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Home My WebLink About2025-11-12 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 discussed at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting. Page | 1 2018-07-16 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Board of Library Trustees Date: 2025-11-12 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Public Library Location: Community Room Address: 64 Middlesex Avenue Agenda: Purpose: General Business Meeting Called By: Michelle Filleul 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 Community Room at the Reading Public Library and remotely on Zoom. It will also be available streamed live through RCTV Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86117297460 Meeting ID: 861 1729 7460 One tap mobile +13017158592,,86117297460# US (Washington DC) +13052241968,,86117297460# US Dial by your location +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) Meeting ID: 861 1729 7460 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keny6p5GTY The Trustees also accept public comments through email: rpltrustee@noblenet.org Town of Reading Meeting Posting with Agenda This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting. Page | 2 I. Call to Order II. Public Comment III. RMHS DECA Scholarship Program Charitable Collection Request IV. Discussion and Vote: Updates to the Policy on Distribution, Posting, and Collection of Materials V. Review: Updates to the Gift Policy VI. Financial Report VII. Director's Report VIII. Approval of October 14, 2025, Meeting Minutes IX. Future Agenda Items a. December i. Draft Level I FY27 Budget ii. Winter Programming Update iii. Rooted in Reading Final Report iv. RPL Budget presentation to Select Board (12/9/2025) b. January i. Community Outreach and Engagement Update ii. Update on Supplemental Spending Clemente, Meaghan <mclemente@noblenet.org> Follow up about fundraiser Dillon, Brooke <Brooke.Dillon@rdgstudent.com>Tue, Oct 21, 2025 at 5:45 PM To: "mclemente@noblenet.org" <mclemente@noblenet.org> Hi Meghan, My name's Brooke Dillon, I'm a student at RMHS and I'm running a fundraiser for the high school's business club, DECA. The fundraiser's goal is to raise money for DECA's scholarship program, and we are connecting with local business's and community locations to inquire about hosting a table or stand at the library to promote this? Thank your for your consideration, and please let me know if we can make this happen. - Brooke Dillon Policy on Distribution, Posting and Collection of Materials POLICY ON DISTRIBUTION, POSTING, AND COLLECTION OF MATERIALS The Reading Public Library is committed to disseminating information that is of general interest to the community and provides limited space for the free distribution of handouts and the public posting of flyers, notices, and posters. The posting and distribution of materials does not imply endorsement by the Library. Questions and requests for distribution or posting of materials should be referred to the Borrower Services Desk. Library employees maintain bulletin boards and areas for the distribution of materials. Due to space limitations, they may remove or discard materials,. Materials posted or left for free distribution without prior approval from the Library may be discarded. Because space is limited, the Library will giveing preference to materials that: • are from the town of Readingare related to Town of Reading business • are from Reading organizations • are from non-profit organizations • announce future events, activities, and services in a timely fashion • are of a suitable size Posted materials shall not contain illegal, threatening or intimidating messages and shall not otherwise violate the “Patron Rights and Responsibilities Policy”. In general,The library requests that announcements of events may be posted up no more than to tThe library requests that announcements of events may be posted no more than one month before the event. Posters of a general nature that do not advertise a specific date or event will may be removed when space for more current announcements becomes limited. The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation or protection of materials posted or placed for free distribution. In addition, the Reading Public Library does not permit the sale of materials by or on behalf of another agency, nor does it serve as a collection center unless specifically requested to do so for by Municipal, State or Federal agencies. Special consideration will be given to publicity for services or programs presented by the Friends