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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-08 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: 2026-06-08 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. Summer Programming Update IV. VOTE: Election of Officers V. VOTE: FY27 Trustee Meeting Dates VI. VOTE: CY27 Holiday Schedule VII. Discussion and approval of Trustee Vacancy Process. Includes a tentative additional meeting scheduled for July 14 with Select Board. VIII. Financial Report IX. Director's Report X. Discussion: The Massachusetts Library Trustees Association (MLTA) XI. Approval May 11, 2026, Meeting Minutes XII. Future Agenda Items a. July i. General Services Update: Print/Scan/Fax ii. FY27 Warrant Schedule b. August i. General Services Update: Meeting Room Use ii. Supplemental Spending Recommendations iii. Review and Discuss Policy on Lending to Decertified Libraries. MEMORANDUM TO: Board of Library Trustees FROM: Amy Lannon, Library Director DATE: June 8, 2026 SUBJECT: Meeting Dates for FY2027 _____________________________________________________________________________ In keeping with our schedule of meeting at 7 p.m. on the 2nd Monday, with alternate dates listed to accommodate holidays and Town Meeting, a list of the proposed dates follows: July 13, 2026 August 10, 2026 September 14, 2026 1 Tuesday, October 13, 2026 (Holiday) Tuesday, November 10, 2026 (TM Conflict) December 14, 2026 January 11, 2027 February 8, 2027 2 March 8, 2027 2 April 12, 2027 May 10, 2027 June 14, 2027 1 Rosh Hashanah runs from September 11-13, 2026 2 Ramadan begins Monday, February 8, 2027, and runs through March 10, 2027 cc: Town Manager’s Office Town Clerk’s Office 2027 Library Closings January 1, Friday New Year’s Day January 18, Monday Martin Luther King, Jr. Day February 15, Monday Presidents’ Day March 28, Sunday Easter April 19, Monday Patriots’ Day Last Sunday Open May 23 May 29-31, Saturday-Monday Memorial Day Weekend June 18, Friday Juneteenth Observed June 19, Saturday Juneteenth July 4, Sunday Independence Day July 5, Monday Independence Day Observed September 4-6, Saturday-Monday Labor Day Weekend First Sunday Open October 3 October 11, Monday Columbus Day November 11, Thursday Veterans’ Day November 24, Wednesday Close at 1 p.m. for Thanksgiving November 25, Thursday Thanksgiving Day December 24, Friday Close at 1 p.m. for Christmas Eve December 25, Saturday Christmas Day December 31, Friday Close at 1 p.m. for New Year’s Eve Approved June 8, 2026 Board of Library Trustees Board of Library Trustee Vacancy Posted June 9, 2026 About the Vacancy The Reading Board of Library Trustees is seeking applicants for a vacant seat. The appointed Trustee will serve from August 1, 2026, through April 6, 2027, with the option to run for a full three-year term on the April 2027 ballot. Per the Board of Library Trustees Bylaws, the appointment is made by joint majority vote of the Board of Library Trustees and the Select Board. About the Board The Board of Library Trustees is an elected six-member board of Reading residents committed to supporting the library’s mission and vision. Trustees generally meet on the second Monday of each month from 7:00–8:30 PM (end time varies). An ideal candidate will bring: • A genuine interest in the library and its role in the community • Readiness to devote time, energy, and initiative to Board duties • A desire to help guide the library’s future Any registered voter of the Town of Reading is eligible to apply. Our Mission, Vision, and Values Vision: Evolving together to strengthen communication, equity, collaboration, and learning. Mission: Building Community, Creating Connections. Reading Public Library connects all people with opportunities to grow and learn, and provides resources to support a welcoming and engaged community. Core Values: Education · Equity · Accountability · Access Learn More About the Trustee Role The following resources provide helpful background on the responsibilities and