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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-08 Board of Library Trustees MinutesTown of Reading ;. Meeting Minutes r•, ` o �C is Board - committee - Commission - Council: Board of Library Trustees Date: 2025-12-08 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; Kell[ Bacon (remote); Monette Verner (remote) Members - Not Present: Others Present: Amy Lannon, Director; Michelle Filleul, Assistant Director; Meaghan Clemente, Administrative Assistant; Olivia McElwain, Head of Public Services; Sara Kelso, Head of Research and Reader Services; Sarah Brukllacchlo, Community Preservation Act Study Committee Ex-Officio Historical Commission Associate member; Martha Moore, Community Preservation Act Study Committee Ex-Offcio Conservation Commission member; Joseph McDonagh, Finance Committee Liaison to Reading Public Library (remote) Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Andrew Grimes, Secretary Topics of Discussion: I. Call to Order 7:01 p.m. It. Public Comment No public comments were made in person or remotely. III. Community Preservation Act Study Committee Update Sarah Brukilacchio and Martha Moore,presented an update on behalf of the Community Preservation Act Study Committee (CPASC). The Select Board established the Committee in May 2024. There is representation from the Conservation Commission, Recreation Committee, Historical Commission, Affordable Housing Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, and Select Board, as well as one at -large member. Ms. Brukilacchio represents the Historical Commission. Ms. Moore represents the Conservation Commission. CPASC members are working to educate other town boards and committees on the benefits of the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The CPASC will present its research to the Select Board on the merits of the CPA and the various methods for adoption. Town Meeting will vote in the spring on whether to submit the CPA to the voters for approval next fall. Page i t Enacted by the state in the early 2000s, the CPA provides funding for the preservation of open space, historical sites, and affordable housing through property tax surcharges and matching state funds generated through Registry of Deeds real estate transactions. Opportunities to match federal and state grant funds and to borrow against the CPA for larger projects may also be possible. 201 of the 351 Massachusetts towns and cities have adopted the CPA. Reading has not adopted the CPA yet, despite a failed attempt at passing a I% surcharge in 2002, around the same time as the municipal debt exclusion vote for the Reading Memorial High School renovations. The CPA could benefit open spaces in Town through trails, conservation, invasive species control, and initiatives similar to the Library's Rooted in Reading grant. The Town could have used CPA funds to help fund recent improvements to the Birch Meadow recreation area or, in the future, to enhance affordable housing efforts. The CPA would also allow for the historic preservation of Town Hall, Pleasant Street, Parker Tavern, and the Library. Although the maximum CPA property tax surcharge is 3%, the CPASC recommends a 1 % surcharge on residential property values to fund the CPA. A higher surcharge would make the Town eligible for additional funding, but would make it less likely to pass a town -wide vote. The voter -approved percentage would be locked in for five years and could only be changed with a Town Meeting vote. The 1% surcharge would cost the average homeowner approximately $100 in extra real estate taxes each year. CPASC recommends exemptions for low-income and senior citizens, as well as commercial properties. The 1 % surcharge would generate an average of $1 million in CPA funding per year, which is close to the annual amount the Town has spent on CPA -eligible projects in recent years. Ms. Brukilacchio and Ms. Moore clarified that projected state matches would be approximately 20 to 25% of the local surcharges collected. If enacted, a yet -to - be -established formal CPA committee will determine how 70% of the funds will be used based on applications submitted by Town organizations, committees, and residents. For example, funding could be used for a community splash pad, the maintenance of tennis or pickleball courts, or improvements to historic buildings. The Community Preservation Coalition has compiled a website with data on different CPA projects in every Town throughout the state. Ultimately, Town Meeting will vote on which projects to move forward with. Since the Library is a historic building, CPA funds could support the restoration and preservation of historic architectural features and interior elements, or accessibility improvements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Another