HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-12 Board of Library Trustees Packet
Town of Reading
Meeting Posting with Agenda
This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be dis cussed
at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting.
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2018-07-16 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Board of Library Trustees
Date: 2026-01-12 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Public Library Location: Community Room
Address: 64 Middlesex Avenue Agenda:
Purpose: General Business
Meeting Called By: Amy Lannon for Chair Cappy Popp
Notices and agendas are to be posted 48 hours in advance of the meetings excluding
Saturdays, Sundays and Legal Holidays. Please keep in mind the Town Clerk’s hours of
operation and make necessary arrangements to be sure your posting is made in an
adequate amount of time. A listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be
discussed at the meeting must be on the agenda.
All Meeting Postings must be submitted in typed format; handwritten notices will not be accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
This meeting will be held in-person in the Community Room at the Reading Public
Library and remotely on Zoom. It will also be available streamed live through RCTV
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Town of Reading
Meeting Posting with Agenda
This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be dis cussed
at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting.
Page | 2
I. Call to Order
II. Public Comment
III. Community Outreach and Engagement Update
IV. Financial Report
V. Director's Report
VI. Approval of December 8, 2025, Meeting Minutes
VII. Future Agenda Items
a. February
i. Technology Plan Update
ii. Patron Self-Service Report
iii. Library Card Design Contest
iv. Building Plaque and Land Acknowledgement
b. March
i. Spring Programming Update
As of December 31 (50%)Trustee Budget Summary
SUMMARY Orginal $$ Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance % Used
Municipal Salaries 1,810,050$ -$ 880,117$ -$ 929,933$ 48.62%
Municipal Expenses 156,000$ -$ 115,172$ -$ 40,829$ 73.83%
Municipal Materials 294,000$ -$ 148,772$ -$ 145,228$ 50.60%
Fines & Fees 12,349$ 7,075$ 6,173$ -$ 13,251$ N/A
State Aid 105,463$ 32,975$ 7,004$ -$ 131,434$ N/A
Gifts 160,405$ 177,555$ 179,961$ -$ 157,999$ N/A
Trusts (Expendable Funds) 111,514$ 9,824$ 6,038$ -$ 115,300$ N/A
TOTALS $2,649,781 $227,429 $1,343,237 $0 $1,533,973
Municipal Appropriation Orginal $$ Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance % Used
Salaries - Library Administration 485,300$ 245,203$ -$ 240,097$ 50.53%
Salaries - Leave Buyback* -$ 3,510$ -$ (3,510)$
Salaries - Collection Services 537,350$ 251,665$ -$ 285,685$ 46.83%
Salaries - Public Services 787,400$ 379,739$ -$ 407,661$ 48.23%
Expenses - General
Library Maint Contract Supp 24,000$ 22,890$ -$ 1,110$ 95.37%
Professional Development 14,000$ 7,139$ -$ 6,861$ 50.99%
Library Programs 4,000$ 68$ -$ 3,932$ 1.69%
Software/ Licenses 74,000$ 70,959$ -$ 3,041$ 95.89%
Library Supplies 9,000$ 3,163$ -$ 5,837$ 35.15%
Office Supplies 5,000$ 1,033$ -$ 3,967$ 20.66%
Technology 9,000$ 9,526$ -$ (526)$ 105.85%
OESJ (NEW) 17,000$ 394$ -$ 16,606$ 2.32%
Materials 294,000$ 148,772$ -$ 145,228$ 50.60%
