorsement of the group's beliefs, policies, or activities by the
Board of Library Trustees, library staff, or the Town of Reading. Additionally,
renters may not use the library's logo or branding, nor include language implying
endorsement, in their publicity materials without express written permission from
library administration.
Political activities must comply with the Massachusetts conflict of interest law
(Chapter 268A). All political campaign activities and fundraising in support of or
opposition to any candidate, groups of candidates, or ballot measures are
prohibited. Political debates in the interest of civic engagement and voter
education may be permitted.
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. The signee must be at least 18 years old and be
an active member of the sponsoring group or a resident of Reading. The Trustees,
the Library, and the Town of Reading will not be responsible for injury to persons
or property while any group uses the building or grounds.
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.
Meeting Room Policy
2. Applicants do not charge any fees for registration or attendance, with the
exception of Library fundraising activities, which require permission from
the 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 timely payments may impact future
requests from this individual’s organization.
4. All rental applications must be submitted online at least two (2) business days
and no earlier than ninety (90) business days in advance of the date and time
of the event.
5. Payment is due 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
Meeting Room Policy
down, or general technology assistance. Each room comes with specified
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.
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 the scheduled closing
time to avoid incurring additional fees.
13. The Applicant may include the Library address and location in publicity
materials. As stated above, renters may not use the library's logo or
branding, nor include language implying endorsement, in their publicity
materials without express written permission from library administration.
14. The Library reserves the right to send a representative to any event held in
the facility 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 setup.
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 setup 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 August 31 (17%)Trustee Budget Summary
SUMMARY Orginal $$ Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance % Used
Municipal Salaries 1,810,050$ -$ 265,440$ -$ 1,544,610$ 14.66%
Municipal Expenses 156,000$ -$ 80,091$ -$ 75,909$ 51.34%
Municipal Materials 294,000$ -$ 76,982$ -$ 217,018$ 26.18%
Fines & Fees 12,349$ 1,950$ 3,493$ -$ 10,806$ N/A
State Aid 75,579$ -$ 557$ 842$ 74,179$ N/A
Gifts 179,008$ 209$ 19,800$ (18,602)$ 178,019$ N/A
Trusts (Expendable Funds) 111,514$ 1,275$ 4,454$ -$ 108,334$ N/A
TOTALS $2,638,499 $3,434 $450,818 ($17,760) $2,208,875
Municipal Appropriation Orginal $$ Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance % Used
Salaries - Library Administration 485,300$ 74,672$ -$ 410,628$ 15.39%
Salaries - Leave Buyback* -$ 920$ -$ (920)$
Salaries - Collection Services 537,350$ 77,300$ -$ 460,050$ 14.39%
Salaries - Public Services 787,400$ 112,548$ -$ 674,852$ 14.29%
Expenses - General
Library Maint Contract Supp 24,000$ 4,323$ -$ 19,677$ 18.01%
Professional Development 14,000$ 1,204$ -$ 12,796$ 8.60%
Library Programs 4,000$ 47$ -$ 3,953$ 1.17%
Software/ Licenses 74,000$ 68,894$ -$ 5,106$ 93.10%
Library Supplies 9,000$ 1,096$ -$ 7,904$ 12.18%
Office Supplies 5,000$ 221$ -$ 4,779$ 4.42%
Technology 9,000$ 3,912$ -$ 5,088$ 43.47%
OESJ (NEW) 17,000$ 394$ -$ 16,606$ 2.32%
Materials 294,000$ 76,982$ -$ 217,018$ 26.18%
Books 14,864$ -$
Audio 161$ -$
Video 198$ -$
Periodicals 187$ -$
Electronic Resources 26,177$ -$
Other Materials 3,814$ -$
Overdrive (eBooks / eAudiobooks) 31,579$ -$