option would be open -space projects on RPL property, such as outdoor reading gardens. CPA funds can also support planning studies if they relate to preservation -eligible projects. Overall, the Committee hopes the Board of Library Trustees will support the CPA to safeguard the Library building, increase community value, and reduce strain on the local budget. Ms. Brukilacchio and Ms. Moore thanked the Board for their time IV. Winter Programming Update Newly promoted Head of Public Services Olivia McElwain presented an update on the Library's winter programming. Ms. McElwain reviewed programming highlights from Fall 2025: Farm Fresh Storytime featuring goats had 146 attendees Page 1 2 • Mortality 101 Series featured three programs on death, dying. and the digital afterlife 14 teens attended three book club sessions • 121 enthusiastic attendees participated in a Puzzle and Game Swap • Staff facilitated nine technology help appointments and nine genealogy one-on- one appointments • Halloween: Hundreds of attendees attended a Trick or Treat Storytime and two Halloween concerts. Halloween Adult Trivia and Crafts events were also popular and 163 patrons participated in the Children's Costume Swap. Upcoming winter programming includes: • Zen Den and Mind Over Muscle self -care programming for tweens • Baby Snow Ball and Mini Rave dances for 0-5-year-olds • An introductory Dungeons and Dragons program for Grades 3-5 • Teen pizza tasting event and a Doodling Secret Messages program • February Vacation Mystical Magical Mayhem with castle building and amulet design • Adult programming on topics such as renting versus buying, forensic science, and more • A winter concert with songs celebrating the 2501h anniversary of the American Revolution Staff are also focused on programs for millennials and Generation Z. • A soup master program already has a waiting list. • Board game nights • Nature -based trivia • Trivia against librarians • Community clothing swap • Five-minute PowerPoint Presentation Party Finally, popular programs continuing from the fall include the Teen Book Group, BeTween Time, Pok6mon Club, and Plant Lab for kids, English Conversation Group, and Mah Jongg meet -ups. On -demand virtual author talks through the Friends Speaker Series will also continue. RPL continues to develop community partnerships with the North Suburban Family Resource Network, Pleasant Street Center, Reading Neighbors Network, METCO, Reading Public Health Nurse Liv Bartolomei, and the Reading Public Schools. The Board expressed its enthusiasm and support for the Library program offerings. Pe 13 V. Rooted in Reading Final Report Head of Research and Reader Services Sara Kelso presented an update on the recently completed Rooted in Reading grant. The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) awarded the Library a $20,000 grant in October 2024. The grant is funded by the Library Services Technology Act (LSTA) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Centered in nature, health, and sustainability, the grant expanded intergenerational education and gardening spaces at the Library. The grant officially concluded in September 2025. In -kind contributions to grant -related initiatives totaled $37,962.88. Planning and preparation for the grant began in April 2024. The grant management team consisted of staff from all Departments. All staff members had the opportunity to participate in grant initiatives through marketing, Cataloging, program planning, additions to the collection, and more. The grant included funds for staff education and a library - wide discussion of The Servlceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The grant objectives included promoting community health, improving access to nature, building sustainability, and creating social connections. Initiatives focused on enhancing collections and resources, programs and partnerships, and green spaces. Collaboration with Town Departments and Committees, Garden Clubs, and other local organizations helped beautify Town spaces and inspire impactful programming. 85% of surveyed program attendees learned something new. The funds supported learning opportunities in both indoor and outdoor healing spaces. New green spaces included a sensory garden. habitat garden, raised beds, and indoor plants. Teen and adult volunteers maintained outdoor garden spaces through the Busy Bees program. The Library hosted over 50 educational programs, 12 of which were grant -funded. Overall, the grant increased environmental awareness for all library visitors. The Library has laid the groundwork for long-term wellness initiatives through partnerships and new engagement opportunities. The Rooted in Reading grant has expanded Library collections and resources. RPL added garden -related items to the