expectations of a library trustee: • Reading Board of Library Trustee Bylaws • Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Pocket Guide (2018) • American Library Association Trustee Resources Appointment Timeline – June 15, 2026 — Vacancy posted; Town Clerk begins accepting letters of interest. – July 8, 2026 — Deadline for letters of interest for consideration at the July 14 Select Board meeting. – July 14 — Interviews at the joint meeting of the Select Board and Board of Library Trustees. – August 1, 2026 — Expected start of appointee term ending April 6, 2027 *If an appointment is not made in July, letters of interest will continue to be accepted, and interviews will continue until the vacancy is filled. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and statement of qualifications to: Town Clerk 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 As of May 31 (92%)Trustee Budget Summary SUMMARY Orginal $$ Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance Municipal Salaries 1,810,050$ -$ 1,630,981$ -$ 179,069$ Municipal Expenses 156,000$ -$ 139,301$ -$ 16,699$ Municipal Materials 294,000$ -$ 271,075$ -$ 22,925$ Fines & Fees 12,349$ 13,403$ 12,766$ -$ 12,986$ State Aid 105,463$ 66,204$ 23,937$ 790$ 146,939$ Gifts 160,405$ 204,795$ 189,238$ -$ 175,963$ Trusts (Expendable Funds) 111,514$ 12,059$ 9,814$ -$ 113,758$ TOTALS $2,649,781 $296,461 $2,277,112 $790 $668,339 Municipal Appropriation Orginal $$ Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance Salaries - Library Administration 485,300$ 435,555$ -$ 49,745$ Salaries - Leave Buyback -$ 23,917$ -$ (23,917)$ Salaries - Collection Services 537,350$ 448,846$ -$ 88,504$ Salaries - Public Services 787,400$ 722,664$ -$ 64,736$ Expenses - General Library Maint Contract Supp 24,000$ 23,122$ -$ 878$ Professional Development 14,000$ 14,190$ -$ (190)$ Library Programs 4,000$ 998$ -$ 3,002$ Software/ Licenses 74,000$ 77,253$ -$ (3,253)$ Library Supplies 9,000$ 4,483$ -$ 4,517$ Office Supplies 5,000$ 2,191$ -$ 2,809$ Technology 9,000$ 9,586$ -$ (586)$ OESJ (NEW) 17,000$ 7,478$ -$ 9,522$ Materials 294,000$ 271,075$ -$ 22,925$ Books 97,854$ -$ Audio 3,333$ -$ Video 2,422$ -$ Periodicals 16,744$ -$ Electronic Resources 82,067$ -$ Other Materials 12,430$ -$ Overdrive (eBooks / eAudiobooks) 56,226$ -$ TOTALS 2,260,050$ -$ 2,142,544$ -$ 218,693$ Fines and Fees Orginal $$Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance Revenue (and Carryover)12,349$ 13,403$ -$ -$ $25,752 Materials -$ -$ 17$ -$ ($17) Supplies -$ -$ 12,749$ -$ ($12,749) TOTALS 12,349$ 13,403$ 12,766$ -$ $12,986 State Aid Orginal $$Rev/Adj Expended Encumbered Balance Revenue (and Carryover)105,463$ 66,204$ -$ -$ 171,667$ Expenses -$ Office Supplies -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ Professional Development -$ -$ 5,682$ -$ (5,682)$ Materials -$ -$ 269$ -$ (269)$ Library Other -$ -$ 9,212$ -$ (9,212)$ Library Equipment -$ -$ 8,775$ 790$ (9,565)$ TOTALS 105,463$ 66,204$ 23,937$ 790$ 146,939$ Page 1 As of May 31 (92%)Trustee Budget Summary Gifts & Donations Orginal $$ Adj/Income Expended Encumbered Balance Revenue (and Carryover)23,629$ 20,185$ 18,720$ -$ 25,094$ Professional Development -$ 2,000$ 975$ -$ 1,025$ Recreational -$ -$ 1,258$ -$ (1,258)$ Programs & Services Adults 27,922$ -$ -$ 27,922$ Programs & Services Teens 24,265$ -$ 24,265$ Programs & Services OESJ 1,496$ -$ 400$ -$ 1,096$ Programs & Services Childrens 25,870$ 100$ -$ 25,970$ Programs & Services- Local History 500$ 10$ -$ 510$ Garden -$ 158,500$ 163,154$ -$ (4,654)$ Studio 28,415$ -$ -$ 28,415$ RPL Foundation 647$ 24,000$ 4,730$ -$ 19,917$ Materials 27,662$ -$ 27,662$ TOTALS 160,405$ 204,795$ 189,238$ -$ 175,963$ Trusts Original $$Income Expended Encumbered Expendable Balance Appleton / Mansfield 9,030$ 1,531$ -$ -$ 10,562$ Edward Appleton 39,366$ 3,101$ 9,814$ -$ 32,652$ R/M Babcock 3,733$ 560$ -$ -$ 4,293$ Stephen Foster 8,464$ 1,669$ -$ -$ 10,134$ Charles Torrey 1,436$ 186$ -$ -$ 1,623$ Donald Tuttle 1,200$ 130$ -$ -$ 