Books 51,704$ -$
Audio 1,374$ -$
Video 1,031$ -$
Periodicals 253$ -$
Electronic Resources 47,054$ -$
Other Materials 7,216$ -$
Overdrive (eBooks / eAudiobooks) 40,140$ -$
TOTALS 2,260,050$ -$ 1,197,138$ -$ 1,115,989$ 52.97%
Fines and Fees Orginal $$Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance
Revenue (and Carryover)12,349$ 7,075$ -$ $19,424
Materials -$
Supplies 6,173$ -$ ($6,173)
TOTALS 12,349$ 7,075$ 6,173$ -$ $13,251
State Aid Orginal $$Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance
Revenue (and Carryover)105,463$ 32,975$ -$ -$ 138,438$
Expenses -$
Office Supplies -$ -$ -$ -$ -$
Professional Development -$ -$ -$ -$ -$
Materials -$ -$ 29$ -$ (29)$
Library Other -$ -$ 5,347$ -$ (5,347)$
Library Equipment -$ -$ 1,628$ -$ (1,628)$
TOTALS 105,463$ 32,975$ 7,004$ -$ 131,434$
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As of December 31 (50%)Trustee Budget Summary
Gifts & Donations Orginal $$ Adj/Income Expended Encumbered Balance
Revenue (and Carryover)23,629$ 18,942$ 18,667$ -$ 23,904$
Professional Development -$ -$ 556$ -$ (556)$
Recreational -$ -$ 542$ -$ (542)$
Programs & Services Adults 27,922$ -$ -$ -$ 27,922$
Programs & Services Teens 24,265$ -$ -$ -$ 24,265$
Programs & Services OESJ 1,496$ -$ 400$ -$ 1,096$
Programs & Services Childrens 25,870$ -$ -$ -$ 25,870$
Programs & Services- Local History 500$ -$ -$ -$ 500$
Garden -$ 158,500$ 159,796$ -$ (1,296)$
Studio 28,415$ -$ -$ -$ 28,415$
RPL Foundation 647$ -$ -$ -$ 647$
Materials 27,662$ 113$ -$ -$ 27,775$
TOTALS 160,405$ 177,555$ 179,961$ -$ 157,999$
Trusts Original $$Avail/Income Expended Encumbered Expendable Balance
Appleton / Mansfield 9,030$ 1,240$ -$ -$ 10,270$
Edward Appleton 39,366$ 2,554$ 6,038$ -$ 35,882$
R/M Babcock 3,733$ 454$ -$ -$ 4,186$
Stephen Foster 8,464$ 1,370$ -$ -$ 9,834$
Charles Torrey 1,436$ 151$ -$ -$ 1,587$
Donald Tuttle 1,200$ 105$ -$ -$ 1,305$
Elaine & George Long 38,640$ 2,701$ -$ -$ 41,340$
Barbara Hewitt 7,815$ 1,038$ -$ -$ 8,852$
James Rawstron 1,830$ 213$ -$ -$ 2,043$
TOTALS 111,514$ 9,824$ 6,038$ -$ 115,300$
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
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FY26 Supplemental Spending Mid-
Year Update
In August 2025, the presented recommendation for FY26 supplemental
spending was $80,500 or 3.8% of the municipal budget.
Recommended State Aid Spending ($35,000)
At the end of FY25, the available State Aid funds totaled $105,463. The budget for State Aid
spending for FY26 is 53% of the FY25 award.
Category Budget Spent to Date % Spent
Equipment, furnishings, and technology $10,000 $1,628 16%
Materials (as needed) $4,000 $0 0%
Professional Development $8,000 $0 0%
Marketing and communications $13,000 $5,347 41%
TOTAL: $35,000 $6,975 20%
Recommended Gift Spending ($17,000)
At the end of FY25, the available gift funds totaled $160,405. Planned supplemental spending from
these accounts is $17,000.
Category Budget Spent to Date % Spent
Equipment & Furnishings $11,000 $9,274 84%
Programs & Services $2,000 $400 20%
Miscellaneous $4,000 $1,098 27%
TOTAL: $17,000 $10,772 63%
FY26 Recommended Trust Spending ($28,500)
At the end of FY25, the available balance of expendable trust funds totaled $111,514. Planned FY26
supplemental spending from these accounts is $28,500 and will be spent according to individual
trust guidelines.