of the Library and the Reading Public Library Foundation. Other Community organizations may petition the Board of Library Trustees for authorization to install temporary collection receptacles for initiatives that serve the public interest or enhance community welfare.organizations may apply for special consideration to the Board of Library Trustees. Adopted: May 2001 Amended: January 2005 Amended: March 2018 Amended: September 2018 Amended: October 2022 Policy on Distribution, Posting and Collection of Materials November 2025 Policy on Distribution, Posting and Collection of Materials POLICY ON DISTRIBUTION, POSTING, AND COLLECTION OF MATERIALS The Reading Public Library is committed to disseminating information of general interest to the community and provides limited space for the free distribution of handouts and the public posting of flyers, notices, and posters. The posting and distribution of materials do not imply endorsement by the Library. Library employees maintain bulletin boards and areas for the distribution of materials. Due to space limitations, they may remove or discard materials, giving preference to materials that: • are related to Town of Reading business • are from Reading organizations • are from non-profit organizations • announce future events, activities, and services in a timely fashion • are of a suitable size The library requests that announcements of events be posted no more than one month before the event. Posters of a general nature that do not advertise a specific date or event may be removed when space for more current announcements becomes limited. The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation or protection of materials posted or placed for free distribution. In addition, the Reading Public Library does not serve as a collection center unless specifically requested to do so by Municipal, State or Federal agencies. Community organizations may petition the Board of Library Trustees for authorization to install temporary collection receptacles for initiatives that serve the public interest or enhance community welfare. Adopted: May 2001 January 2005 March 2018 September 2018 October 2022 November 2025 Gift Policy `GIFT POLICY The Board of Trustees of the Reading Public Library welcomes and encourages gifts and donations which are consistent with the Library's mission statement and collection development policies. Donors are encouraged to speak to the Director if they have questions or would like more information on donating to the Library. Books and Other Materials The Library does not accept donations of materials for the general collection. Instead, the Friends of the Reading Public Library will accept new and gently used materials for their book sale room. All proceeds from these sales go to support Library programs, museum passes, and other library services. Financial Donations The Reading Public Library accepts financial gifts in support of programs, services, and collections. Tax-deductible donations of money may be made in a number of ways to benefit the Libraryto support programs, services, and collections. Tax-deductible donations may be made in several ways. Reading Public Library Bequests and unrestricted gifts of any amount, to purchase suitable materials, furnishings or equipment in memory of a friend or relative or in honor of a special occasion (birthday, etc.) are welcome. The Library will make every effort to honor the donor's wishes for purchasethe purchase of specific titles and subjects, or for furnishings and equipment. Friends of the Reading Public Library, Inc. Membership donations and financial gifts to the Friends support many ongoing Library programs, museum passes, and other library services. Reading Public Library Foundation, Inc. Pledges and donations of cash, securities or real estate, etc. to the Reading Public Library Foundation support an endowment fund that provides for the long-term and futureand capital needs of the Library. Other Gifts Gifts of non-collection or non-financial items must be discussed with and approved by the Library Director or the Board of Library Trustees. Gift Policy Terms and Conditions The Board of Library Trustees cannot accept all gifts and request requests that prospective donors begin the process by contacting the Library Director. Gifts will be considered using the following criteria: • Relevance to the Library's mission statement and collection development policies • Space availability • Cost of maintenance, processing, or storage • Significance to the community • Restrictions or limitations set by the donor • Added value or improvement to the space, collection, or services Upon approval and acceptance of a gift, the Library will provide ansend acknowledgements of receipt and acquisition to the donor using the provided contact information. This acknowledgment includes a description of the gift. Gifts accepted by the Library Director or the Board of Library Trustees become the sole property of the Reading Public Library and may be sold or discarded as the Board sees fit. The Library cannot assign a market value to gifts other than monetary donations. For tax purposes, it is the donor's responsibility to assign value and to document it for the Internal Revenue Service. Receipts may be given which describe the gift. Adopted: September 2002 Amended: December 2019 December 2025 As of October 31 (33%)Trustee Budget Summary SUMMARY Orginal $$ Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance % Used Municipal Salaries 1,810,050$ -$ 538,617$ -$ 1,271,433$ 29.76% Municipal Expenses 156,000$ -$ 90,446$ -$ 65,554$ 57.98% Municipal Materials 294,000$ -$ 113,324$ -$ 180,676$ 38.55% Fines & Fees 12,349$ 4,485$ 3,729$ -$ 13,105$ N/A State Aid 105,463$ -$ 3,818$ 842$ 100,802$ N/A Gifts 160,405$ 177,415$ 20,807$ -$ 317,013$ N/A Trusts (Expendable Funds) 111,514$ 1,275$ 6,038$ -$ 106,750$ N/A TOTALS $2,649,781 $183,175 $776,779 $842 $2,055,335 Municipal Appropriation Orginal $$ Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance % Used Salaries - Library Administration 485,300$ 150,458$ -$ 334,842$ 31.00% Salaries - Leave Buyback* -$ 920$ -$ (920)$ Salaries - Collection Services 537,350$ 153,830$ -$ 383,520$ 28.63% Salaries - Public Services 787,400$ 233,409$ -$ 553,991$ 29.64% Expenses - General Library Maint Contract Supp 24,000$ 8,194$ -$ 15,806$ 34.14% Professional Development 14,000$ 3,751$ -$ 10,249$ 26.79% Library Programs 4,000$ 47$ -$ 3,953$ 1.17% Software/ Licenses 74,000$ 70,881$ -$ 3,119$ 95.79% Library Supplies 9,000$ 1,474$ -$ 7,526$ 16.38% Office Supplies 5,000$ 531$ -$ 4,469$ 10.61% Technology 9,000$ 5,175$ -$ 3,825$ 57.50% OESJ (NEW) 17,000$ 394$ -$ 16,606$ 2.32% Materials 294,000$ 113,324$ -$ 180,676$ 38.55% Books 32,163$ -$ Audio 954$ -$ Video 692$ -$ Periodicals 253$ -$ Electronic Resources 37,473$ -$ Other Materials 5,055$ -$ Overdrive (eBooks / eAudiobooks) 36,734$ -$ TOTALS 2,260,050$ -$ 775,504$ -$ 1,517,663$ 34.31% Fines and Fees Orginal $$Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance Revenue (and Carryover)12,349$ 4,485$ -$ $16,834 Materials -$ Supplies 3,729$ -$ ($3,729) TOTALS 12,349$ 4,485$ 3,729$ -$ $13,105 State Aid Orginal $$Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance Revenue (and Carryover)105,463$ -$ -$ -$ 105,463$ Expenses -$ Office Supplies -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ Professional Development -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ Materials -$ -$ 29$ -$ (29)$ Library Other -$ -$ 3,003$ -$ (3,003)$ Library Equipment -$ -$ 786$ 842$ (1,628)$ TOTALS 105,463$ -$ 3,818$ 842$ 100,802$ Page 1 As of October 31 (33%)Trustee Budget Summary Gifts & Donations Orginal $$ Adj/Income Expended Encumbered Balance Revenue (and Carryover)23,629$ 18,802$ 18,614$ -$ 23,817$ Professional Development -$ -$ 245$ -$ (245)$ Recreational -$ -$ 313$ -$ (313)$ Programs & Services Adults 27,922$ -$ -$ -$ 27,922$ Programs & Services Teens 24,265$ -$ -$ -$ 24,265$ Programs & Services OESJ 1,496$ -$ 400$ -$ 1,096$ Programs & Services Childrens 25,870$ -$ -$ -$ 25,870$ Programs & Services- Local History 500$ -$ -$ -$ 500$ Garden -$ 158,500$ 1,235$ -$ 157,265$ Studio 28,415$ -$ -$ -$ 28,415$ RPL Foundation 647$ -$ -$ -$ 647$ Materials 27,662$ 113$ -$ -$ 27,775$ TOTALS 160,405$ 177,415$ 20,807$ -$ 317,013$ Trusts Original $$Avail/Income Expended Encumbered Expendable Balance Appleton / Mansfield 9,030$ 159$ -$ -$ 9,190$ Edward Appleton 39,366$ 353$ 6,038$ -$ 33,681$ 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$ 6,038$ -$ 106,750$ Name Non-Expend Purpose 11,000$ 5,000$ 3,598$ "Books on literary subjects and self-government" (BOOKS) 12,000$ "Books … to be inscribed 'Stephen Foster Fund'" (BOOKS) 1,000$ "Books on non-fictional subjects" (NONFICTION BOOKS) 500$ "Books" 5,000$ "Books or Equipment" 8,952$ "Books" 1,613$ "Books on tape& furniture to house books on tape" (AUDIOBOOKS) TOTALS 48,663$ Stephen Foster Appleton / Mansfield "…for the purchase of books other than those listed as fiction" (NONFICTION BOOKS) Edward Appleton "Purchase of books, paintings, engravings, works of art or other suitable useful furnishings for said library. R/M Babcock Charles