HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-09 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 dis cussed
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: 2026-03-09 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
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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. Mini Food Pantry Proposal (Troop 702 / Food Pantry)
IV. Spring Programming Update
V. Update: Land Acknowledgement Plaque
VI. Discussion and Vote to sunset the Ad Hoc Library Landscape
Committee
VII. Financial Report
VIII. Director's Report
IX. Approval of February 9, 2026, Meeting Minutes
X. Future Agenda Items
a. April
i. OESJ Annual Update
b. May
c. June
i. Summer Programming Update
ii. Election of Officers
iii. FY27 Trustee Meeting Dates
iv. CY27 Holiday Schedule
PublicServicesSpringUpdate
Winter Higlights
L i v e W i r e s : C e l t i c C o n c e r t w i t h J e f f S n o w (4 5
a t t e n d e e s )
B e c o m e a S o u p M a s t e r ! (3 0 a t t e n d e e s )
M i n i R a v e (1 2 6 a t t e n d e e s )
C o m m u n i t y C l o t h i n g S w a p (7 0 a t t e n d e e s a n d o v e r
2 0 0 d o n a t i o n s )
B e t r a y a l a n d i t s a f t e r m a t h : l e a r n i n g t o r e s p o n d
a n d h e a l - A n a u t h o r t a l k w i t h E l a i n e E i s e n m a n ,
P h D (3 2 a t t e n d e e s )
E x a m C r a m (3 d a y s -1 4 0 a t t e n d e e s )
Winter Higlights
B e a t t h e L i b r a r i a n s a t T r i v i a !
T h e L i b r a r i a n s w o n b y 7 9 p o i n t s .
New Programs New Partnerships
Growing Partnerships
Spring 2026 - Children’s
S p a r k l y S t o r y t i m e (A l l A g e s )
P l e n t y o f P a n c a k e s w i t h a u t h o r
C a r r i e F i n i s o n (A g e s 2 -5 )
G i a n t C a n d y L a n d (A l l A g e s )
C i t i z e n K i d s (G r a d e s 3 -5 )
Z e n D e n (G r a d e s 4 -7 w i t h a n a d u l t )
B i n g o B a n a n z a (A l l A g e s )
M u l t i -L i n g u a l L e a r n e r D e p a r t m e n t
a t R P S :
B i l i n g u a l P o r t u g u e s e S t o r y t i m e s
L A B : L e r A p r e n d e r B r i l h a r
(G r a d e s K -2 )
L A B : L e r A p r e n d e r B r i l h a r
(G r a d e s 3 -5 )
N o r t h S u b u r b a n F a m i l y R e s o u r c e
N e t w o r k :
M i n i M u s i c M a k e r s a d d e d t o
p r o g r a m m i n g s l a t e d u e t o h i g h
d e m a n d o f s e r v i c e s
Spring 2026 - Teen
K -P o p C r a f t i n g : T h i s i s f o r ...a l l t h e f a n s
D &D S e s s i o n s w i t h G u i l d H a l l
M o v i e N i g h t s
T e e n B o o k G r o u p
V i d e o G a m e H a n g o u t
New Programs
Spring 2026 - Adults
I n t r o d u c t o r y M a n d a r i n L a n g u a g e L e a r n i n g f o r A d u l t s (s e r i e s )
P a r e n t i n g t h e E m o t i o n a l l y E x t r e m e T e e n
M e n t a l H e a l t h F i r s t A i d f o r A d u l t s (s e r i e s )
R o u n d e r s t o B a s e b a l l : H i s t o r y o f A m e r i c a 's F a v o r i t e G a m e - w i t h
A n n e B a r r e t t
N o w T h a t 's W h a t I C a l l T r i v i a ! - T r i v i a f r o m t h e 2 0 0 0 s
B e g i n n e r E n g l i s h C l a s s (s e r i e s )
Spring 2026 - Adults
Tech
Board Game Night
Crochet and Knit Drop-In
Mah Jongg Meet-Up
English Conversation Group
Fact or Fiction Book Group
Meet-Ups
Tech Help appointments with Sara
Tech Tips for Saving Money with
Mystic Valley Elder Services
Personalizing Your iPhone and iPad
Get the most from your device with
these next level tips!
