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Home My WebLink About2026-02-09 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 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: 2026-02-09 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 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. Technology Update IV. Patron Self-Service Report V. Library Card Design Contest VI. Discussion: Building Plaque and Land Acknowledgement VII. Financial Report VIII. Director's Report IX. Approval of January 12, 2026, Meeting Minutes X. Future Agenda Items a. March i. Spring Programming Update b. April i. OESJ Annual Update TechnologyPlan2026 The Library is committed to staying current with technology and providing resources for the Reading community to bridge the digital divide. Highlights from 2025 New Website Aspen Overl ay Librar y Catalog The library will update its website and all public-facing digital content and services to comply with the ADA Title II Digital Accessibility Rule, which establishes clear compliance requirements and requires that all digital content and services conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA by April 26, 2027. PROVIDE ACCESS Staff have launched a technology tutorial program that includes individual training and classes, ranging from basics to navigating AI tools and other emerging technologies. These are both staff- facilitated and in partnership with local organizations and are expanding outreach to underserved populations. EDUCATE The Automated Materials Handler has now been in use for ten years and requires increased maintenance. Staff are also gradually replacing older RFID pads at self- checkout and service desks. MAINTAIN Future state of technology Thank you. Self-Service Update 2026 Automated Materials Handling System (AMHS) ● # of items put through the AMH in 2025 = 273,910 ● 42% by patrons Self-Check Stations ● 118,334 items checked out through self-check in 2025 ● 68% of the total checked out Locker Usage E-Cards ● # of Reading ecards (as of 1/7/2026) = 244 (of 12,907 patrons total) Who can get an Ecard? Any patron regardless of age can sign up for an ecard as long as they live in Massachusetts and don’t already have a card in Evergreen. How long is an Ecard good for? Ecards will receive a profile of Online which has an expiration date of 3 years. If patrons cannot be validated, a profile of Provisional will be assigned which has an expiration date of 2 weeks. How are patrons validated? The Quipu Ecard service utilizes public databases including the U.S. Post Office to match a last name with a street address. It does not look at first name. Addresses must be within Massachusetts and not associated with a business address. If the address is within Massachusetts and not associated with a business but the validation cannot associate the last name with the address, a Provisional card will be issued. What privileges will Ecards have? Ecards are intended to help patrons access electronic resources. The barcode number will match the home library’s unique prefix and start with a ‘5’. NOBLE will ensure that Overdrive and EBSCO will work with these barcodes. Ezproxy looks at home library and will not have a problem with these barcodes. The Ecard can also place holds in the Evergreen public catalog. Checkouts will not be permitted until the patron shows ID at a library and has their card upgraded to a full access card. How do I upgrade an Ecard to a full access card? There are four things you need to do to upgrade an Ecard to a full access card: Check the patron’s photo ID Change the profile to Public Patron Update the expiration date to 3 years if the Ecard is a provisional card. Replace the barcode with the one from the card being issued As of January 31 (58%)Trustee Budget Summary SUMMARY Orginal $$ Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance % Used Municipal Salaries 1,810,050$ -$ 1,028,381$ -$ 781,669$ 56.82% Municipal Expenses 156,000$ -$ 118,253$ -$ 37,747$ 75.80% Municipal Materials 294,000$ -$ 164,190$ -$ 129,811$ 55.85% Fines & Fees 12,349$ 8,480$ 9,508$ -$ 11,338$ N/A State Aid 105,463$ 32,975$ 10,648$ -$ 127,790$ N/A Gifts 160,405$ 177,561$ 180,342$ -$ 157,625$ N/A Trusts (Expendable Funds) 111,514$ 9,824$ 8,534$ -$ 112,804$ N/A TOTALS $2,649,781 $228,840 $1,519,856 $0 $1,358,782 Municipal Appropriation Orginal $$ Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance % Used Salaries - Library Administration 485,300$ 280,192$ -$ 205,108$ 57.74% Salaries - Leave Buyback* -$ 23,917$ -$ (23,917)$ Salaries - Collection Services 537,350$ 291,124$ -$ 246,226$ 54.18% Salaries - Public Services 787,400$ 433,149$ -$ 354,251$ 55.01% Expenses - General