Category Budget Spent to Date % Spent
Library Terrace $20,000 $5,750 29%
Materials $8,500 $288 3%
TOTAL: $28,500 $6,038 21%
December 26, 2025
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January Board of Library Trustees Meeting
IV. FINANCIAL REPORT
a) Supplemental Spending Mid-Year Update (see attached)
b) FY26 Budget Update: The FY26 budget continues to track according to plan. There
are no significant items or concerns that require attention at this time.
c) December Gifts
DONOR AMOUNT PURPOSE
Harold and Mary Jo Nordstrom $50.00 General Use
Cherri Duboi $30.00 In Honor of Susan Beauregard’s
Retirement
Gourmet Readers Book Club $100.00 General Use
Mary Ellen Downey $30.00 In Memory of Johanna (Jody) Herook
Cash Donations $39.00 General Use
Total $249.00
V. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
a) December Snapshot
Physical Circulation Overdrive Circulation
Usage December 2025 November 2025 December 2024
Circulation 24,908 25,502 25,626
Locker Use 136 145 46
Meeting Rooms Rentals 36 42 29
Museum Passes 102 128 152
New Library Cards 89 128 79
Overdrive 5,515 5,332 5,512
Programs 44 55 42
Reference Questions 1,846 1,834 1,751
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Visitors 13,996 15,099 13,138
Volunteer Hours 37 45 24.5
b) Collections, Programs, and Services
i) Each year, we evaluate our database services to ensure they meet community
needs and provide good value. Due to low usage and high cost, we've discontinued
our subscriptions to the digital Valueline and Craft & Hobby online resources.
Valueline is available through the Boston Public Library, and we are looking for other
ways to support our community of makers.
ii) Become a Soup Master! was a hit, with (30) enthusiastic attendees. Everyone
seemed very happy, lots of happy chatter as they filled their soup bags with the dry
materials. Two mothers brought their college-aged daughters, and all four requested
"Soup Master" Certificates at the end.
iii) Local History Fun Fact: Local History specialist Jocelyn Gould fielded an email
inquiry into whether we had any travel passes from 1775/1776 for the refugees from
Boston. Her research showed many people fled to Reading from Charlestown after
the town burned during the Battle of Bunker Hill. Jocelyn shared some resources on
this from another area library
iv) Our newest Adult Services librarian, Ashley Cristiano, worked with Borrower
Services to create a pamphlet expanding the home delivery service to include our
Library of Things (LoT) collection. This was in response to a patron who wanted to
watch some older shows available on DVD. The patron couldn’t afford cable or a
DVD player but was delighted to discover they could borrow both DVDs and a DVD
player from RPL!
v) The English Conversation Group finished another 16-week series in December, with
a consistent average of seven people weekly. We are excited to host our first series
of beginner English classes for more entry-level speakers starting in the spring to
complement this offering.
vi) Our Children’s team met with Bagche Music, Language, and Art to discuss the
upcoming Nowruz Storytime and possible future programs. One possibility might be
offering Persian classes at the library in the fall, further expanding our multicultural
offerings to the community.
c) Horizons
i) MLK Day Celebration, RMHS Performing Arts Center on Monday, January 19.
ii) Trustee Dates:
(1) February 9, 2026, General Meeting
(2) March 10, 2026, General Meeting
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iii) Tuesday, May 19, 2026: Staff Day at Massachusetts Library Association
Annual Conference (Danvers, MA). RPL will be closed for the whole day.
d) Personnel
i) We are excited for Lucy Louis Lee and Ashley Cristiano, who both completed their
MLIS degrees in December – Congrats!
ii) Sara Kelso was awarded a $2,500 MLS scholarship to attend the Public Libraries
Association conference in April.
iii) Keri Bradeen was promoted to Librarian II. In addition to all the fabulous things she
does, Keri is now coordinating the workflow and scheduling for the Children’s
Services Team.
iv) Cheynne Smith will join RPL on January 20 as the new Senior Associate – Meeting
Room Coordinator. Thank you to the hiring team of Michelle Filleul, Valerie Gould
Heithaus, and Desiree Zicko for their time and thoroughness throughout this
process.
v) Hiring Update: Due to a retirement and promotion, we are hiring for a Librarian I –
Reference and Adult Services (search opened January 5) and a Librarian I –
Children’s Services (opening January 26).
e) Selected Professional Development
• Alternative Response Teams: Building a Program That Fits Your Community's
Needs
• Connecting Older Adults with Health Information
• Everything Library School Never Taught You About Managing People
• First Amendment Audits: How to Keep Calm and Respond
• From Signals to Strategy: 2026 Social Behaviors That Matter
• Leading from the Middle: Managing and Communicating Both Up and Down
• Navigating Public Records and Open Meeting Law
• Recruiting and Engaging Volunteers
• Rekindling from Burnout: Lessons and Strategies for Public Library Workers
• Resources for Adult Learners
• Strategic Teen Services for Middle Schoolers
• Stuck No More: Unlocking Hidden Solutions with Paradox Awareness
• What's the History of Your House?