Revolution 250
March
Reading Is Revolutionary
Summer Reading 2026In the Margins: Women
Printers in the 18th
Century
April
The Civilians Trapped
Behind the Boston Siege
Lines
Summer
Little Groove (Ages 0-5)
FRPL Outdoor Concert Series
Stacey Peasley (Ages 0-5)
Sulinha’s Music Trio (Ages 0-5)
Mara & Motoko (Ages 0-5)
Rockabye Beats (Ages 0-5)
Peter Sheridan (Ages 0-5)
SpeechLess: Pop Strings Duo (Teens & Adults)
King Serpent Variety Troupe (All Ages)
To highlight our new outdoor terrace!
Fly By Brass Band (Teens & Adults)
Questions?
As of February 28 (67%)Trustee Budget Summary
SUMMARY Orginal $$ Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance % Used
Municipal Salaries 1,810,050$ -$ 1,158,065$ -$ 651,985$ 63.98%
Municipal Expenses 156,000$ -$ 123,330$ -$ 32,670$ 79.06%
Municipal Materials 294,000$ -$ 200,862$ -$ 93,138$ 68.32%
Fines & Fees 12,349$ 9,488$ 9,688$ -$ 12,148$ N/A
State Aid 105,463$ 32,975$ 10,748$ -$ 127,690$ N/A
Gifts 160,405$ 177,612$ 180,579$ -$ 157,439$ N/A
Trusts (Expendable Funds) 111,514$ 11,156$ 9,174$ -$ 113,495$ N/A
TOTALS $2,649,781 $231,231 $1,692,446 $0 $1,188,565
Municipal Appropriation Orginal $$ Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance % Used
Salaries - Library Administration 485,300$ 314,418$ -$ 170,882$ 64.79%
Salaries - Leave Buyback* -$ 23,917$ -$ (23,917)$
Salaries - Collection Services 537,350$ 329,080$ -$ 208,270$ 61.24%
Salaries - Public Services 787,400$ 490,651$ -$ 296,749$ 62.31%
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$ 1.70%
Software/ Licenses 74,000$ 72,977$ -$ 1,023$ 98.62%
Library Supplies 9,000$ 3,361$ -$ 5,639$ 37.34%
Office Supplies 5,000$ 1,629$ -$ 3,371$ 32.59%
Technology 9,000$ 9,586$ -$ (586)$ 106.51%
OESJ (NEW) 17,000$ 4,481$ -$ 12,519$ 26.36%
Materials 294,000$ 200,862$ -$ 93,138$ 68.32%
Books 69,303$ -$
Audio 1,644$ -$
Video 1,530$ -$
Periodicals 15,924$ -$
Electronic Resources 59,422$ -$
Other Materials 9,555$ -$
Overdrive (eBooks / eAudiobooks) 43,484$ -$
TOTALS 2,260,050$ -$ 1,553,203$ -$ 777,793$ 68.72%
Fines and Fees Orginal $$Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance
Revenue (and Carryover)12,349$ 9,488$ -$ $21,837
Materials 17$ -$ ($17)
Supplies 9,671$ -$ ($9,671)
TOTALS 12,349$ 9,488$ 9,688$ -$ $12,148
State Aid Orginal $$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 -$ -$ 6,911$ -$ (6,911)$
Library Equipment -$ -$ 2,808$ -$ (2,808)$
TOTALS 105,463$ 32,975$ 10,748$ -$ 127,690$
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As of February 28 (67%)Trustee Budget Summary
Gifts & Donations Orginal $$ Adj/Income Expended Encumbered Balance
Revenue (and Carryover)23,629$ 18,999$ 18,667$ -$ 23,961$
Professional Development -$ -$ 894$ -$ (894)$
Recreational -$ -$ 822$ -$ (822)$
Programs & Services Adults 27,922$ -$ -$ 27,922$
Programs & Services Teens 24,265$ -$ -$ 24,265$
Programs & Services OESJ 1,496$ -$ 400$ -$ 1,096$
Programs & Services Childrens 25,870$ -$ -$ 25,870$
Programs & Services- Local History 500$ -$ -$ 500$
Garden -$ 158,500$ 159,796$ -$ (1,296)$
Studio 28,415$ -$ -$ 28,415$
RPL Foundation 647$ -$ -$ -$ 647$
Materials 27,662$ 113$ -$ -$ 27,775$
TOTALS 160,405$ 177,612$ 180,579$ -$ 157,439$
Trusts Original $$Avail/Income Expended Encumbered Expendable Balance
Appleton / Mansfield 9,030$ 1,412$ -$ -$ 10,443$
Edward Appleton 39,366$ 2,886$ 9,174$ -$ 33,078$
R/M Babcock 3,733$ 517$ -$ -$ 4,249$
Stephen Foster 8,464$ 1,547$ -$ -$ 10,012$
Charles Torrey 1,436$ 172$ -$ -$ 1,608$
Donald Tuttle 1,200$ 120$ -$ -$ 1,320$
Elaine & George Long 38,640$ 3,077$ -$ -$ 41,716$
Barbara Hewitt 7,815$ 1,182$ -$ -$ 8,997$
James Rawstron 1,830$ 243$ -$ -$ 2,072$
TOTALS 111,514$ 11,156$ 9,174$ -$ 113,495$
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 BOO
Stephen Foster
Edward Appleton "Purchase of books, paintings, engravings, works of art or other suitable useful fu
for said library.