TOTALS 2,260,050$ -$ 437,539$ -$ 1,837,536$ 19.36%
Fines and Fees Orginal $$Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance
Revenue (and Carryover)12,349$ 1,950$ -$ $14,299
Materials -$
Supplies 3,493$ -$ ($3,493)
TOTALS 12,349$ 1,950$ 3,493$ -$ $10,806
State Aid Orginal $$Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance
Revenue (and Carryover)75,579$ -$ -$ -$ 75,579$
Expenses -$
Office Supplies -$ -$ -$ -$ -$
Professional Development -$ -$ -$ -$ -$
Materials -$ -$ 29$ -$ (29)$
Library Other -$ -$ 295$ -$ (295)$
Library Equipment -$ -$ 233$ 842$ (1,075)$
TOTALS 75,579$ -$ 557$ 842$ 74,179$
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As of August 31 (17%)Trustee Budget Summary
Gifts & Donations Orginal $$ Adj/Income Expended Encumbered Balance
Revenue (and Carryover)38,460$ 146$ 18,614$ (18,602)$ 38,594$
Professional Development -$ -$ -$ -$ -$
Recreational -$ -$ 88$ -$ (88)$
Programs & Services Adults 27,922$ -$ -$ -$ 27,922$
Programs & Services Teens 24,265$ -$ -$ -$ 24,265$
Programs & Services OESJ 1,496$ -$ -$ -$ 1,496$
Programs & Services Childrens 25,870$ -$ -$ -$ 25,870$
Programs & Services- Local History 500$ -$ -$ -$ 500$
Other Gifts (Combined) 3,771$ -$ -$ -$ 3,771$
Garden -$ -$ 1,098$ -$ (1,098)$
Studio 28,415$ -$ -$ -$ 28,415$
RPL Foundation 647$ -$ -$ -$ 647$
Materials 27,662$ 63$ -$ -$ 27,725$
TOTALS 179,008$ 209$ 19,800$ (18,602)$ 178,019$
Trusts Original $$Avail/Income Expended Encumbered Expendable Balance
Appleton / Mansfield 9,030$ 159$ -$ -$ 9,190$
Edward Appleton 39,366$ 353$ 4,454$ -$ 35,265$
R/M Babcock 3,733$ 58$ -$ -$ 3,791$
Stephen Foster 8,464$ 163$ -$ -$ 8,627$
Charles Torrey 1,436$ 19$ -$ -$ 1,456$
Donald Tuttle 1,200$ 14$ -$ -$ 1,214$
Elaine & George Long 38,640$ 347$ -$ -$ 38,987$
Barbara Hewitt 7,815$ 133$ -$ -$ 7,948$
James Rawstron 1,830$ 27$ -$ -$ 1,857$
TOTALS 111,514$ 1,275$ 4,454$ -$ 108,334$
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
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September 20255 Board of Library Trustees Meeting
VIII. FINANCIAL REPORT
a) FY25 Financial Report and State Aid application: The annual filing is signed and
submitted to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. RPL met its materials
expenditure, Municipal Appropriation Requirement (MAR), and service requirements for
State Aid eligibility.
b) August Gifts
DONOR AMOUNT PURPOSE
Cherrie Dubois $30.00 In Recognition of Judy Terrazano’s
Retirement (General)
Reading Garden Club (Corresponding
Secretary Louise Morrison)
$63.00 In Memory of Judy Royce (Adult
Books – Gardening)
Susan Cuffe $50.00 In Memory of Michael Coltman
Judith Hovey $20.00 In Memory of Michael Coltman
Various Cash Donations $16.00 General
Total $179.00
IX. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
a) August Snapshot
Physical Circulation Overdrive Circulation
Usage August 2025 July 2025 August 2024
Circulation 27,790 30,859 29,777
Locker Use 73 97 77
Meeting Rooms Rentals 26 14 25
Museum Passes 215 286 196
New Library Cards 122 143 124
Overdrive 5,756 6,017 5,338
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Programs 28 39 35
Reference Questions 2,023 2,135 2,055
Visitors 14,624 15,868 14,971
Volunteer Hours 49.75 41 20
b)Collections, Programs, and Services
i)RPL was excited to prepare for Library Card Signup Month, visiting the fire and
police departments to sign up staff for library cards. Employees there were
enthusiastic about access to the library, and particularly Libby. This was a casual
and positive way to engage with other town departments
ii)Homebound service update: Our homebound delivery service (Library Takeout)
maintains approximately 11 regular participants. Over the past twelve months, five
additional participants used the service temporarily during illness recovery, post-
surgery, or for trial purposes. Including these short-term users, the total number of
participants served was 16. RPL staff continually seek ways to reach residents with
both long-term and short-term needs.
