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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-13 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: 2026-04-13 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 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. ACE Committee Report IV. OESJ Annual Update V. Review: History Room Use Policy VI. Financial Report VII. Director's Report VIII. Approval of February 9, 2026, Meeting Minutes IX. Future Agenda Items a. May i. Discussion and Vote: History Room Use Policy b. June i. Summer Programming Update ii. Election of Officers iii. FY27 Trustee Meeting Dates iv. CY27 Holiday Schedule c. July i. Review Tutoring Policy (as needed) ii. Review Teacher Loan Policy (as needed) iii. Print/Copy/Scan/Fax Update History Room Use Policy HISTORY ROOM ACCESS POLICY Purpose The Reading Public Library’s History Room is available to all researchers. This policy is to ensure the preservation and longevity of the materials and applies equally to all persons. This room is open by appointment. It to all researchers and is not available to the public as a meeting space. This policy outlines the requirements for using the History Room. Scope This policy covers the space and all materials housed in the Library’s History Room. This non-circulating The collection includes Town Annual Reports, RMHS Yearbooks, Resident Lists, historical vital records, public documents, and other items deemed to be historically significant materials. Please see the Library’s Collection Development Policy for more details on the management of this collection. Material formats include but are not limited to books, pamphlets, maps, photographs, stereo cards, postcards, and microfilm. , or pertinent to the Town of Reading and its residents. Conditions for Accessing Materials Due to the delicate and fragile nature of many of the materials , in the History Room is, the History Room will remain locked at all times. Researchers may make appointments to access the space and open-shelf collections. Library employees will retrieve materials from secure storage upon Items in secure storage require a special request and are retrieved by a library employee. Library employees are responsible for monitoring the light, humidity, and temperature requirements of the room. request. Access to some items may not be available if an item is deemed too delicate for physical handling. The Library and view. Every effort will be made to provide access to a digital copy if available. Patrons who engage in behavior that could cause damage to materials may be denied access. Conditions for Accessing Materials access. All users of the History Room users must present a NOBLE library card or valid state or federal photo IDsign in at the Research and Reader ServicesReaders Advisory Desk prior to make an appointmentuse and sign in. Users will receive need to provide proof of identification with a valid state or federal photo ID, or a copy of this policy. Use Guidelines: History Room Use Policy Always handle allvalid library card from the NOBLE library system. Patrons may make advance or same-day appointments to access materials in the History Room. Appointments may be made online, by calling the library, or done in -person. All materials in the History Room must be handled with care. 1. Items in this collection do not circulate. 2. Paper and pencils, a small purse or wallet, and mobile devices, such as a phone or laptop computer are permitted in the History Room. 3.1. Pens are not permitted. 4. DoThe library can provide pencils and paper upon request. 5.2. Materials may not leanbe leaned on, written on, fold, tracefolded, traced, or handle materialshandled in any way likely to damage them. 6.3. Food, drink, and chewing gum are prohibited. 7.4. DoPatrons may not adjust shades, furniture, or environmental controls. 8. Request Briefcases, backpacks, and other bags are not permitted. 9. Wifi is available 10.5. Items from secure storage must be requested a minimum of 45 minutes before the library closes. Noise Level The History Room is a quiet workspace. Cell phone conversations are not permitted. Photography Flash photography Use of a flash is prohibited. Non-flash photography is allowed, providedso long as the item will not be damaged during sustain damage in the process of handling or , arranging, and photographing (See also: Copyright). Reproduction and Photocopying Patrons may request photocopies, digital images, and other reproductions of materials. Library staff will fulfill requests (See also: Copyright). Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the condition of the and library staff will determine whether an item. is too delicate to photocopy. Patrons can complete a Reproduction of Material form.There may be; and all related fees for copying and printing. are due at the time of the request. A growing number of items from our collection have been digitized and digital surrogates can be freely accessed via the library’s website (www.readingpl.org) on the Local History and Genealogy page. History Room Use Policy Copyright All users must It is the responsibility of the patron to understand and comply with relevant copyright law. Users mustThe patron shall request and obtain permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, sell, or display Reading Public Library materials owned by the Reading Public Library by filling out the Permission to Use Materials form. The patron shall obtain other appropriate permission from the copyright owner if the Reading Public Library does not own the copyright. Confidentiality of Research Information about patron’s research in the History Room, including their topics and the materials used, is kept strictly confidential. Adopted: August 9, 2021 Amended: February 14, 2022 Amended: June 10, 2024 Amended: May 11, 2026 History Room Use Policy HISTORY ROOM ACCESS POLICY Purpose The Reading Public Library’s History Room is available to all researchers by appointment. It is not available to the public as a meeting space. This policy outlines the requirements for using the History Room. Scope This policy covers the space and all materials housed in the Library’s History Room. This non-circulating collection includes Town Annual Reports, RMHS Yearbooks, Resident Lists, historical vital records, public documents, and other historically significant materials. Please see the Library’s Collection Development Policy for more details on the management of this collection. Material formats include but are not limited to books, pamphlets, maps, photographs, stereo cards, postcards, and microfilm. Conditions for Accessing Materials Due to the delicate and fragile nature of many of the materials , the History Room is locked at all times. Researchers may make appointments to access the space and open-shelf collections. Library employees will retrieve materials from secure storage upon request. Access to some items may not be available if an item is deemed too delicate for physical handling. The Library will provide access to a digital copy if available. Patrons who engage in behavior that could cause damage to materials may be denied access. All History Room users must present a NOBLE library card or valid state or federal photo ID at the Research and Reader Services Desk to make an appointment and sign in. Users will receive a copy of this policy. Use Guidelines: Always handle all materials with care. 1. Pens are not permitted. 2. Do not lean on, write on, fold, trace, or handle materials in any way likely to damage them. 3. Food, drink, and chewing gum are prohibited. 4. Do not adjust shades, furniture, or environmental controls. 5. Request Items from secure storage a minimum of 45 minutes before the library closes. History Room Use Policy Noise Level The History Room is a quiet workspace. Photography Flash photography is prohibited. Non-flash photography is allowed, provided the item will not be damaged during handling or photographing (See also: Copyright). Reproduction and Photocopying Patrons may request photocopies, digital images, and other reproductions of materials. Library staff will fulfill requests on a case-by-case basis depending on the condition of the item. Patrons can complete a Reproduction of Material form. There may be related fees for copying and printing. Copyright All users must understand and comply with copyright law. Users must request permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, sell, or display materials owned by the Reading Public Library by filling out the Permission to Use Materials form. Adopted: August 9, 2021 Amended: February 14, 2022 Amended: June 10, 2024 Amended: May 11, 2026 As of March 31 (75%)Trustee Budget Summary SUMMARY Orginal $$ Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance % Used Municipal Salaries 1,810,050$ -$ 1,293,018$ -$ 517,032$ 71.44% Municipal Expenses 156,000$ -$ 127,259$ 748$ 27,993$ 82.06% Municipal Materials 294,000$ -$ 224,467$ -$ 69,533$ 76.35% Fines & Fees 12,349$ 10,854$ 9,688$ 2,895$ 10,619$ N/A State Aid 105,463$ 32,975$ 10,748$ -$ 127,690$ N/A Gifts 160,405$ 178,770$ -$ -$ 339,175$ N/A Trusts (Expendable Funds) 111,514$ 11,156$ 9,174$ -$ 113,495$ N/A TOTALS $2,649,781 $233,754 $1,674,356 $3,643 $1,205,536 Municipal Appropriation Orginal $$ Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance % Used Salaries - Library Administration 485,300$ 349,255$ -$ 136,045$ 71.97% Salaries - Leave Buyback* -$ 23,917$ -$ (23,917)$ Salaries - Collection Services 537,350$ 363,493$ -$ 173,857$ 67.65% Salaries - Public Services 787,400$ 556,354$ -$ 231,046$ 70.66% Expenses - General Library Maint Contract Supp 24,000$ 22,902$ -$ 1,098$ 95.42% Professional