circulating collection, including print materials, digital resources, and tools in the Library of Things. Children's Librarian Megan White kept the seed library collection stocked through donations from seed companies and community members. Most recently, RPL installed a Bird Buddy camera as part of the Habitat Garden. In the future, the Library hopes to establish a Sustainability Committee and pursue Sustainable Libraries Certification. Staff will identify ongoing opportunities to enhance sustainability that are environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically feasible. Certification will improve and expand services through events, timely topics, new partnerships, and added collection resources. The Board thanked Ms. Kelso for her informative update. Ms. Lannon shared a recent MBLC email regarding the reinstatement of federal IMLS grants. A recent U.S. District Court ruling has permanently blocked a presidential executive order intended to eliminate the IMLS. This allows the IMLS to continue delivering critical support and funding to libraries nationwide. Federal library funding and IMLS grants, such as the Rooted in Reading gram, have a positive impact on many rural, suburban, and urban communities. It is important to spread the word about supporting libraries in the community and to advocate for their importance to lawmakers. The possibility of an appeal to the U.S. District Court ruling is unclear at this time. Ms. Lannon noted that the MBLC offers a mailing list for library trustees that provides Page 1 4 updates but will also share any updates received. Former Head of Public Services Ally Dowds currently works at the MBLC. The MBLC is working to restore library services impacted by federal budget cuts, especially those impacting marginalized communities. VI. Update on Library Terrace Project and Status of Ad Hoc Library Landscape Committee The outdoor Library Terrace project has been completed. The Library is grateful for the support of Activitas, Belko Landscaping, the Town Engineering Department, and the Department of Public Works. The installation went quickly and smoothly. Native and cuhivar native plantings, including a serviceberry tree, have been installed with extended warranties due to the cold weather. The slope grade is accessible and well within ADA requirements. Smooth, fiat areas are available for wheelchairs and strollers. The Ad Hoc Library Landscape Committee would like to remain active until an official opening ceremony or ribbon -cutting event in the spring. The Committee is grateful to the Reading Public Library Foundation, the Board, and the community for helping this project become a success. Motion.: To continue the Ad Hoc Library Landscape Committee until Spring of 2026 (Grimes/Gregory) Vote: Approved 6-0 VII. Discussion and Vote: Updates to the Gift Policy Minor updates to the Gift Policy discussed at the November meeting have been incorporated. Motion: To approve the GM Policy as presented. (Grimes / Egan) Vote: Approved 6-0 VIII. Financial Report Ms. Lannon presented the FY27 Draft Level I Budget, which has undergone several different revisions. Ms. Lannon has been working closely with the Town Manager, Town Accountant, and other Department Heads, as the FY27 municipal budget is expected to be tight. A potential override vote is expected soon. Ms. Lannon will present the FY27 Library budget to the Select Board on December 9 and will eventually present it to the Finance Committee as well. The overall recommended FY27 library budget is $2,320,000, a 2.7% increase over FY26. 80% of the Library's budget goes to salaries. All library staff are non -union personnel and are expected to receive a one-step increase plus a 1.25% cost -of -living adjustment (COLA). There are no increases to the substitute and Sunday coverage budget lines. The Library expects to fully expend its FY27 municipal expense budget as R has in FY23, FY24, and FY25. Library materials spending must increase to $301.700 to comply with state certification requirements. Mr. Egan suggested sharing additional information on state certification requirements to educate the public about the importance of certification during the budget process. Ms. Lannon also noted a 7.4% increase in Software Licenses & Support to address vendor price inflation and a scheduled three- year renewal for public computer DeepFreeze licenses. To offset this increase, the budget includes reductions in technology supplies, general supplies, professional development, and library programs. Cuts to the municipal Page i 5 programming expense line may result in reductions in special programming features, such as guest speakers and American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. However, Ms. Lannon believes the Library can afford these temporary cuts for now. The