iii)Our Saturday afternoon Silent Reading Party on 8/9, “Lounging on the Lawn,”
received positive feedback for creating a comfortable and distraction-free
environment for people to read individually. Attendees indicated that they would
participate in an event like a Silent Reading Party again in the future
iv)End of Summer Story Slam - 8/23 - 30 attendees (2 teens, 2 children, 26 adults).
This Adult/Teen Summer Reading finale brought together multiple generations. The
event tied together various other summer activities and emphasized the importance
of stories. Audience members were supportive, and the personal stories resonated
well with attendees. We have received positive feedback to repeat this event or
expand the offering to include community stand-up comedy.
v)The Children’s Plant Lab harvested potatoes and jalapenos, planted spinach and
lettuce this month. The kids got to take their produce home, as well as some cool-
weather seeds for their own gardens.
vi)RPL worked with the Reading Fire Department and facilities to install a new AED in
the Children’s room and replacement AED pads for the existing machines on the
first and ground floors.
vii)Kudos and Compliments:
(1)Email regarding 1-1 assistance with Jocelyn Gould for genealogical research: “I
can not thank you enough for spending your time to help me. You are incredible
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as are the people (person) from the Genealogical group…I really could not have
done this without you and your caring attention that you gave me."
(2)Email regarding 1-1 technology assistance with Elizabeth Weilbacher for
accessing eBooks: “Thank you so much for taking so much time helping me with
my Kindle and Libby. Books --real and Kindle-- give me such joy!”
c)Personnel
i)If you see them, take a moment to celebrate these September work anniversaries:
•Indigo Boyko (1 year)
•Meghan McCabe (4 years)
•Andrea Hogan (12 years)
•Neftali Gonzalez (21 years)
•Carol Macomber (25 years)
•Dawn Colford (32 years)
ii)Welcome to Sam Tincler, who started as Library Associate – Borrower Services on
September 3. Sam comes to RPL with a strong background in customer service and
will be a great addition to the team.
iii)RPL is working on hiring a new high school page for this fall.
d)Fall Horizons
•Fall Street Faire
•Library Card Signup Month
•Reading Autumn Moon Festival (October 4, 2025)
•It Takes a Village Fair (October 25, 2025)
•Connected Reading (October 28, 2025)
•New self-check PC for Children’s Room
•New RFID pads for Children’s Room
e)Professional Development (selected)
•10 Big Time Management Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
•Blue Marble Librarian IdeaShare
•Building Community Through Craft Programs
•Clear, Calm and Credible: Crisis Communications Strategies for Municipal Leaders
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• Communicating with Care, Clarity, & Compliance to Protect Your Organization and
Community
• Cultural Humility in Library Work
• Engaging an Unengaged Team
• Foundations of Philanthropic Partnership
• Generative AI Basics Videos
• Get to Know Your Trial Court Libraries
• Introduction to Aspen
• Music Supports STEAM Learning in Early Childhood
• NOBLE Evergreen August Upgrade Releases 3.14 and 3.15
• ROOTS Library Leadership Summit: Re-imagining Organizational Operations Toward
Sustainability
• Service First - Empowering Front-Line Staff
• State Aid Workshop
• Talking Teen Services: Strengths-Based Relationship Building Panel
• United for Libraries Conference
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Fang Lannon, Director (she/her)
September 4, 2025
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
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2016-09-22 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 Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Meeting Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Patrick Egan, Vice-Chair; Andrew Grimes, Secretary (remote); Kelli Bacon
(remote); Andrew Gregory; Monette Verrier
Members - Not Present:
Cappy Popp, Chair;
Others Present:
Amy Lannon, Director; Michelle Filleul, Assistant Director; Meaghan
Clemente, Administrative Assistant;
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. Proclamation for National Library Card Signup Month
The Board reviewed the Proclamation for National Library Card Signup Month. Ms.