1,330$ Elaine & George Long 38,640$ 3,336$ -$ -$ 41,976$ Barbara Hewitt 7,815$ 1,282$ -$ -$ 9,097$ James Rawstron 1,830$ 263$ -$ -$ 2,093$ TOTALS 111,514$ 12,059$ 9,814$ -$ 113,758$ 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$ Donald Tuttle Elane & George Long Barbara Hewitt James Rawstron Appleton / Mansfield "…for the purchase of books other than those listed as fiction" (NONFICTION BOOKS) Charles Torrey 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 | P a g e June 8, 2026 Board of Library Trustees Meeting VIII. FINANCIAL REPORT a) May Gifts DONOR AMOUNT PURPOSE Reading Public Library Foundation $24,000 Additional Library Terrace funds Friends of the Reading Public Library $2,000 Staff Development Day Various Cash Donations $93 General Fund Total $26,093 IX. DIRECTOR’S REPORT a) May Snapshot General Circulation Overdrive Circulation Usage May 2026 April 2026 May 2025 Circulation 24,964 25,878 26,568 Locker Use 90 159 54 Meeting Rooms Rentals 18 21 29 Museum Passes 132 164 190 New Library Cards 97 115 104 Overdrive 5,786 5,584 5,644 Programs 65 80 46 Reference Questions 1,496 1,988 1,510 Visitors 12,825 14,626 13,749 Volunteer Hours 86 46 26.5 2 | P a g e b) Services, Programs, and Collections i) We are excited to have a new point-and-shoot camera, Canon PowerShot, for internal use. The camera is available for staff use, although we would love to have a volunteer as a wandering photographer. ii) Almost all of the Welcome Bag documents have been translated into Spanish. Michelle is now working on getting these translated into Portuguese and Mandarin. iii) Jocelyn partnered with the Reading Antiquarian Society for a Saturday program in early May, and 31 people attended. It was a hyper -local topic and brought out at least one interesting patron who was dressed in full Scottish regalia. iv) New Swag: Be on the lookout for the new RPL carabiners and some branded gardening hats. These swag items will be used as giveaways and prizes. v) The Studio 64 Book Group continues to grow with 16 participants this month. The growth in this group is partly due to offering titles in multiple formats and languages. vi) Jocelyn and Sara continue to offer tech help at Peter Sanborn's house. During their Tech Time this month, they assisted eight residents with everything from texting to photos to using accessibility tools on devices. vii) The Beginner English class is immensely popular, averaging 15 attendees per week. The increase is due to word-of-mouth, with participants recommending the program to their friends and neighbors – a wonderful compliment to the overall program. We anticipate offering this program again in the fall. viii)The children’s LAB Portuguese class had rewarding feedback from parents and caregivers about the program. We even ended up adding a final class party so that the kids could say goodbye to each other for the summer. The Brazilian treats were delicious! c) OESJ Update i) Albert is busy building the foundation for the Town of Reading’s newly established Commission on Disability. ii) Albert has completed the planning and assessment phases of the Town’s DEI strategic plan. He has been working with multiple Town Departments to develop specific equity and inclusion goals. With the first two phases of this project completed, the OESJ is moving into the next phase of the strategic plan, which will include a "gallery walk" process in which departments will share and discuss their goals and emerging priorities. iii) OESJ and the DEI Assessment Implementation Team had a great turnout at the very informative Lunch and Learn that focused on Community Services. iv) Albert also supervised twenty hours of work by RMHS student intern Andrea Hall this month. Student engagement is a key part of the OESJ’s work. 3 | P a g e v) The OESJ is collaborating with the Community Services Department on the development of summer staff training. Topics include: (1) Disability awareness and accessibility. (2) Creating inclusive recreation