Library is grateful for the generous support of the Friends of the Reading Public Library, which funds many library programs, and of the Reading Public Library Foundation, which supports larger capital projects. The Library is lucky to have the support of these outside organizations, as well as supplemental sources such as state aid, gifts, and trusts that are not available to other municipal departments. In a fully funded budget year, a 3% expense increase is typical to maintain level services. The current 1.5% increase reflects a pragmatic balance between fiscal responsibility and operational needs. Ms. Lannon is hopeful that disruption will be minimal. The Board expressed its support for the FY27 budget and Ms. Lannon's presentation to the Select Board. The FY26 budget is on track. RPL received several financial gifts in November. IX. Director's Report Ms. Lannon presented Library usage statistics, emphasizing the increase in volunteer hours. Volunteers cannot do the work of paid employees, but they can significantly enhance library services. The relaunch of volunteer programs, such as Book Buddies, creates community engagement opportunities for young adults. Book Buddies are young adults who pair up to read aloud with younger children to practice and improve reading literacy. Director of Equity and Social Justice Albert Pless has enthusiastic volunteers aiding him with graphic design, social media, newsletter publications, and other projects. Volunteer engagement has helped create meaningful community involvement in the Library, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Library continues to build relationships with community groups. Support for community events includes sharing details and assisting with publicity, with limited involvement, Sponsorship provides enhanced support to nonprofit groups aligned with the Library's core values. Partnerships allow for more detailed collaboration and resource sharing. In November, community connections included the Chabad of Wakefield, Northeast ARC Resource Fair, Peter Sanborn Place, Pleasant Street Center Reading Garden Club, Reading Health Department, and the Reading Public Schools Multilingual Learners Team. Olivia McElwain has been promoted to Head of the Public Services Division. Her former Librarian II—Children's position has already been posted. Senior Library Associate and Meeting Room Coordinator Louise Hetherington will be refiring at the end of December after 16 years of service. The Library is currently reviewing applications from candidates interested in this position. Reference Librarian Susan Beauregard will retire in January after 32 years of service. This position will be posted in the new year. Part-time Reference Librarian Rebecca Bailey celebrates 8 years of service this month. X. Approval of November 12, 2026, Meeting Minutes Motion: To approve the minutes of the November 12, 2025, Trustee Meeting as written. (Gregory/Grimes) Vote: Approved 6-0 Page 16 XI. Future Agenda Items In January, Ms. Filleul will update the Board on community outreach and engagement, and Ms. Lannon will do a mid -year check -in on the supplemental spending budget. In February, Ms. Filleul will present an update on the Library's technology plan, and a report on patron self-service will also be presented. Adjournment 8:02 p.m. Motion: To Adjourn (Grimes / Gregory) Vote: Approved 6-0 Respectfully Submitted, / n'1� drew Grimes, Secretary P,g 17 Community Preservation Act in Reading Presentation by the Ad Hoc Community Preservation Act Study Committee readinamaxi v/CPA A Massachusetts law that permits communities to levy a small property tax surcharge to raise money for specific types of projects: • open space preservation (conservation and recreation), • historical preservation, and • affordable housing creation and preservation. Fri I State contributes a percentage match 201 of the 351 towns and cities have chosen to adopt the CPA, but Reading has not yet The "Ad Hoc Community Preservation Act Study Committee" • Established by the Select Board in 2024 • Includes representatives from conservation, recreation, historic preservation, affordable housing, finance, and the Select Board plus one at -large member Charged to "study the merits of the CPA and the various methods for adoption and present its findings to the Select Board" Originally created with the November 2024 election in mind, now looking at November 2026 • Open space: Trails, conservation, invasive species • Recreation: Birch Meadow, playgrounds, fields • Affordable housing: (Re)develop Housing Authority properties, develop housing plans • Historic preservation: Town Hall, Pleasant St, Parker Tavern... and of course, the Library! Opportunities to make money go further: • Match for state and federal grants • Borrowing against CPA for larger