Library Maint Contract Supp 24,000$ 22,902$ -$ 1,098$ 95.42% Professional Development 14,000$ 8,326$ -$ 5,674$ 59.47% Library Programs 4,000$ 68$ -$ 3,932$ 1.69% Software/ Licenses 74,000$ 72,275$ -$ 1,725$ 97.67% Library Supplies 9,000$ 3,260$ -$ 5,740$ 36.22% Office Supplies 5,000$ 1,502$ -$ 3,498$ 30.05% Technology 9,000$ 9,526$ -$ (526)$ 105.85% OESJ (NEW) 17,000$ 394$ -$ 16,606$ 2.32% Materials 294,000$ 164,190$ -$ 129,811$ 55.85% Books 59,926$ -$ Audio 1,399$ -$ Video 1,283$ -$ Periodicals 668$ -$ Electronic Resources 51,279$ -$ Other Materials 7,979$ -$ Overdrive (eBooks / eAudiobooks) 41,656$ -$ TOTALS 2,260,050$ -$ 1,372,148$ -$ 949,226$ 60.71% Fines and Fees Orginal $$Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance Revenue (and Carryover)12,349$ 8,480$ -$ $20,829 Materials 17$ -$ Supplies 9,491$ -$ ($9,491) TOTALS 12,349$ 8,480$ 9,508$ -$ $11,338 State Aid Orginal $$Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance Revenue (and Carryover)105,463$ 32,975$ -$ -$ 138,438$ Expenses -$ Office Supplies -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ Professional Development -$ -$ 1,000$ -$ (1,000)$ Materials -$ -$ 29$ -$ (29)$ Library Other -$ -$ 6,811$ -$ (6,811)$ Library Equipment -$ -$ 2,808$ -$ (2,808)$ TOTALS 105,463$ 32,975$ 10,648$ -$ 127,790$ Page 1 As of January 31 (58%)Trustee Budget Summary Gifts & Donations Orginal $$ Adj/Income Expended Encumbered Balance Revenue (and Carryover)23,629$ 18,948$ 18,667$ -$ 23,910$ Professional Development -$ -$ 731$ -$ (731)$ Recreational -$ -$ 747$ -$ (747)$ Programs & Services Adults 27,922$ -$ -$ -$ 27,922$ Programs & Services Teens 24,265$ -$ -$ -$ 24,265$ Programs & Services OESJ 1,496$ -$ 400$ -$ 1,096$ Programs & Services Childrens 25,870$ -$ -$ -$ 25,870$ Programs & Services- Local History 500$ -$ -$ -$ 500$ Garden -$ 158,500$ 159,796$ -$ (1,296)$ Studio 28,415$ -$ -$ -$ 28,415$ RPL Foundation 647$ -$ -$ -$ 647$ Materials 27,662$ 113$ -$ -$ 27,775$ TOTALS 160,405$ 177,561$ 180,342$ -$ 157,625$ Trusts Original $$Avail/Income Expended Encumbered Expendable Balance Appleton / Mansfield 9,030$ 1,240$ -$ -$ 10,270$ Edward Appleton 39,366$ 2,554$ 8,534$ -$ 33,386$ 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$ 8,534$ -$ 112,804$ 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$ Charles Torrey Donald Tuttle Elane & George Long Barbara Hewitt James Rawstron 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 Stephen Foster Page 2 1 | Page February 9, 2025 Board of Library Trustees Meeting VII. FINANCIAL REPORT a) FY26 Update: Nothing outstanding to report. b) January Gifts: DONOR AMOUNT PURPOSE Cash Donations $46.00 General use Total $46.00 VIII. DIRECTOR’S REPORT a) January Snapshot Physical Circulation Overdrive Circulation Usage January 2026 December 2025 January 2025 Circulation 27,197 24,908 25,448 Locker Use 129 136 69 Meeting Rooms Rentals 46 36 33 Museum Passes 132 102 184 New Library Cards 115 89 101 Overdrive 6,027 5,515 6,185 Programs 55 44 58 Reference Questions 2,067 1,846 1,975 Visitors 15,007 13,996 15,281 Volunteer Hours 31 37 13.5 2 | Page b) Services, Programs, and Collections i) OESJ Update: Albert has been busy in January. With the help of many volunteers and RPL Staff (thank you, Michelle and Desiree), OESJ hosted the annual MLK event (200+ attendees). Albert is working on relaunching the volunteer support group Partners and Allies for Inclusive Reading (PAIR) and will be running the second annual Black History Month trivia night (2/26/26). In his role as an ADA Coordinator, Albert is finalizing a town ADA Grievance Policy and working with the Select Board on establishing the newly adopted ADA Commission for the Town of Reading. ii) Jocelyn visited RMHS, where students in the Honors Women's Rights Class presented projects based on research in the RPL History Room. These students, mostly seniors, visited RPL earlier in the school year to find primary and secondary sources. Their topics ranged from the Salem Witch Trials to the Baby Boomers. There is a tentative plan to take these projects public in March, possibly with an in- person walking event in honor of Women's History Month. iii) Jamie, Ashley, and Rebecca are hoping to expand the Studio 64 Book Group by offering multilingual copies. We will market these titles to the various MLL groups RPL works with regularly. iv) The Community Clothing Swap was a success! People from several departments pitched in to help promote, collect, organize, and manage the event. We also had several helpful teen (and one adult) volunteers. We held this on a frigid Saturday just ahead of a major snowstorm and still had roughly 70 people attend. We will follow it with an accessory/jewelry swap