R/M Babcock
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As of February 28 (67%)Trustee Budget Summary
Page 3
As of February 28 (67%)Trustee Budget Summary
OKS)
urnishings
Page 4
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March 9, 2026 Board of Library Trustees Meeting
VII. FINANCIAL REPORT
a) FY26 Update: Due to staff turnover and the hiring process, the FY26 salary
budget is current running 1.8% under budget. No other outstanding issues to
report.
b) February Gifts:
DONOR AMOUNT PURPOSE
Various Cash Donations $37 General
Total $37
VIII. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
a) February Snapshot
Physical Circulation Overdrive Checkouts
*RPL was closed on Monday, February 23, due to the weather.
Usage February 2026 January 2026 February 2025
Circulation 25,121 27,197 25,860
Locker Use 181 129 40
Meeting Rooms Rentals 27 46 38
Museum Passes 128 132 168
New Library Cards 108 115 102
Overdrive 5,371 6,027 5,307
Programs 60 55 56
Reference Questions 1,862 2,067 1,915
Visitors 13,716 15,007 13,462
Volunteer Hours 103.5 31 13
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b) Services, Programs, and Collections
i) AARP tax help has begun at the library in partnership with the Pleasant Street
Center. Thank you to the staff who have helped these volunteers get settled,
clarified boundaries, and worked through logistics — this is a much-needed
community program!
ii) Locker use is up! Patrons picked up 181 items in February, and on 2/28, 27 of the 37
available lockers were in use.
iii) Home Delivery is booming with 19 deliveries this month. We have implemented a
new Wed/Fri schedule, and volunteers are doing a terrific job with the change.
iv) Beat the Librarians Trivia was well attended, with 34 people competing against a
team of RPL staff. The librarians swept the game, but the runner -up team went
home with a gift card to Mandarin Restaurant, courtesy of the Friends.
v) Linocut card-making was a hit — a full house of 12 attendees for Jocelyn's hands-on
craft program.
vi) Over 200 patrons attended our Create a Castle event over three days. CR managed
the February vacation crowds wonderfully, and thanks to Cate Zannino for smoothly
relocating Create a Castle to the Community Room on the final day to ease
crowding in the Children's Room.
vii) Bagche for Music, Language, and Art held their Nowruz celebration at the library —
a great success, and they plan to return next year.
viii)We are close to completing the KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Institution certification.
Nearly all regular staff have finished training, and we have received signage and
materials. We are providing Sensory Bags at each service desk and adding one to
the Library of Things. This certification is one of our equity goals and aligned with
our FY26-FY30 strategic plan.
c) Horizons
i) We are working with AVI-SPL to reprogram the Community Room microphones and
implement a few other technical improvements. We have a strong quote for the cost
of service and hope to have this project completed sometime in April.
ii) Staff are hard at work organizing a library card design contest for grades K –7. The
contest launches on April 1, and trustees will choose the winner. The winning design
will become the special card distributed during Library Card Signup Month in
September.
iii) RPL is one of several town departments participating in the Reading Public Schools'
"Let It Grow" summer program, designed to encourage independence in children.
Stay tuned for more info.
iv) Speaking of summer — Public Services is well underway with planning for the 2026
Summer Reading Program, "Reading Is Revolutionary."
v) This spring, we are piloting off-site drop-in tech help as part of our outreach to senior
housing at Peter Sanborn Place.