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Fang Lannon, Director (she/her)
January 8, 2026
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
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2016-09-22 LAG 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; Kelli Bacon (remote); Monette Verrier (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
Brukilacchio, Community Preservation Act Study Committee Ex-Officio
Historical Commission Associate member; Martha Moore, Community
Preservation Act Study Committee Ex-Officio 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.
II. 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.
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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 1% 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
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•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 250th 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, Pokémon 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.
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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 Serviceberry 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 grant, 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
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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
cultivar 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, flat 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 Gift 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 it 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
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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
retiring 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, 2025, Meeting Minutes
Motion: To approve the minutes of the November 12, 2025, Trustee Meeting as written.
(Gregory / Grimes)
Vote: Approved 6-0
Page | 7
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,
Andrew Grimes, Secretary
PublicServices
Winter 2025-2026 Update
Fall Highlights
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
HalloweenHighlights
Trick or Treat Storytime - 141 attendees
Halloween Concert with Mara & Motoko -
105 attendees
Boogie with Rockabye Beats - 163 attendees
Halloween Trivia for Adults - 22 attendees
Halloween Crafts for Adults - 12 attendees
Children’s Costume Swap - 163 attendees
Children’s / Teens Adults
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
Winter 2025-2026 New Horizons
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
Become a Soup Master
Programs for 20s-30s
Board Game Nights
Trivia Is Calling and I Must Go: Nature Trivia
Community Clothing Swap
Beat the Librarians at Trivia
Hyperfocus: A PowerPoint Party
Upcoming programs trying to inspire millennials and GenZ to
visit the library!
Winter Repeats
Teen Book Group
BeTween Time (for tweens)
Pokemon Club and Plant Lab for kids
English Conversation Group
Mah Jongg meet-ups
Programs continuing from the fall
Dr. Lindsay Stewart on 400 Years
of Black Women's Magic
Secrets and Second Chances with
Author Liz Moore
High Seas Heroines and Adventures
with author Vanessa Riley
Friends SpeakerSeries
Partnerships
North Suburban Family Resource Network
Pleasant Street Center
Peter Sanborn Place
METCO
Liv Bartolomei - Reading’s Public Nurse
Reading Neighbors Network
Multi-Language Department at RPS
Questions?
Massachusetts Board
of Library
Commissioners
funded by
The Library Services
Technology Act
&
The Institute of
Museum and Library
Services
Grant Awards to Librar ies
Award amount: $20,000
In-Kind contributions: $37,962.88
Grant management team:
Michelle Filleul
Kathryn Geoffrion-Scannell
Andrea Hogan
Sara Kelso
Amy Lannon
Megan White
Desiree Zicko
Oct 1 2024 - Sep 30 2025
Objectives
1
2
3
Promote Community Health
Improve Access to Nature
Build Sustainability
4 Create Social Connections
Initiatives
1
2
3
Collections and resources
Programs & Partnerships
Green Spaces
Print materials Digital Resources Library of Things Seed Library
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
wellness initiatives.
Green Spaces
Next Steps
1
2
3
Sustainability Committee
Annual events, recurring topics, new
partnerships, added resources
Sustainable Libraries Certification
Lannon, Amy <lannon@noblenet.org>
[allregions] Federal IMLS Update
1 message
Bruno, Celeste (BLC) <celeste.bruno@mass.gov> Fri, 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 Listserv <trustees-announce@mblc.state.ma.us>,
"pubdir-announce@mblc.state.ma.us" <pubdir-announce@mblc.state.ma.us>, MASSYAC
<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: 857-488-6206
media inquiries: celeste.bruno@mass.gov
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