in April. v) Exam Cram (1/20, 21, 22) [Estimate Total: 140]. Teens loved having Chipotle for Exam Cram this year. Teens were respectful and thankful for all the treats we had out for them. Many comments of “This is so nice!” “Wow, look at all this food!” and “This is great”. vi) Megan White and her family built a fabulous new enclosure for Shelvis. The new enclosure gives Shelvis more space for exercise and doesn’t require any transferring from the smaller tank. Overall, this is much healthier for Shelvis and safer for our friends who want to visit her. c) Trustee Dates i) March 4 and 11, 2026 FINCOM Budget Review ii) March 9, 2026, General Meeting iii) April 7, 2026, Local Elections iv) April 13, 2026, General Meeting 3 | Page v) April 27, 30 and May 4, 7, 2026, Annual Town Meeting d) Personnel Welcome, Cheyenne Smith, new Senior Library Associate (Meeting Room Coordinator). February Anniversaries • Michelle Filleul (23 years) • Nancy Snow (1 year) • Desiree Zicko (7 years) e) Professional Development (selected) • Adaptive Leadership: Creating Innovation from Chaos • Communicating With Elected Officials and Library Stakeholders • Creating a Culture of Trust and Bridgebuilding: One Library’s Transformation Story • Generative AI and Collection Development Policies: A Proactive Approach • Keeping Your Cool When the Public Doesn’t • KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Training • Misinformation and Conspiracy Theory Trends: Advice for Libraries • Onboarding New Library Employees: Setting Up Staff for Success • Responsible Budgeting in Tumultuous Times • Sensorimotor Activities to Promote Regulation & Emotional Connection • Technology Learning Collaborative for Healthy Aging • Telling Your Library’s Story • Welcoming Patrons Who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Late Deafened to Your Library • Working With Community Partners to Bring Adventure to the Library Respectfully submitted, Amy Lannon, Director (she/her) February 5, 2026 Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Page | 1 2016-09-22 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 Session: Open Session Purpose: General Meeting Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Cappy Popp, Chair; Patrick Egan, Vice-Chair; Andrew Grimes, Secretary; Kelli Bacon; Monette Verrier Members - Not Present: Andrew Gregory Others Present: Amy Lannon, Director; Michelle Filleul, Assistant Director; Meaghan Clemente, Administrative Assistant; Joseph McDonagh, Finance Committee Liaison to Reading Public Library (remote) Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Andrew Grimes, Secretary Topics of Discussion: I. Call to Order 7:01 p.m. II. Public Comment No public comments were made in person or remotely. Mr. Egan noted an email received in the Board’s public inbox regarding a trustee orientation session. The four-week course features four one-hour training sessions. Mr. Egan is happy to share the details with those who are interested. III. Community Outreach and Engagement Update Ms. Filleul presented an update on the Library’s recent community outreach and engagement efforts. Outreach provides services for infrequent users, nonusers, or traditionally underserved community members. Community engagement involves collaborating with library users, residents, and organizations to address community issues. Outreach and community engagement directly align with the Library's mission to connect all people with opportunities to grow and learn, and to provide resources that support a welcoming and engaged community. The Library hopes to reach those who are unaware of its services and programs and is conducting surveys and focus groups to target those community members. Library staff members visited several local elder housing locations to discuss services and receive feedback from residents in Librarians and Lemonade Listening sessions. Page | 2 Despite the recent departure of three public services staff members, the Library continues to focus on engaging with the community as co-creators in library programs, services, and design, as well as providing access to community members where they are. The Library participates in local Town events throughout the year. Despite rainy weather, 180 people visited the Library's booth at the Fall Street Faire, and over 245 visitors connected with the Library at the Friends and Family Day in June. The Library also participated in Artsfest, the downtown trick-or-treat, and the Reading Garden Club plant sale. Library staff serve as liaisons to local organizations, including the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support, the Reading Lions Club, the Health Department, the Reading Garden