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vi) A community educator has offered to teach a free 6-week Intro to Mandarin for
Adults series starting in March — it already has a waitlist!
vii) We expect a good turnout for the community accessories swap (bags, jewelry,
scarves, and more) on Saturday, April 11. Donations will be accepted at the
Reference desk April 1–10. Sara will share details with the staff soon.
viii)May 19 is Staff Development Day at the Massachusetts Library Association Annual
Conference in Danvers, MA.
ix) Trustee Dates:
(1) April 7 – Local Elections
(2) April 13 - General Meeting
(3) April 27 & 30 and May 4 & 7, 2026, Annual Town Meeting
d) Personnel
i) March Anniversaries
(1) Ashley Cristiano (1 year)
(2) Dina Snook (3 years)
ii) Congratulations: Director of Equity & Social Justice and ADA Coordinator Albert
Pless was honored at the 2026 Massachusetts State House’s Black Excellence on
the Hill event! Albert was nominated by State Representatives Richard M. Haggerty
and Brad Jones for his work in the Reading community.
iii) New Hire: Stacey Duran is the newest Librarian I -Adult and Reference Services.
Stacey is bilingual and fluent in Spanish.
iv) Hiring: RPL is interviewing for a 20-hour-a-week Library Associate position. We
have had a tremendous response (49 applications) and hope to complete the hiring
process soon, with a potential start date of April 6.
e) Professional Development (selected)
i) Books, Beats & Bonding: Fostering Connection Through Stories, Songs, and Play
ii) Community Engagement Conversation--Lessons from Planning for Language
Access
iii) Core Connections: Supporting Aging Populations
iv) Creating a Culture of Trust and Bridgebuilding: One Library’s Transformation Story
v) Creating Happy, Healthy Early Readers: Proven Strategies to Support Emergent
Readers
vi) From Overwhelmed to On-track: Executive Function Skills that help kids get things
done
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vii) GovLoop - How to Handle Negativity and Naysayers - Supervisors in Gov Virtual
Networking Discussion
viii)Green Games for Green Libraries: Videogames as Tools for Environmental
Education
ix) Hope in the Library: How Libraries Can Help Shape Our Future with Artificial
Intelligence/Webinar
x) Inviting Emerging Adults into the Library: Lessons from El Paso’s Centre Future
xi) Massachusetts Municipal Association - First Amendment Audits: How to Keep Calm
and Respond
xii) Spanish for Librarians
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Lannon, Director (she/her)
March 5, 2026
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
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2016-09-22 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 Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Meeting Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Patrick Egan, Vice-Chair; Andrew Grimes, Secretary (remote); Kelli Bacon;
Andrew Gregory; Monette Verrier
Members - Not Present:
Cappy Popp, Chair
Others Present:
Amy Lannon, Director; Michelle Filleul, Assistant Director; Meaghan
Clemente, Administrative Specialist; Joseph McDonagh, Finance Committee
Liaison to Reading Public Library (remote)
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Andrew Grimes, Secretary
Topics of Discussion:
I. Call to Order 7:00 p.m.
II. Public Comment
No public comments were made in person or remotely.
III. Technology Update
Ms. Filleul presented an update on the Library technology. The Library is committed to
staying current with technology and providing resources for the Reading community to
bridge the digital divide.
In 2025, the Library implemented a new website through Communico, which RPL also
uses for the mobile application, meeting room bookings, and the events calendar. The
new platform offers enhanced features and a user-friendly interface. Communico
enabled a seamless transition and generated positive patron feedback. We will be
updating the website again over the next year for ADA compliance. This process should
be straightforward, as we have less content and a simplified page structure.
The Library will continue to update its website and all public-facing digital content and
services to comply with the new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II Digital
Accessibility Rule. Since the Town’s population is under 50,000, compliance is required
by April 26, 2027.
Page | 2
In 2025, NOBLE implemented Aspen, a user overlay to the Evergreen catalog. Aspen
improves searching and browsing for patrons, especially for online resources. Library
staff continue to use Evergreen in the background.
The Library has launched programs, both staff-facilitated and in partnership with local
organizations, to expand outreach to underserved populations. These programs include
technology tutorials for individual training and classes. Topics range from basic device
use to navigating AI tools and other emerging technologies. RPL plans to expand its
technology outreach to underserved populations, including homebound patrons.