projects (based on actual FY25 property values, residential only) 0.5% 1 % 1.5% Local surcharges $395,155 $790,309 $1,185,464 collected... ... plus FY21 state $549,265 $1,098.530 $1,647,794 match of 39% ... plus FY24 state $450,476 $900,952 $1,351,428 match of 14% (based on actual FY25 Surcharge Rate Options single-family home Assessed Current values) value tax 0.5% 1% 1.5% Average $893,069 $11,012 $48.89 $97.79 $146.68 Median $840,800 $10,367 $45.67 $91.34 $137.01 Bottom 10% $673,500 $8,304 $35.36 $70.71 $106.07 Top 10% $1,187,680 $14,644 $67.06 $134.11 $201.17 • November 2025: Informational report to Town Meeting • January or February 2026: Informational report to the Select Board • April 2026: Town Meeting vote on whether or not to submit CPA to the voters If approved by Town Meeting: November 2026: Town -wide vote on whether or not to adopt CPA If approved by the voters: • April 2027: Town Meeting vote on creating a Community Preservation Committee • April 2028: Town Meeting vote on first allocation of CPA funds • July 2028: First distribution of CPA funds CPA Study Committee Presentation to the Reading Public Library Board of Trustees 12/8/2025 1. Historic Preservation of the Library Building Being part of Reading's Historical Inventory, CPA funds can support: • Restoration of historic architectural features • Roof, window, or masonry repairs (if historically appropriate) • Preservation of historic interior elements • ADA accessibility improvements as pan of historic restoration • Preservation planning, studies, and architectural assessments Benefit to Trustees: Helps maintain the long -tern integrity of the building, protects key community assets, and reduces reliance on municipal budgets for large heritage projects. 2. Land Acquisition or Open Space Projects Connected to the Library CPA funds can support: • Acquisition of adjacent land for expansion • Creation or improvement of outdoor reading gardens • Preservation of open space near the library • Trail connections to the library Benefit to Trustees: Supports strategic expansion and improves library/community engagement with outdoor learning spaces. 3. Planning and Feasibility Studies CPA funds can support planning studies if they relate to a preservation -eligible project, including: • Historical structure reports • Feasibility studies for preservation -related renovations • Architectural design for historically compliant upgrades Benefit to Trustees: Allows the Board to gather required professional studies to advance long-term building projects. 4. How Trustees Can Use CPA Strategically • Align your long-range facilities plan with CPA categories to leverage available funding. • Collaborate with your local Community Preservation Committee early to shape project proposals. • Use CPA funding to make the case for additional grants (Massachusetts historic grants. MBLC construction grants, etc.). • Highlight community benefits --CPA projects often receive strong public suppon. The CPA can be a powerful tool for a library's Board of Trustees by supporting historic preservation, facility rehabilitation (if historic). land acquisition, outdoor community spaces, and preservation -related studies. It helps safeguard the building, increase community value, and reduce strain on the local budget, aligning with the Trustees' mission to steward the library as a community resource. What CPA cannot fund The CPA cannot fund general library operations, such as: • Staff wages • Routine maintenance • Technology unrelated to preservation • New construction (unless pan of historic rehab) • Furniture, equipment, or collection. wf Public Services Winter 2025-2026 U pdate U/ P/ • Farm Fresh Storytime - 146 attendees • Mortality 101 Series - 53 attendees across 3 programs • Teen Book Club - 14 attendees across 3 sessions • Puzzle and Game Swap - 121 attendees • 9 Tech Help Appointments • 9 Genealogy 1-on-1 Appointments Wkter 2025-2026 Weuv- ■ • Zen Den & Mind Over Muscle for Tweens • Baby Snow Ball & Mini Rave for 0-5 year olds • Dungeons and Dragons for Grades 3-5 • Pizza Tasting for Teens • Doodling Secret Messages for Teens with Cara Bean • Mystical Magical Mayhem: February Break for ages 0-13 • Tired of Renting? Should you Buy? - CFA Boston Presents: Rent vs Buy • Songs of the Revolution: A Winter Concert with Diane Taraz • Betrayal and its aftermath: learning to respond and heal • Forensic Science Roadshow with a MA State Crime Lab Expert Secrets and Second Chances with High Seas Heroines and Adventures Author Liz Moore0 with author Vanessa Riley r �►D. Dr. Lindsay Stewart on +00 Years Sr o Y &SEA • of Black Women's Magic ,4 m00ai O ParUwshqn Suburban Family Resource Network • rieasant Street Center • Peter Sanborn Place • METCO • Liv Bartolomei - Reading's Public Nurse • Reading Neighbors Network • Multi -Language Department at RPS QuesUons? Grant Awards to Libraries Rooted no) in Reading Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners funded by The Library Services Technology Act The Institute of Museum and Library Services Oct 12024 - Sep 30 2025 Award amount: $20,000 In -Kind contributions: $37,962.88 Grant management team: • Michelle Filleul • Kathryn Geoff rion-Scannell • Andrea Hogan • Sara Kelso • Amy Lannon • Megan White • Desiree Zicko "WHAT IS ROOTED IN READING"? Reading Public Library was awarded a one-year federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) direct grant by the the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). Centered nature, health, and sustainability, this grant will expand related education and gardening spaces at the RPL The grant aims to transform Reading Public Library into a vibrant hub for intergenerational and inclusive education on nature, health and sustainability. • Objectives EPromote Community Health © Improve Access to Nature © Build Sustainability Create Social Connections s Initiatives ECollections and resources 0 Programs & Partnerships © Green Spaces Collections and Resources Programs & Partnerships The Reading Public Library hosted over 50 educational programs, 12 of which were grant funded. Through partnerships and new engagement opportunities, we increased environmental awareness in the community for all library visitors, and laid the ground work for long-term wetness Initiatives. 4 - 4 cue"tally sou Soclafly eft Next Steps �w 0 Sustainabitity Committee SUSTAINABILITV s ©Annuat events, recurring topics. new partnerships. added resources F \y © Sustainable Libraries Certification �o v nOmically FeaS Lannon, Amy <lannon@noblenet.org> [allregions] Federal IMLS Update 1 message Bruno, Celeste (BLC) <celesteAmno@mass.gov> Fn, Dec 5, 2025 at 1:00 PM Reply -To'. "Bruno, Celeste (BLC)" <celeste.bruno@mass.gov> To allregions <allregions@mblc.state.ma.us>. Trustee Announce Listsery <trustees-announce@mblc.state.ma us>, "pubdir-announce@mblc stateme us" <pubdir-announce@mblcstate ma.us>, MASSVAC <massyac@mblc. state.ma. us> Good afternoon —Maureen is traveling today so I'm sending this on her behalf. MBLC starts Federal Program Rebuild On December 3, 2025, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced it had reinstated all federal grants which were terminated due to Executive Order 14238 signed by President Trump on March 14, 2025. The goal of the executive order was to eliminate IMLS "to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law." The IMLS announcement followed the November 21st ruling by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell in favor of 21 state attorneys general, including Massachusetts. Judge McConnell determined that Executive Order 14238 exceeded presidential authority and violated laws governing agencies established by Congress. This ruling permanently blocks Executive Order 14238 and ensures that IMLS can continue delivering critical support and funding for libraries nationwide and prohibits any further attempts to dismantle the agency. With these two major developments, the MBLC has started to rebuild its federal program. I'm relieved that IMLS seems to be on more secure footing and the MBLC can bring back some services, but the fallout and damage from Executive Order 14238 on our statewide services and direct grants to support local libraries has been extensive. Under these circumstances, it's the outcome we hoped for and we're grateful for the efforts of the attorney general, state and federal legislators, library supporters, and the entire library community to restore funding to IMLS. Nine months ago, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) removed IMLS staff from their offices and almost the entire staff were placed on leave. The MBLC received notice that in order to get federal funding we may have to demonstrate that we are meeting a series of criteria that fly in the face of our core mission (one we've held for 135 years). Reimbursements from IMLS became uncertain, with huge delays in receiving funds. On almost a daily basis there was a new hurdle placed in our way when all we were trying to do was to make sure every person in Massachusetts has access to library services. Federal uncertainty made it necessary to cut many of the services the MBLC provided with IMLS funds including accessibility training to provide services for people who are blind and disabled, grants to 18 communities to help improve local library services, collections, and programs; and a major reduction in statewide research databases, heavily used by students. And while I'm grateful for the way we're all working together to get through this crisis: library partners and affiliates stepping in to fill gaps in services, school librarians working to