Lannon explained the importance of this national trend, which features dedicated
marketing efforts aimed at increasing the number of library cardholders during the month
of September. Ms. Filleul displayed a Library card signup cutout board for promotional
selfies at events such as the Fall Street Fair on September 7.
Motion: To adopt the Proclamation for National Library Card Signup Month as presented.
(Grimes / Gregory)
Vote: Approved 5-0
IV. Meeting Room Use Report
Ms. Filleul reported that FY25 overall usage of the meeting rooms is slightly down from
FY24 due to closures associated with AV technology upgrades and meeting room
reservation software updates. AVI-SPL upgraded video cameras, wireless microphones,
and Zoom hybrid meeting technology for both the Library Conference Room and
Community Room in October 2024. AVI-SPL, LLC continues to provide invaluable
ongoing support with sound issues and more throughout this technology transition.
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RPL completed the transition to the new Communico Attend and Reserve meeting room
reservation software in September 2024. Patron bookings have gone smoothly overall.
The Library event calendar's clear layout is helpful when creating PDF programming
brochures.
With the successful completion of these updates, we expect overall meeting room usage
to increase in FY26. Ms. Filleul noted that even with FY25 meeting room closures,
outside organizations booked meeting rooms 25% more than in FY24. RPL will continue
to promote the availability of meeting room space. Additionally, proposed changes to the
Meeting Room Policy, reducing the rental application deadline from five to two business
days in advance, may increase usage by outside organizations. RPL hopes to begin
accepting online credit card payments for meeting room reservations as Communico
implements new Stripe credit card processing software used by other Town
departments.
V. Review: Meeting Room Policy and Fees
The Board supports the change to a two-business-day reservation requirement
timeframe, provided it does not impose an increased burden on Library staff. Ms. Filleul
noted that regular business days include Monday through Friday. The Board will revisit
the policy if this new timeframe becomes an issue.
Mr. Egan made suggestions on the wording around non-endorsement of and publicity
restrictions by outside parties. Mr. Egan suggested the language adopted in similar
policies by the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in Wakefield. He noted that stating the
Library as a location is necessary for directional purposes only and that the Library logo
should not appear on publicity materials for non-Library meetings.
The language regarding political campaign purposes should reference state laws and
ethics guidelines. Community meetings, candidate forums, and other activities should be
open to all candidates and members of the public. Events held at the Library should be
informational in nature and should not promote or oppose specific candidates or ballot
measures.
The Board will vote on the proposed edits in September.
VI. Financial Report
Ms. Lannon reported that FY26 is off to a good start. This week’s warrant for library bills
is larger in size due to the annual renewal of the Library’s membership in the North of
Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE) network and various databases.
Ms. Lannon reviewed the recommendations for supplemental spending for FY26. Every
year, the Library uses funds from gifts, trusts, and state aid for special projects outside
the scope of the municipal budget. Recent initiatives include the Tween Space, Library
Terrace project, the Community DEI Assessment, strategic planning, marketing, and
new equipment, furnishings, and technology. Due to the anticipation of potential
reductions in state aid funding and leaner budget years, the FY26 supplemental
spending recommendation is $80,500, a bit lower than recent years.
Approximately $4,000 of supplemental funds is allocated for additional library materials
above and beyond the amount required by the Massachusetts Board of Library
Commissioners (MBLC). In FY26, $294,000, or 13% of the municipal budget, must be
spent on library materials for the Library to remain officially certified. If the local
population were slightly lower than the population threshold of 25,000, the MBLC would
require that 15% of the municipal budget be dedicated to library materials. The
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supplemental spending on materials aids in serving the informational needs of patrons
with a wide variety of materials.