The Automated Materials Handler (AMH), which processes returning materials, is 10
years old and requires increased maintenance. Reading is the only Library in the North
of Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE) network with an automated return system. The
AMH was an investment of approximately $250,000 investment during the 2016 building
renovations. It has greatly improved processing time and reduced repetitive stress
injuries for staff. A full replacement of the machine would be a large capital project that
would potentially require supplemental funding from the Reading Public Library
Foundation. Ms. Filleul is working with vendors on options for future maintenance and
replacement parts to avoid a full replacement. We are slowly replacing the older Radio
Frequency Identification (RFID) pads at self-checkout and service desks. Several other
NOBLE libraries have also implemented RFID technology, enabling improved inventory
control and security.
We are considering investing in a second copy/fax/scanner for the Ground Floor public
printing release station, as we have seen increased use and waiting times on the
devices on the first floor.
We are working with Town IT to upgrade our 25 public computers to Windows 11. Town
IT has purchased extended security for the Windows 10 certificate to complete this
transition.
IV. Patron Self-Service Report
Ms. Lannon presented an update on patron self-service offerings. In 2025, 273,910
items were run through the AMH. Patrons returned 42% of these items. Library staff use
the AMHS to process materials returned in Library bookdrops and exchanged through
interlibrary loans. Optima Shipping transports approximately 7 to 10 bins filled with
interlibrary loan materials sent throughout the Massachusetts Library System (MLS)
each day. Staff hand-feed these materials to the AMH for effective, efficient sorting.
118,334 items were checked out through self-check stations in 2025, accounting for 68%
of total checkouts. We are working with Techlogic to redesign the self-checkout station
screens with ADA-compliant fonts and colors. Although self-checkout stations provide an
easy, private way to borrow materials, staff are always happy to offer friendly customer
service and a personal touch at service desks.
The exterior lockers outside the main entrance of the Library allow patrons to pick up
materials outside regular Library hours. Usage has increased steadily over the last year
as the Library continues to promote this self-service option.
NOBLE e-cards allow patrons to remotely register for online access to electronic
materials, including ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and databases. eCards may be
updated to physical NOBLE library carts with borrowing privileges by visiting a local
library. Anyone without a current NOBLE library card living in a Massachusetts town is
eligible to apply. Registration is available in multiple languages.
Page | 3
The e-card vendor uses the U.S. Post Office to validate patron data, matching last
names and street addresses. E-cards are functional online for 3 years and must be
upgraded to a full-access card at a local library to check out physical materials.
E-cards and other self-service options reduce service barriers and improve access to
Library materials and services for as many people as possible.
V. Library Card Design Contest
Ms. Filleul shared details on an upcoming library card design contest. The contest would
take place this spring and be open to Reading residents in grades K through 7, grouped
by age. Library staff will decide on the top 10 submissions, and the Board will select the
winner in July. Finalists’ artwork may be posted on social media or showcased in an art
gallery display at the Library. The prize would be a large cardboard prototype featuring
the winning design, similar to the mockup of the regular red library card used in the
Children’s Room and at outreach events. The winning design will be printed on library
cards available for users of all ages during library card sign-up month in September.
Existing users can pay $1 to replace their card, which will also require a barcode
upgrade.
The design contest theme will align with the upcoming summer reading program theme
“Reading is Revolutionary”, which focuses on how books and libraries are inspiring in
conjunction with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution this
summer. One entry and a short biography per person will be accepted. Participants will
sign a release granting RPL the right to use the artwork on a library card. No artificial
intelligence artwork is allowed. We will provide a template for participants that includes
the RPL logo.
Ms. Lannon and Ms. Filleul thanked the Board for their support of this pilot project, which
they hope will generate positive community engagement similar to the Reading
Municipal Light Department's (RMLD) annual art and creativity contest.
VI. Discussion: Building Plaque and Land Acknowledgement
Ms. Lannon is exploring the placement of land acknowledgement signage alongside the
Library’s National Register of Historic Places building plaque. The historic building
plaque is made of heavy bronze. It should ideally be mounted inside to preserve its
cleanliness and quality, on the yellow brick from the original building visible in the
Reading Room. The original Highland School is on the National Register of Historic
Places.
In 2021, the Board approved a Land Acknowledgement, recognizing the Library's
location on the ancestral lands of the Massachusett tribe. Ms. Lannon presented two
shorter versions of the language appropriate for the new plaque as a starting point. The
Board generally prefers the two-sentence version, perhaps with a call to action
encouraging people to learn more about the indigenous people who originated on this
land. It is important to reconcile history and acknowledge that English settlers were not
the first ones to settle on this land.