Torrey Donald Tuttle Elane & George Long Barbara Hewitt James Rawstron Page 2 1 | P a g e November Board of Library Trustees Meeting VI. FINANCIAL REPORT a) FY26 - The FY26 Budget is on track. Nothing outstanding to report. b) FY27 - The draft Level 1 FY27 budget will be presented at the December 8 meeting. The FY27 budget, including any changes or recommendations discussed, will be presented to the Select Board on December 9. c) October Gifts DONOR AMOUNT PURPOSE Mary Ellen Downey $50.00 In Memory of William and Julia McCarthy and Gerald and Jane Duggan Cash Donation $29.00 General Total $79.00 VII. DIRECTOR’S REPORT a) October Snapshot Usage October 2025 September 2025 October 2024 Circulation 26,638 26,441 26,629 Locker Use 161 84 80 Meeting Rooms Rentals 48 34 32 Museum Passes 115 97 102 New Library Cards 129 104 119 Overdrive 5,624* 5,868 5,015 Programs 78 56 60 Reference Questions 1,844 1,717 1,855 Visitors 15,712 15,098 15,130 Volunteer Hours 10 30 12 b) Library Terrace Project Update Construction on the outdoor Library Terrace space will begin this week per the attached work schedule. Thank you again to the Reading Public Library Foundation for their generous support in enhancing the Library’s outdoor space. 2 | P a g e c) Collections, Programs, and Services i) Museum Pass Report RPL offers over eighteen free and discounted passes to local and regional cultural attractions. Top 4 Passes and Usage by Year 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 1 New England Aquarium (205) New England Aquarium (223) New England Aquarium (236) New England Aquarium (204) 2 Zoo New England (148) Museum of Science (170) Museum of Science (184) Zoo New England (181) 3 Museum of Science (124) Zoo New England (145) Zoo New England (158) Museum of Science (172) 4 Boston Children’s Museum (93) Children’s Piazza (137) Children’s Piazza (148) Museum of Fine Arts (160) Pass(es) dropped since November 2024 • Battleship Cove Pass(es) added since November 2024 • Boston By Foot • Concord Museum • Institute of Contemporary Art • Paddle Boston • Plimoth Patuxet Museums 1003 1235 1483 1684 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 Museum Pass Use Used 3 | P a g e ii) We have begun tracking interlibrary loans sent and received on a map. More than 10 states are represented so far! iii) RPL hosted Connected Reading: A Resource Fair for Our Community on Tuesday, October 28. There were over 200 attendees from both organizations and residents. iv) The Reading Mid-Autumn Moon Festival was held in the Community Room on Saturday, October 25th. Community members of all ages enjoyed an afternoon of fun entertainment and cultural immersion thanks to the collaborative efforts of RPL, the OESJ, Reading Public Schools, Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce, and Must Eats Travel. v) The RMHS Women’s History class visited RPL for research help on their final projects. Each student is focusing on a time period to put together a walking tour of women’s history in Reading. vi) Reference and Community Health Librarian Susan Beauregard coordinated flu shot clinics with Town Health Nurse Liv Bartolomei. The Health Nook space allowed for both visibility and privacy. Over 62 flu shots were administered in one week! vii) 5 one-on-one technology help appointments were held in October, focusing on helping people better manage email, navigate and understand apps, digital downloads, design shared sits, and with job-related skills. viii) Sixth Grade Tours generated a renewed interest in the library in reading with a book summary trivia game, book fair, and more. ix) 146 attendees and 4 very friendly goats attended our Farm Fresh Storytime on October 3rd. 4 | P a g e i) Halloween-themed programming • Enthusiastic adult crafters created a cheesecloth ghost, a mummy votive jar, little yarn pumpkins made from toilet paper rolls, and cotton ball/lollipop ghosts. • Halloween Trivia for Adults focused on the spirit of Halloween from the 1990s and 2000s, drawing fun groups of friends, couples, and other 20- and 30- somethings. • Trick or Treat Storytime provided a valuable opportunity for families to practice trick or treating and learn about Halloween. 