Club, The Coalition of Us (CATO), the Reading/North Reading Chamber of Commerce, the North Suburban Child and Family Resource Network, the Northeast Arc, and the Children’s Cabinet. These connections have led the Library to host events such as Multilingual Learner (MLL) summer sessions, the Northeast Arc Adults with Autism resource fair, community flu shot clinics, tax help for older adults, Mandarin storytimes, and more. The Library has developed program partnership procedures and best practices to ensure staff and organizations are on the same page about what the Library can offer. In 2026, the Library will host the Ad Hoc Commemoration Establishment (ACE) Committee Game Changers series, CPR training through the Town Health Department, Portuguese storytimes through the Multilingual Learner Department, and more. Staff are also working with Town Community Services as they plan the Reading Center for Active Living (RECAL). The Library is excited about opportunities to engage and support older adults and the Elder Services Division. The Book Bike continues to visit schools, parks, apartment complexes, and other locations to meet the needs of those who cannot come to the Library. At one visit to Reading Recreation's Wednesday morning concert series at Memorial Park, the performer Matt Heaton gave a shoutout to the Library book bike, dedicated a song to the Library, and changed the lyrics of another song to reference the Library. Children were dancing and engaged throughout the concert. This led the Library to schedule and host its own Matt Heaton and the Outside Toys concert. IV. Financial Report The FY26 budget remains on track overall. Supplemental spending from state aid, gifts, and trusts has remained under budget so far. The Library attempts to spend wisely and conservatively when possible. Trust fund investments continue to earn interest. Additional spending for professional development, supplies, equipment, and furnishings are expected in the remaining half of the fiscal year. RPL will purchase chairs, picnic tables, and more to enhance the outdoor areas. Several staff members are planning to attend conferences, and others may submit tuition reimbursement requests. The Board discussed potential ways to recognize the positive impact of donor and trust funds on Library operations. Although thank-you notes are sent to every donor, Ms. Lannon will work on highlighting Library initiatives made possible by donor support, such as special equipment, Children's Room pet care, materials, tuition reimbursements, professional development, and more. Building awareness of the positive impact of funds available outside of taxpayer dollars could generate additional donations in the future. The Board complimented Ms. Lannon's FY27 budget presentation to the Select Board. Ms. Lannon acknowledged the teamwork among Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom Page | 3 and all Town departments in reducing municipal expenses while maintaining service levels in a tight municipal budget year. Although municipal salaries are a large portion of the Library budget, Ms. Lannon feels fortunate to maintain level services with the help of supplemental state aid, gifts, and trust funding. Budget difficulties are anticipated in future years as health insurance costs and other expenses continue to rise. All town departments were asked about overtime budgets. Overtime is paid to full-time staff when exceeding 37.5 hours per week and as a premium pay differential for Sunday desk shifts. Overtime outside of Sunday coverage is rare, as staff usually adjust their schedules with compensatory time as needed. Offering premium pay rates for Sunday coverage encourages qualified staff members to work these extra hours, which are not part of their regular schedule. Adjusting weekday hours to accommodate busy Sunday hours is complex and would create issues with staff coverage and retention. Ms. Lannon will present the FY27 Library budget to the Finance Committee in March. The Finance Committee will then vote on the budget to be presented at Town Meeting. V. Director’s Report Ms. Lannon acknowledged the dedication of the Library staff, who worked hard in December to cover staffing gaps during transitions and absences due to holiday vacations and illnesses. Cheyenne Smith will begin next week as the new Senior Library Associate – Meeting Room Coordinator. This part-time position has additional technology responsibilities with the Library of Things collection and managing meeting room equipment, in addition to providing service desk coverage. Keri Bradeen has been promoted to Children’s Librarian II and will take on additional supervisory responsibilities in that