find alternative resources, librarians helping to get the word out to users, and so much more, what we've all been through since March has been extreme, wasteful, and damaging. Given the extent of what was lost, bringing back services isn't like flipping a switch. Though MBLC staff have had recurring internal meetings to plan for funding scenarios, executing plans takes time. Kate Butler and Jaccavrie McNeely are looking at databases and funding for digital collections; Jessica Colati is working to bring back preservation grants, Lyndsay Forbes and Ally Dowds are working on direct grants to libraries and trainings for special populations. The whole process involves our Business Office as that team coordinates all of these services through the state procurement process and the vendor contracts that follow. There are many steps involved in a complex reconstruction like this. When we have more details on timelines and services to be restored, we'll share them with you. As the MBLC is rebuilding its federal program, it's important to keep in mind that federal FY2026 funding levels are still not certain. IMLS is currently funded at FY2025 levels under a Continuing Resolution through January and both the House and Senate have restored IMLS funding in their budget proposals. It is unclear when or if Congress will pass a budget, and if it does, whether funding will be approved for IMLS. Sign -off by the President is also not guaranteed. There is also the possibility that the ruling that blocked Executive Order 14238 will be appealed. Please know that our entire staff is working as hard as we can, and as quickly as we are able under procurement laws, to bring critical services back. The amount of time, effort, and resources that were lost due to Executive Order 14238 and its aftermath will be impossible to recover fully. We don't know what the future holds for funding, but it is my sincere hope that this marks the end of the chaos. Please continue to reach out with questions. Our team is here for you. --Maureen Amyot MBLC Director Celeste Bruno Communications Director Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners office: 617-725-1860 X208 cell: 85748"206 media inquiries: celeste.bruno@mass.gov allregions@mblc stateme us is a statewide discussion list for Massachusetts libraries. Massages posted to this list are saved in a publicly -accessible archive. To advertise or request free items, please use freebies@mblcstate ma. us To Unsubscdbe: https://mblastate ma. us/sympa/signoff/allregions To Manage Your Subscription: https//mblc.state. ma.uslsympa/suboptmns/allregions Y27 RPL Budget Recommendation: $2,320,000 (+2.7%) e Finance Committee has provided guidance on an overall municipal budget increase of 3%, luding the use of $6.75M in free cash. Based on this, the Town Manager recommends a 27 non -union salary increase of one step plus a 1.25% cost -of -living adjustment (COLA), witing in a library -wide salary increase of 2.9%. The modest 1.8% increase in the expense dget reflects RPL's sensitivity to the town -wide fiscal constraints and our commitment to ,.3ponsi1la resource management during this challenging budget cycle. Salaries (+2.9%): The proposed budget maintains current funding levels for substitute positions (Administration) and Sunday coverage (Collection Services and Public Services), with the step and COLA increase for employees. LIBRARY WAGES FY26 Budget FY27R uest $Chan %Chan e Administration $ 485,300 $ 503,000 $ 17,700 3.6% Collection Services $ 537,350 $ 552,350 $ 15,000 2.8% Public Services $ 787,400 $ 806,700 $ 19,300 2.5% $ 1,810,050 $ 1,862,0S0 $ 52,000 2.9% Expenses (+1.8%): RPL fully expended its budgeted expenses in FY23, FY24, and FY25. To manage costs effectively, this budget reduces or maintains level funding for most expense categories, with two exceptions: • Library Materials: +2.6% increase to comply with state certification requirements • Software Licenses & Support: +7.4% increase to address vendor price inflation RPL expects to maintain current service levels with minimal disruption under these budget constraints for the fiscal year. While a 3% expense budget increase would represent full funding and add $7,500 to expenses, the current 1.5% increase reflects a pragmatic balance between fiscal responsibility and operational needs. EXPENSES FY26 Budget FY27 Request $Chan a %Change Library Materials $ 294,000 $ 301,700 $ 7,700 2.6% Equipment Contract/Repair $ 24,000 $ 24,000 $ 0.0% Software License &Support $ 74,000 $ 79,500 $ 5500 7.4% Technology Supplies $ 91000 $ 8,000 $ 1,000 -11.1% General Supplies $ 14,000 $ 12,250 $ 1750 -12.5% Professional Development $ 14,000 $ 12,000 $ 2,000 44.3% OESi Professional Services $ 17,000 $ 17,000 $ 0.0% Library Programs _ $ 4,2 $ 3,500 $ 500 -12.5% $ 050,000 $ 457,9S0 $ 7,950 1 1.3%