Development 14,000$ 8,979$ -$ 5,021$ 64.14% Library Programs 4,000$ 570$ -$ 3,430$ 14.26% Software/ Licenses 74,000$ 75,303$ -$ (1,303)$ 101.76% Library Supplies 9,000$ 3,568$ 748$ 4,684$ 47.95% Office Supplies 5,000$ 1,797$ -$ 3,203$ 35.95% Technology 9,000$ 9,586$ -$ (586)$ 106.51% OESJ (NEW) 17,000$ 4,553$ -$ 12,447$ 26.78% Materials 294,000$ 224,467$ -$ 69,533$ 76.35% Books 80,443$ -$ Audio 3,141$ -$ Video 2,230$ -$ Periodicals 18,259$ -$ Electronic Resources 65,033$ -$ Other Materials 10,404$ -$ Overdrive (eBooks / eAudiobooks) 44,958$ -$ TOTALS 2,260,050$ -$ 1,644,745$ 748$ 614,557$ 72.81% Fines and Fees Orginal $$Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance Revenue (and Carryover)12,349$ 10,854$ -$ -$ $23,203 Materials -$ -$ 17$ -$ ($17) Supplies -$ -$ 9,671$ 2,895$ ($12,567) TOTALS 12,349$ 10,854$ 9,688$ 2,895$ $10,619 State Aid Orginal $$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$ Page 1 As of March 31 (75%)Trustee Budget Summary Gifts & Donations Orginal $$ Adj/Income Expended Encumbered Balance Revenue (and Carryover)23,629$ 20,157$ -$ 43,786$ Professional Development -$ -$ -$ -$ Recreational -$ -$ -$ -$ Programs & Services Adults 27,922$ -$ -$ 27,922$ Programs & Services Teens 24,265$ -$ -$ 24,265$ Programs & Services OESJ 1,496$ -$ -$ 1,496$ Programs & Services Childrens 25,870$ -$ -$ 25,870$ Programs & Services- Local History 500$ -$ -$ 500$ Garden -$ 158,500$ -$ 158,500$ Studio 28,415$ -$ -$ 28,415$ RPL Foundation 647$ -$ -$ -$ 647$ Materials 27,662$ 113$ -$ -$ 27,775$ TOTALS 160,405$ 178,770$ -$ -$ 339,175$ Trusts Original $$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$ Barbara Hewitt James Rawstron Stephen Foster Edward Appleton "Purchase of books, paintings, engravings, works of art or other suitable useful furnishings for said library. R/M Babcock Appleton / Mansfield "…for the purchase of books other than those listed as fiction" (NONFICTION BOOKS) Charles Torrey Donald Tuttle Elane & George Long Page 2 1 | P a g e April 13, 2026 Board of Library Trustees Meeting VI. FINANCIAL REPORT a) FY27 Budget and Beyond The FY2F Budget presentation to FINCOM on March 4, 2025, went smoothly. Town meeting members expect to discuss and vote on this budget at Annual Town Meeting, which begins Monday, April 27, 2026. The town will likely also face budget cuts or need an override vote for FY28. b) March Gifts DONOR AMOUNT PURPOSE Barbara Brady $25.00 In Memory of Adelard Everton Carole Di Domenico $25.00 In Memory of Adelard Everton Helen and Elizabeth Gruber $100.00 In Memory of Adelard Everton Sara Gruber, Anya Gruber, and Molly Corely $100.00 In Memory of Adelard Everton Princess Everton $50.00 In Memory of Adelard Everton Phyllis Doherty $10.00 Support for local history research Estate of Lawrence J. Stiles $707.86 Estate bequest - final distribution Various Cash Donations $27.00 General Use Total $1,044.86 VII. DIRECTOR’S REPORT a) March Snapshot Usage March 2026 February 2026 March 2025 Circulation 29,055 25,121 30,265 Locker Use 165 181 108 Meeting Rooms Rentals 23 27 53 Museum Passes 170 128 199 New Library Cards 96 108 119 Overdrive 6,017 5,371 5,850 Programs 79 60 64 Reference Questions 2,024 1,862 1,926 Visitors 16,556 13,716 15,526 Volunteer Hours 54.5 103.5 51.25 2 | P a g e Physical Circulation Overdrive Checkouts b) Services, Programs, and Collections i) The Office of Equity bookended March with two great programs. On March 2 (the February date was snowed out), 23 people had a fabulous time at the 2nd Annual Black History Trivia Night. And on March 26, we hosted an amazing Women and Leadership Discussion Panel with over 60 attendees. The event featured a powerful poetry reading by Michelle “LaPoetica” Richardson, along with a moving cello performance. We were especially honored to include our own Town Manager, Jayne Wellman, and Deputy Police Chief Christine Amendola on the panel, whose insights and leadership greatly enriched the conversation. ii) Jocelyn Gould’s Women in 18th Century Printing program had (10) attendees. The presenter was great - gave an engaging and informative talk, and she brought some interesting artifacts to show patrons in addition to her lecture. One person was taking notes (her daughter is a printer and book binder, so she was very excited to learn some things) iii) RPL started a new Mah Jongg Meet-Up on March 4. This is a casual event where players can meet and exchange information to expand playing opportunities outside the library. iv) Intro to Mandarin for Adults has had a core group of 6 -8 adults each Wednesday night. This program continues through 4/8. A retired teacher and Reading resident provided free instruction for this six-week series. v) Our connection with Public Health Nurse Liv continues, with both a blood pressure clinic and hands-only CPR training offered in March to a total of 15 