department. Reference Librarian Susan Beauregard has retired after 32 years of service. The Library will be hiring for two general Librarian I positions: one in Reference and Adult Services and one in Children's Services. Ms. Beauregard's position focused on community health and established strong, active community partnerships with the Town Health Department and other external organizations. An interest in health would be a plus for the new reference librarian position. In practice, hiring generalists offer greater flexibility and the ability to respond to evolving trends and community needs. The Library will be closed on Tuesday, May 19, for a staff development day at the Massachusetts Library Association Conference in Danvers. Staff will attend various workshops, learning sessions, networking events, a group lunch, and more during this valuable learning opportunity. In collaboration with other Town Departments, the Office of Equity and Social Justice will host the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day program at the Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center on Monday, January 19. This event features a complimentary breakfast, student artwork and performances, a keynote speaker, and more. The celebration is growing each year. The recent Soup Master program was successful, with 30 enthusiastic attendees filling soup bags with dry materials. Librarians strive to create a variety of engaging and interactive programs that will appeal to different community members' interests and needs. VI. Approval of December 8, 2025, Meeting Minutes Motion: To approve the minutes of the December 8, 2025, Trustee Meeting as written. Page | 4 (Egan / Grimes) Vote: Approved 5-0 VII. Future Agenda Items In February, Ms. Filleul will present an update on the Library’s technology plan. A report on patron self-service, including exterior pickup lockers and self-checkout stations, will also be presented. Details for an upcoming library card design contest will also be discussed. In 2021, the Board approved a Land Acknowledgement, recognizing the Library's location on the ancestral lands of the Massachusett tribe. Ms. Lannon is exploring the placement of land acknowledgement signage alongside the Library’s National Register of Historic Places building plaque and will further discuss with the Board in February. In March, Head of Public Services Olivia McElwain will present an update on spring programming. Adjournment 7:37 p.m. Motion: To Adjourn (Egan / Verrier) Vote: Approved 5-0 Respectfully Submitted, Andrew Grimes, Secretary OUtreach and community engagement W h a t i s o u t r e a c h & c o m m u n i t y e n g a g e m e n t ? The ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services (ODLOS) defines outreach as services for infrequent users, nonusers, or traditionally underserved. Outreach Community engagement Community engagement involves collaborating with library users, residents, and organizations—to address community issues. It emphasizes allowing these members to take the lead in services and programs that benefit the community. building community, making connections Reading Public Library’s mission is to connect all people with opportunities to grow and learn and to provide resources to support a welcoming and engaged community. Eight Community events Two Lemonade, Librarians, & Listening sessions six ML Summer sessions @the RPL Reading Garden Club Plant Sale Friends and Family Day Community Garden Party Vehicle Day Fall Street Faire YMCA Health Fair Connected Reading Downtown Trick or Treat Staff went to Frank Tanner and other local housing locations and discussed our services with residents and received feedback. In coordination with the Reading Public Schools, the ML held summer sessions at the library, students received extra help, and lunches were provided by the RPS. Community Outreach and Support Initiatives in 2025 Five deposit collections Sawtelle Hospice House Pleasant Street Center Peter Sanborn Place Food Pantry Solstice House Be present and active with the Community expand relationships with community groups & Town Depts. Additional services for MLL Families Continue to participate in community events. Invite Community organizations to partner with the library for events and services Reading Recreation Northeast Arc: Adult Autism Support Center Reading/North Reading Chamber of Commerce Pleasant Street Center We will continue to meet these families where they are, at the apartment complexes and with the extended day programs, and use surveys and focus groups to learn what is needed. 2026 Action plan and goals Add more deposit collections Summit Towers Cedar Glen Augustus Court Frank Tanner