141 participants enjoyed treats distributed across all service desks. • Plant Lab participants carved very large pumpkins. • October BeTween Times featured fake blood, witch poop, Halloween Games, and pickle autopsies, which were beloved by a growing crowd of tween participants. • RPL participated in the Downtown Trick or Treat event on Tuesday, October 28. c) Personnel i) If you see them, take a moment to celebrate these November work anniversaries: • Susy Axelson (10 years) • Sara Kelso (4 years) ii) Andrea Fiorillo has accepted the position of Branch Manager for the O’Neill Branch of the Cambridge Public Library. Andrea has been with RPL for over 13 years, rising through the ranks from a part-time Elder Services Librarian to Division Head of Public Services. Andrea has had a positive and significant impact on our programs and services. We wish her all the best in her new position! iii) Substitute Librarian Ashley Cristiano has accepted the position of Librarian I, Reference and Adult Services. Her start date is November 10. iv) 2025 NELA Conference • Andrea Fiorillo, Kathryn Geoffrion Scannell, and Megan White all attended the 2025 NELA Annual Conference in Newport, RI. • Children’s Librarian Megan White presented at the NELA conference on Jane Goodall’s Roots, Shoots, and Leaves (aka Citizen Kids) curriculum. Megan’s clear and compelling presentation included three years of data on the kids’ projects and photos. This inspired many engaged attendees to go start similar programming in their libraries. 5 | P a g e • Andrea Fiorillo presented sessions on “Intellectual Freedom throughout New England” and “Free Speech, the Rights of Minors, & Law Enforcement in Public Libraries”, fielding loads of questions about public libraries and legal issues. v) An October all staff meeting focused on customer service skills. vi) Other Learning (selected) • Aspen for Public Service Staff • Beyond Retention: Mechanisms to Support Librarian Job and Career Success and Longevity • Creating More Joy & Resilience in the Library • Customer Service Crash Course • Designing a Community Engagement Strategy • Digital Resources for Readers and Listeners • How Social Media is Used as an Information Discovery Tool • Managing the Talent: a Holistic Approach to Library Personnel Management • Mas Libros, Mas Voices - Building Spanish Language Collections • Navigating Change with Empathy and Inclusion • PACER--Using Chrome Tools to Support Diverse Readers • Read On: Tools to Help You Prepare for and Respond to Book Challenges • The "Why" of Assessment • Transform Library Book Purchasing with Amazon Business & MHEC • Using Decodables with Older Readers: Strategies to Build Confidence and Fluency • Working Well with Your Team: How to Manage Your Staff Respectfully submitted, Michelle Filleul, Assistant Director, November 6, 2025 ID Task Mode Task Name Duration Start Finish Predecessors 1 Mobilize/site protection/erosion control 2 days Mon 11/10/25 Tue 11/11/25 2 Tree Protection/Protect Utility Structures 1 day Wed 11/12/25 Wed 11/12/25 1 3 Strip and dispose of sod, stockpile topsoil 2 days Thu 11/13/25 Fri 11/14/25 2 4 Site excavation for walls, concrete, and pavers 3 days Mon 11/17/25 Wed 11/19/25 3 5 Wall delivery/Installation 1 day Thu 11/20/25 Thu 11/20/25 4 6 Subbase for concrete walkway 2 days Fri 11/21/25 Mon 11/24/25 5 7 Concrete Walkway 2 days Tue 11/25/25 Wed 11/26/25 6 8 Subbase for Pavers 2 days Fri 11/28/25 Mon 12/1/25 9 Pavers 2 days Tue 12/2/25 Wed 12/3/25 8 10 Lower existing cleanout 1 day Thu 12/4/25 Thu 12/4/25 9 11 Raise existing DMH Rim 1 day Thu 12/4/25 Thu 12/4/25 9 12 Adjust existing shrub elevations 1 day Fri 12/5/25 Fri 12/5/25 10 13 Loam and seed 2 days Mon 12/8/25 Tue 12/9/25 12 14 Plantings 1 day Wed 12/10/25 Wed 12/10/25 13 15 Demobilize 1 day Thu 12/11/25 Thu 12/11/25 14 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 December 2025 Task Split Milestone Summary Project Summary Inactive Task Inactive Milestone Inactive Summary Manual Task Duration-only Manual Summary Rollup Manual Summary Start-only Finish-only External Tasks External Milestone Deadline Progress Manual Progress Page 1 Project: Father Maguire Park 2- Date: Thu 10/30/25 Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Page | 1 2016-09-22 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Board of Library Trustees Date: 2025-10-14 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Public Library Location: Community Room Address: 64 Middlesex Avenue Session: Open Session Purpose: General Meeting Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Cappy Popp, Chair; Patrick Egan, Vice-Chair; Andrew Gregory; Andrew Grimes, Secretary; Kelli Bacon; Members - Not Present: Monette Verrier 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 7:01 p.m. II. Public Comment A community member approached Mr. Egan with accessibility concerns regarding the Library Terrace project. The resident prefers the Library's current outdoor setup and expressed