people. vi) K-Pop Crafting for teens and adults was a success with 14 attendees! At the end, the teens asked if there would be something like this again because they had so much fun. vii) Sparkly Storytime had 72 enthusiastic attendees who received crowns and wands. We sang a few songs, read a few books, and played with bubbles. A few adults 3 | P a g e afterward thanked the library for hosting this kind of storytime, and they appreciated how inclusive it was. viii)The Library Card Design Contest officially kicks off on April 1st! ix) Portuguese programs are in full swing with LAB class and storytime. LAB is a beautiful mix of kids who hear and use Portuguese at home with kids who have a Portuguese heritage and want to learn about their parents, grandparents, or great - grandparents. Obrigada to Kesia for teaching! x) The first Portuguese Bilingual Storytime was amazing with 4 Portuguese-speaking families and 2 English-speaking families--Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes/ Cabeça, Ombros, Joelhos, e Pé for the win! c) Personnel i) April Anniversaries • Lisa Eng (22 years) • Eileen Barrett (21 years) • Judy Terrazano (9 years) • Olivia McElwain (7 years) • Lindsay Mancuso (5 years) • Jocelyn Gould (4 years) • Caroline Betcher - Substitute (3 years) • Alissa Landau (3 years) • Lucy Lee (3 years) d) Professional Development (selected) • Accessibility 101 (website) • Booklist Readers Advisory for Nonfiction - Teens and Adults • Digital Decluttering: For Your Mind and the Planet/Webinar • Early Literacy Policies and Progress in Massachusetts • HOMELESS TRAINING: How to manage problematic behavior • Is That a Service Animal: What Rights Apply Where • Lunch and Learn- Reading Police Department • Youth Development and Behavior • Programming with your Library of Things/Webinar • Promoting Your TeachingBooks Access at the Public Library • Responding to ICE at the Library • Spanish for Librarians • Welcoming Patrons Who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Late Deafened to Your Library 4 | P a g e • Writing in Plain Language with Equity and Inclusion e) Trustee Dates • April 27, 30, May 4, 7: Annual Town Meeting • May 11, 2026: General Business Meeting • June 8, 2026: General Business Meeting Respectfully submitted, Amy Lannon, Director (she/her) April 9, 2026 Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Page | 1 2016-09-22 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 Session: Open Session Purpose: General Meeting Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Cappy Popp, Chair; Patrick Egan, Vice-Chair; Andrew Grimes, Secretary (Remote); Kelli Bacon; Andrew Gregory; Monette Verrier Members - Not Present: Others Present: Amy Lannon, Director; Michelle Filleul, Assistant Director; Cheyenne Smith, Sr. Library Associate Meeting Room Coordinator; Olivia McElwain, Head of Public Services; Keith Cruickshank; Charlene Cratico; Bill Lockhart Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Andrew Grimes, Secretary Topics of Discussion: I. Call to Order 7:02 p.m. II. Public Comment No public comments were made in person or remotely. Mr. Egan noted an email received in the BOLT's inbox regarding "an adult-themed performance offered to children at the library." Mr. Egan stated he would forward the email to the Board. III. Mini Food Pantry Proposal (Troop 702 / Reading Food Pantry) Bill Lockhart, a scout from Troop 702, presented a proposal for a Mini Food Pantry at the library. The proposal, submitted as part of a final project for the Eagle Scouts in conjunction with the Reading Food Pantry, is to build and install a small food pantry at the Reading Public Library. The Mini Food Pantry would look similar to the Little Free Libraries seen around town, with the donation box mounted on a small post. The proposed pantry is 38 inches tall, with the donation box measuring 26 inches wide by 28 inches deep. Mr. Lockhart has suggested that the small pantry be located next to the building entrance due to heavy foot traffic. Mr. Lockhart noted that they hope the pantry will be a permanent fixture, built by Troop 702 with another party, such as the Food Pantry, overseeing long-term maintenance. Mr. Popp expressed concerns about the proposed pantry location because the sun exposure might affect the donations in the Mini Food Pantry. Mr. Egan pointed out that Page | 2 winter would also pose challenges for certain types of food freezing when left in the box. Mr. Lockhart responded that the pantry would only stock non-perishable, shelf-stable items. Mr. Popp then asked about maintaining the pantry once Troop 702 completes its construction and installation. Mr. Lockhart responded that the Reading Food Pantry, a collaborative partner on this project, will be responsible for maintaining the pantry. Mr. Lockhart noted that they are working with Simone at the Reading