Ms. Lannon is working with Communications Specialist Desirée Zicko and a designer on
the wording and appearance of the land acknowledgement plaque, which would be
distinct and separate in appearance from the historic building plaque. The plaques do
not have to be placed in the same location. Ms. Lannon will draft a revised statement
and visual design for further discussion in March.
VII. Financial Report
Page | 4
The FY26 budget remains on track overall. 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 in April.
VIII. Director’s Report
Locker and OverDrive usage statistics remain strong. Reference questions are on the
rise, especially those related to technology assistance.
With the help of many volunteers and Town staff, the Office of Equity and Social Justice
hosted the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at the Reading Memorial
High School (RMHS) Performing Arts Center. Despite winter weather, over 200
community members attended. Director of Equity and Social Justice Albert Pless is
relaunching the volunteer support group Partners and Allies for Inclusive Reading (PAIR)
and will run the second annual Black History Month Trivia Night on February 23. As ADA
Coordinator, Mr. Pless is finalizing a Town ADA Grievance Policy and establishing the
newly adopted ADA Commission for the Town of Reading.
Local History Librarian Jocelyn Gould visited the RMHS Honors Women’s Rights Class,
where students presented projects based on primary and secondary sources from the
Library History Room, ranging from the Salem Witch Trials to Baby Boomers. A tentative
in-person walking tour or other presentation in honor of Women’s History Month is being
planned for March. Ms. Gould is also working on an archives project with a library and
information science class from Simmons University. One-on-one genealogy research
appointments remain popular.
The Studio 64 Book Group is an adult book group predominantly made up of older adults
that meets in the Library Studio Space. Multilingual copies of Studio 64 Book Group titles
are being promoted to expand involvement.
Despite frigid temperatures ahead of a major snowstorm, about 70 people attended the
Community Clothing Swap. A combined accessory and jewelry swap is being planned
for April. These swap programs continue ongoing sustainability programming efforts,
encouraging community members to reuse items such as puzzles, games, plants, crafts,
and more.
Approximately 140 teens attended Exam Cram on January 20, 21, and 22. The teens
were respectful and thankful for the study space and all the treats, including Chipotle.
Children’s Librarian Megan White built a large new enclosure for Shelvis, the pet
tortoise, featuring plexiglass, screens, custom lighting, and more. This provides a safer,
healthier, and more spacious environment for Shelvis and more visibility for young
visitors.
Senior Library Associate and Meeting Room Coordinator Louise Hetherington retired in
December, and Cheyenne Smith took over this position in January. Ms. Smith has
customer service experience at Disney and is very excited, enthusiastic, and smart. Ms.
Smith is looking forward to working with the Library’s 3D printer and the public.
Borrower Services Library Associate Lucy Lee has been promoted to a full-time
Children’s Librarian. Lucy recently completed their Master's in Library Science and
Children's Literature degree. The hiring process for a new Borrower Services Library
Associate will begin soon. We have also made an offer for the open Reference Librarian
position. Ms. Lannon will provide the Board with an updated library staff directory and
group photo reflecting recent turnover and promotions.
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Library staff continue to participate in a wide variety of enriching professional
development opportunities. Three staff members will be attending the biennial Public
Library Association (PLA) conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in April. This large
conference features many informative sessions and opportunities for librarians to
network with vendors.
The Library will be closed on Tuesday, May 19, to allow staff members to attend the
Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) conference in Danvers together as part of the
Library’s annual staff development day. Team members will have a variety of options for
learning, collaboration, and networking throughout the day.
Ms. Lannon informed the Board that Sparkly Storytime will be held on March 7. Safety
and security planning is underway for this special storytime event.
IX. Approval of January 12, 2026 Meeting Minutes
Motion: To approve the minutes of the January 12, 2026, Trustee Meeting as written.
(Verrier / Bacon)
Vote: Approved 5-0
X. Future Agenda Items
In March, Head of Public Services Olivia McElwain will present an update on spring
programming. The Board will also further discuss the wording and design of the land
acknowledgement plaque.
In April, Director of Equity and Social Justice Albert Pless will present an annual update
on the Office of Equity and Social Justice.
In June, the Board will vote to elect officers for FY27.
Adjournment 7:47 p.m.
Motion: To Adjourn (Gregory / Bacon)
Vote: Approved 5-0
Respectfully Submitted,
Andrew Grimes, Secretary
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