concerns regarding the accessibility of the proposed steps for those with mobility issues. The project has not received any grant funding and will be privately funded by the Reading Public Library Foundation. The Ad Hoc Library Landscape Committee considered the accessibility of proposed design plans and ensured that portions of the proposed space would be accessible. Ms. Lannon will address these concerns in the next Library Terrace project update. III. Discussion and Vote: Revisions to the Collection Development and RFR Policy Ms. Lannon reviewed proposed changes to the Collection Development Policy and Request for Reconsideration of Materials Form. The policy update clarifies various portions and now aligns with current Massachusetts legislation. The Board discussed additional language to clarify that the Library will confirm receipt, acknowledging submitted Requests for Reconsideration within five days. Allowing 30 days rather than 10 days for the Library to respond with a decision provides for a more thorough analysis, especially given the possibility of staff absences and busy programming seasons. To limit repetitive analysis, the process includes a 30-day appeals limit to the Board of Library Trustees from the date of the Library's decision. Page | 2 Motion: To approve the Collection Development Policy, including the two appendices and the Request for Reconsideration of Materials Form as amended. (Egan / Grimes) Vote: Approved 5-0 IV. Review: Updates to the Policy on Distribution, Posting, and Collection of Materials Ms. Lannon reviewed proposed changes to the Policy on Distribution, Posting, and Collection of Materials. Language has been updated for clarification. Questions about postings no longer need to be referred to the Borrower Services Desk. Postings are monitored for time, place, and manner but not content. The Friends of the Reading Public Library and the Reading Public Library Foundation are closely affiliated with the Library and do not require special Board authorization for the collection of materials. However, community organizations may petition for the installation of temporary collection receptacles for initiatives that serve the public interest or enhance community welfare. Although charitable collections are often approved, it is important to avoid overcrowding and clutter in the Library lobby, especially during simultaneous collection periods. Individuals and organizations submit collection requests to the Library or the Board in any form. However, the requestor must specify the collection period timeline and schedule regular pickups of collected materials. The Board will vote on the proposed edits in November. The Board acknowledged the annual Toys for Tots program organized by the local Fire Department and the United States Marine Corps Reserve. The collection typically begins in November and continues through early December. One collection box is available in the lobby and is emptied regularly. Motion: To approve the placement of a collection bin for Toys for Tots through the 2025 holiday season. (Grimes / Egan) Vote: Approved 5-0 V. Financial Report The Reading Public Library Foundation generously gifted $158,500 toward the Library Terrace project in September and received several other memorial and general gifts. Ms. Lannon will not be present for the Board’s November meeting and will instead present the draft Level 1 FY27 budget in December. Ms. Lannon will incorporate feedback from the Board into her subsequent FY27 budget presentation to the Select Board. The Finance Committee held a financial forum last week and will meet again this week to deliver budget guidance. FY27 is expected to be a financially tight year. Ms. Lannon expects non-union salaries to increase by approximately 3% and all departments are working on reducing expenses. At the same time, the town wishes to maintain the same level of services and personnel in FY27. A budget override may be necessary in 2027 for the FY28 municipal budget. Ms. Lannon will not recommend reducing the Library's Sunday hours offered from October through May at this point unless drastic cuts are required. Staff volunteer for these extra Sunday hours, which are not factored into their regular salaries. Patrons of all ages, including students and older adults, have provided positive feedback on the importance of Sunday hours. Page | 3 VI. Director’s Report In September, circulation remained strong for both the physical collection and digital OverDrive content. New Library cards continue to be issued regularly. The number of visitors continues to