environments. (3) Customer service and communication. (4) Building welcoming programs for all participants. vi) Albert has completed the application for a Municipal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Improvement Grant. If awarded, the grant will support the Town's ongoing efforts to improve accessibility, remove barriers, and advance compliance with ADA standards. d) Horizons i) Summer Reading “Reading is Revolutionary” starts in June! ii) Very Busy June! (1) June 4: Terrace Opening (2) June 12: Summer Sizzlers (3) June 18: Green Communities Garden Party (4) June 20: Friends and Family Day (5) June 20: Juneteenth Freedom Festival (6) June 28: PorchFest iii) July 13: Regular Business Meeting iv) July 14: Joint Meeting with the Select Board regarding the BOLT Vacancy e) Personnel i) We are in the process of hiring a substitute Librarian I to assist with the weekend shifts. f) Professional Development (Selected) • 17th-Century Massachusetts Research • 18th-Century Massachusetts Research • Creative Early Learning Art Projects Across the Seasons: Nature's Palette • Ebookin' on a Budget: Serve More Readers and Spend Less with Overdrive • Effective Health Communication and Literacy - Understanding the Connection 4 | P a g e • Finding Pictures: Twentieth-Century Ephemera/Webinar • Hands-Only CPR Class • Implementing Generative AI in Library Services - overview of AI & Gen AI basics, prompts, tools for your role, service models for policy, programs, outreach, etc. • Leadership and Play: It’s Serious Business • MA Digital Navigators Conference • Making Your Library Space Work for Every Body • On Writing Beloved Characters and Powerful Portrayals of Resilience in Virtual Conversation with Jason Reynolds • Play and Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice in Early Childhood • Reading Railroad: Reimagining Storytime to Center Representation • The Many Languages in Preschool Classrooms: New Approaches • Twenty-six library employees attended the 2026 MLA Conference for our Staff Development Day. • You're Not a Social Worker, But… Respectfully submitted, Amy Lannon, Director (she/her) June 5, 2026 Summary for June 8, 2026 Board of Library Trustees Meeting TO: The Board of Library Trustees FROM: Amy F. Lannon, Library Director DATE: June 4, 2026 RE: MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY TRUSTEES ASSOCIATION (MLTA) The MLTA is a statewide membership organization for public library trustees in Massachusetts. Its purpose is to provide education, networking, and advocacy support to help trustees do their jobs more effectively. The MLTA board meets periodically throughout the year via Zoom. The next posted board meeting is June 30, 2026, at 11 a.m. The MLTA hosts workshops and seminars, shares information on library governance topics, advocates for pro-library legislation at the local and state levels, and works alongside the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) on resources such as the Trustees' Handbook. MLTA usually hosts an annual in-person meeting and conference, typically held in the fall. Recent workshops and presentations include • Effective Advocacy and Cultivating Relationships — a legislative breakfast with toolkit materials • Library Trustee Advocacy with MBLC staff • Building Strong Board/Director Relationships from a Director's Perspective The MLTA also distributes a monthly newsletter, maintains a curated links page for trustees, and cross-promotes events with the Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) and MBLC. Membership options: • Full Board — $100/year • Individual — $25/year • Senior — $20/year • Individual Lifetime — $100 one-time https://themlta.org/ Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Page | 1 2016-09-22 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Board of Library Trustees Date: 2026-05-11 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; Andrew Gregory; Monette Verrier Members - Not Present: Others Present: Amy Lannon, Director; Cheyenne