Food Pantry to develop this project. Mr. Egan then asked about promoting the food pantry. Mr. Lockhart responded that they would print signage with information on donations and collections for the pantry. Additionally, the Reading Food Pantry will be spreading information on donation and distribution via word of mouth. Ms. Lannon inquired whether Troop 702 had visited other mini pantries in surrounding towns, to which Mr. Lockhart responded that they had looked into Wakefield's mini pantry. Ms. Verrier continued the discussion about potential locations around the building. Mr. Lockhart noted the library entrance was the first location they considered. However, they wanted input and direction from the library on the pantry location. Ms. Lannon commended Mr. Lockhart on a great project. She noted the library has successfully worked with Eagle Scouts in the past, citing the installation of the library's flagpole as one example. Ms. Lannon is happy to collaborate with Troop 702 on this project and determine the most effective placement. Ms. Lannon noted that the library uses exterior cameras and asked whether this would be a privacy issue. Mr. Lockhart said that privacy is not a concern in this project. Mr. Popp asked Mr. Lockhart for the project's timeline and the deadline. Mr. Lockhart responded that they hope to have this project completed by July 2026, as the project needs to be completed by their 18th birthday in November. Motion: To conditionally approve the miniature food pantry from Troop 702, with assistance from Amy Lannon, to determine the best location and next steps. (Egan / Popp) Vote: Approved 6-0. IV. Spring Programming Update Ms. McElwain started the presentation with a recap of a successful Winter Programming season with increased and consistent attendance despite weather challenges. Highlights: • The Celtic Concert with Jeff Snow drew 45 attendees, which is especially notable given that December typically sees a drop-off in attendance due to the holidays. • The Become a Soup Master event was popular, with full registration and a waitlist. There were requests to do the program again. • The Community Clothing Swap drew 70 attendees and garnered over 200 donations despite taking place during the Snow Storm Fern weekend in January. Page | 3 Staff donated all leftover donations to the Red Cross and a women's shelter in Haverhill, MA. • The Exam Cram featured Chipotle food, which went over exceedingly well. • Beat the Librarians Trivia Night was lots of fun. Ms. McElwain noted she continues to improve the process for these popular game nights. • The recent Sparkly Storytime event was well-received with over 70 participants. Upcoming Spring Event Highlights • Plenty of Pancakes with author Carrie Finison, featuring the making of actual pancakes. • The 3rd-5th graders in the Citizen Kids program are "dreaming big" with ideas for their next project. • April vacation will feature Bananza Bingo with banana splits and bingo • There will be a K-Pop craft night for teens to make light wands for the TWICE concert coming to Massachusetts • D&D Character Development (Teens) • Parenting with an Emotionally Extreme Teen, where guardians will have the opportunity to meet in a small group with an author/therapist to discuss their experiences • Mental Health First Aid Training for Adults series • Mah Jongg Meet-up • In the Margins: Women Printers in the 18th Century • The Civilians Trapped Behind the Boston Siege Lines Ms. McElwain noted new partnerships with local organizations resulting in multi-lingual events. Reading Public Library now hosts a regular bilingual Portuguese story time for children, as well as a Mandarin story time series. RPL is now offering an Introduction to Mandarin class for participants of all ages. Ms. McElwain also noted that the library's one-on-one technology help services are going well and have expanded to include offsite, personalized appointments for those who cannot make it to the library. The Revolution 250 Celebration continues through the summer with the Reading is Revolutionary reading challenge. Lastly, Ms. McElwain highlighted the spring outdoor concert series scheduled for the new Terrace. Performances will cater to all ages, from children to teens/adults. Ms. Lannon noted there will be a formal event to launch the Terrace on June 4 with the Reading Public Library Foundation. V. Update: Land Acknowledgement Plaque Ms. Lannon updated the Trustees on the development of the Land Acknowledgement Plaque, stating that the library is working with Martin Sorger, who assisted with the design of the new Tween Spot. Currently, they are researching vendors and pricing while planning the space where the plaque will be placed. The goal is to have the new plaque revealed in November, during Indigenous Heritage Month. Ms. Lannon also discussed a potential