increase, perhaps due to blossoming program offerings after the COVID-19 pandemic. The one-year $20,000 Rooted in Reading grant is complete. The Library hosted collaborative programming, enhanced collections, and added curated and meaningful indoor and outdoor green spaces. The Library will continue its commitment to environmental responsibility and overall community health through lasting community partnerships and programming and expanded collections. The Library will also pursue sustainable library certification. The Aspen public catalog is now live. The website has a new look and enhanced search speeds and capabilities when presenting Evergreen data to the public. Costs associated with the Aspen upgrade are included in the Library’s annual membership to the North of Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE) consortium. The Aspen upgrade benefits all 26 NOBLE libraries. Ms. Lannon highlighted program offerings in the Fall 2025 program brochures. The Health Nook space near the Research and Reader Services desk is gaining additional visibility thanks to popular Flu Shot, Hearing, and Blood Pressure clinics offered in partnership with the Town’s Public Health Nurse. Our new student page will begin working in the Children’s Room this week. Although most student pages are only with us for a few years, we appreciate being able to employ local students who often go on to achieve success academically and professionally. Elder Services Librarian Elizabeth Weilbacher recently accepted a new position as Library Director in Seabrook, NH. Although we will miss Ms. Weilbacher’s humor, energy, and many talents, we are excited to see our colleagues move onward and upward. Several staff members celebrated September work anniversaries. Notably, Reference and Community Health Librarian Susan Beauregard celebrated 32 years of service to the Library. Head of Collection Services Jamie Penney recently celebrated 25 years of service. Due to Ms. Weilbacher’s departure and the upcoming retirement of Ms. Beauregard in January, the Library is currently hiring for Librarian I – Reference and Elder Services and Librarian I – Outreach and Adult Services positions. The Connected Reading Community Open House on Tuesday, October 28, will feature approximately 49 Town departments and nonprofit organizations. This event previously targeted new residents, but is now open to anyone who wants to learn more about the community. Ms. Lannon highlighted recent staff professional development. Staff regularly engage in a wide range of learning opportunities to provide better library services to the community. VII. Approval of September 8, 2025, Meeting Minutes Motion: To approve the minutes of the September 8, 2025, Trustee Meeting as written. (Grimes / Egan) Vote: Approved 5-0 Page | 4 VIII. Future Agenda Items Board members will continue to research and consider potential membership in the Massachusetts Library Trustees Association (MLTA). An annual $100 fee paid by the Library on the Board’s behalf would provide membership for the entire Board. Mr. Egan noted that MLTA’s annual conference will be held on Saturday, November 1, at the Shrewsbury Public Library. Ms. Lannon reminded the Board that additional free training resources are available through the United for Libraries' statewide membership program. As part of the Rooted in Reading grant, the Library purchased a Bird Buddy birdwatching camera, located in the bird feeder near the historic Highland School fountain. Ms. Lannon shared a short video captured this past weekend of a blue jay enjoying birdseed. Mr. Popp complimented recent improvements to the library gardens. Mr. Egan noted that a Highland School alumnus was very pleased to learn about the new fountain made from the beautiful and meaningful historic sink. In November, the Board will vote on updates to the Policy on Distribution, Posting, and Collection of Materials. The Board will review the Gift Policy as needed. The Board’s November meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, due to conflicts with the Veterans’ Day holiday and subsequent Town Meeting scheduled for November 10, 13, 17, and 20. The Board will review the Level 1 Draft FY27 budget at the December 8 BOLT meeting. Ms. Lannon will then present the budget to the Select Board on December 9. In December, Ms. Fiorillo will present an update to the Board on the Library's winter programming and a final report on the Rooted in Reading grant. Adjournment 7:37 p.m. Motion: To Adjourn (Egan / Bacon) Vote: Approved 5-0 Respectfully Submitted, Andrew Grimes, Secretary