The spending recommendations also support staff professional development, ensuring
that all 38 full-time and part-time staff members have access to educational
opportunities. This funding helps provide limited tuition reimbursement, professional
memberships, conference attendance, and more per the Library's education core values.
Supplemental spending enhances Library programming, especially larger community
programs. The Library is grateful for the generous support of the Friends of the Reading
Public Library and the Reading Public Library Foundation, especially as leaner budget
years are anticipated.
Gift and trust funds have supported the ongoing bid and design process for the Library
Terrace project. Supplemental funds also support small, yet essential items, such as
garden supplies, food for the Library's pet gerbil Chumley and pet tortoise King Shelvis
Bubbles Presley, and other miscellaneous items.
VII. Director’s Report
Ms. Lannon reported that usage statistics remain steady. Exterior pickup locker usage
has increased. The Library hopes to see an increase in new library cards due to the
promotion of National Library Card Signup Month.
The Facilities Department continues to work with the HVAC vendor to install two new
compressors. The single operational compressor has managed to keep the building cool
even during the recent extreme heat. All areas of the Library, including the Children’s
Room, have remained open during regular hours since the previous issues in June.
The Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) is working to repaint the lines and
update signage on electric vehicle charging parking spaces. RMLD has converted one of
the four EV spaces for regular parking use. Director of Integrated Resources Megan Wu
will prepare updated charger usage statistics for the September meeting. The statistics
are expected to show that usage has increased now that both chargers are fully
functional.
The 26th annual Vehicle Day event will be held tomorrow morning in the Library parking
lot with plenty of touch-a-truck fun. On Thursday, August 14, RPL is hosting an all-ages
Bike Rally event where participants decorate their bikes, learn about bike safety, and
participate in a bike parade.
RPL has submitted the Annual Report Information Survey (ARIS) to the MBLC and
expects to file the state aid application in the next month or so. Ms. Lannon noted that
statewide database subscriptions have been reduced due to federal funding cuts. The
Library now subscribes to the Boston Globe online via ProQuest to provide consistent
access to patrons. Other electronic resources are available through the Boston Public
Library, although licenses sometimes limit usage.
RPL received 28 applications for the part-time, benefited Library Associate position in
the Borrower Services department. The hiring team offered interviews to nine
candidates. Two withdrew their applications, likely due to finding other jobs. The hiring
team focused on customer service, de-escalation, and technology skills during the
selection process. The Library anticipates making a job offer this week.
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The new Library of Things lockers have been working well so far. Ms. Filleul is hopeful
that the increased visibility of the collection will improve circulation.
The Children's Room will be hosting a community children's costume swap for ages 0 to
13 on Saturday, September 27. Donations will be accepted from August 25 until
September 22 in a donation box in the Library lobby. Any leftover costumes will be
donated after the program. No other collections are anticipated in the Library lobby
during this timeframe. This program is similar to past puzzle and plant swap events and
correlates with ongoing efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
VIII. Approval of July 14, 2025, Meeting Minutes
Motion: To approve the minutes of the July 14, 2025, Trustee Meeting as written.
(Gregoru / Verrier)
Vote: Approved 5-0
IX. Future Agenda Items
In September, Head of Public Services Andrea Fiorillo will present a fall programming
update and summer reading report. Head of Collection Services Jamie Penney will
present an update on the state of the Library collection. Ms. Lannon will present an
update on the Library Terrace project. The Board will vote on the Meeting Room Policy
and Fees. The Collection Development Policy will be reviewed as needed. Updated
electric vehicle charging data will also be presented.
In October, the Board will vote on the annual Toys for Tots collection request and
discuss and vote on any policy updates as needed. The Policy on Distribution, Posting,
and Collection of Materials will be reviewed. A Town Financial Forum is being planned
and will likely focus on reducing municipal expenses in anticipation of possible future
budget overrides.
Adjournment 7:35 p.m.
Motion: To Adjourn (Gregory / Grimes)
Vote: Approved 5-0
Respectfully Submitted,
Andrew Grimes, Secretary