location for the National Register of Historic Places plaque. Page | 4 VI. Discussion and Vote to Sunset the Ad Hoc Library Landscape Committee The Ad Hoc Library Landscape Committee met in February to discuss the terrace launch event for June and the Committee's sunsetting. The Committee felt that it had completed its mission to research, design, and oversee the execution of a functional outdoor library space. With the Library Terrace complete, Ms. Lannon agreed the Committee should sunset. Motion: To sunset the Ad Hoc Library Landscape Committee (Popp / Gregory) Vote: Approved 6-0 VII. Financial Report Ms. Lannon reported is FY26 is doing well, noting that salaries are running under budget due to recent transitions and vacancies. Ms. Lannon also reported that the town department heads met last Wednesday (March 4, 2026) with the new acting Town Manager, Jayne Wellman, to review the town's budget with the Finance Committee (FINCOM). FINCOM had no questions on the budget presented at the meeting. Ms. Lannon expressed kudos for Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom and noted the positive and collaborative process that Ms. Angstrom facilitates between departments. VIII. Director’s Report Ms. Lannon was pleased to report an uptick in volunteer hours to 123, largely due to the rollout of a new program, Bookmates, in which teens are paired with children to practice reading. This program has been well-received, and RPL hopes Bookmates will become a regular program throughout the year. Locker use is up, with 181 items reported picked up from the lockers in February. On February 28, 27 out of the 37 lockers were in use. The lockers likely saw increased usage as more snow fell, helping attract new regular users. Additionally, home delivery usage is up, with kudos to the staff for navigating volunteers and order logistics. Ms. Lannon also expressed her gratitude to the staff during the February vacation week. The week was very busy with patrons coming in for programming and the snow. Ms. Lannon especially noted that staff had to address many complaints about the lack of parking due to snow in a graceful manner. The February Vacation week was so popular that the castle building program had to be moved from the Children's Floor to the Community Room. The library has received its Kulture City Sensory certification. Nearly 80% of the library staff, both front- and non-front-facing, have been trained in the Kulture City Sensory program. The program aims to assist patrons who may experience sensory overload by providing accessible, quiet spaces and materials to make library spaces more equitable. Implementation of this program also includes signage about noise levels and designating the Health Nook as a quiet place of refuge. RPL also has Kulture City Sensory bags available for any patron, with one available for checkout from the Library of Things. These bags include sunglasses, fidget toys, and headphones for patrons to use to help soothe themselves. This program directly benefits patrons on the spectrum and those who experience mental health issues such as dementia or PTSD. This program is part of Page | 5 the library's goals to make the space and experience more equitable and accessible for all patrons. Ms. Lannon reminded the Board that the library will be closed all day on Tuesday, May 19, for a staff day, during which library staff will attend a local library conference and discuss upcoming local elections. Ms. Lannon also shared that Director of Equity and Social Justice Albert Pless was recognized by the Black Excellence on the Hill organization for his commitment and work in the Reading community. The open part-time Library Associate position, which received 52 applications, should be filled soon. Ms. Lannon noted that she has submitted the Annual Report to the town and will share it with the Trustees. Ms. Verrier inquired about the source of the money for the Studio. Ms. Lannon said the anonymous donor donated funds in 2016for equipment, furnishings, or programming in the Studio. IX. Approval of February 9, 2026 Meeting Minutes Motion: To approve the minutes of February 9, 2026, Trustee Meeting as written. (Egan/Gregory) Vote: Approved 5-0 (Cappy Popp abstained as he was not present at the February 9 meeting) X. Future Agenda Items The April meeting includes an OESJ update and an ACE liaison update. Ms. Lannon said there may be a few proposed changes to the Local History Room Use policy for review and discussion. In June, the trustees will establish FY27 Trustee Meeting Dates and solidify the CY27 Holiday Schedule, and elect officers for FY27. Adjournment 7:46 p.m. Motion: To Adjourn (Popp/Gregory) Vote: Approved 6-0 Respectfully Submitted, Andrew Grimes, Secretary 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 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?