Smith, Sr Library Associate - Meeting Room Coordinator; Bob LeLacheur, Resident; Joe McDonagh - FINCOM Liaison Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Andrew Grimes, Secretary Topics of Discussion: I.Call to Order 7:00 p.m. II.Public Comment Former Town Reading Manager and resident Mr. Bob LeLacheur thanked Andrew Grimes for his exemplary public service work. Mr. Grimes is leaving the Board this summer, and his last meeting will be in June. Mr. Grimes has been a Trustee for twelve years and spent nine years on FINCOM. Mr. LeLacheur, who was also a FINCOM member at one time, worked closely with Mr. Grimes and has appreciated his service through the years. Mr. Egan reminded the Board about the request to join the Massachusetts Library Trustee Association (MLTA). The MLTA, which costs $100 to join, primarily focuses on networking for trustee members and fundraising initiatives. Mr. Egan requested that Ms. Lannon include the MLTA membership information in the trustee packet for next month's Board review. Additionally, Mr. Egan noted that the Celebration Trust Committee asked about the Board of Library Trustees (BOLT) appointment to the Committee. The Committee oversees a trust that funds local history projects and preservation. Lannon noted that it is always nice to have a voice at the table, so the Board should consider making an appointment soon. The appointment can be a Trustee or any Reading resident. III.Discussion and Vote: History Room Use Policy Page | 2 Ms. Lannon reviewed changes recommended by Ms. Verrier at the last meeting and noted several other wording changes. These updates clarify the procedure for using the History Room and for making an appointment with the Local History Librarian. Motion: To approve the Updated Amended History Use Policy as written. (Verrier/Grimes) Vote: Approved 6-0 IV.Financial Report Ms. Lannon reported that the FY27 town budget passed at Town Meeting, with much discussion about a future override. Ms. Lannon noted that without an override, there will be cuts in all town departments for FY28 if there is no override, Ms. Lannon and the Board will discuss minimum standards and strategies to ensure the library remains certified and open. The current library budget is on target and still running under budget in the salary category. Any surplus FY26 municipal funds from the library will be returned to free cash. Mr. Popp asked about the downturn in circulation for April. Ms. Lannon noted the nice spring weather and April vacation. However, she suggested this is a general trend that corresponds to the continued increase in digital content. Ms. Lannon also mentioned that the library will be paying special attention to Hoopla, one of the more popular digital content services, as its costs have risen steadily over the last few years. Hoopla is a valuable service and supplements other services such as Overdrive and Kanopy. The depth and breadth of these services mean the physical collection will not expand or grow going forward. V.Director’s Report Ms. Lannon opened the Director's Report, noting that the Board will receive an email regarding the library card design contest. There were 68 submissions. Trustees will receive the top ten designs selected by a panel of library staff. All the designs will be displayed in the studio, while the winner will have their design circulated as a library card in September. RPL participated in the second annual Planting for the Future event and has committed to supporting this event through 2030 (100th Town Forest Anniversary). Participants planted 500 saplings, 100 each of five different tree varieties. Ms. Lannon noted the transition from Homebound Services to the more inclusive Home Delivery Service. For example, librarians Ashley Cristiano and Sara Kelso are also working to expand the Home Delivery Service for those with short-term needs. Ms. Lannon praised Mx. Cristiano for their work managing patron requests, volunteers, and deliveries. Ms. Kelso has expanded her tech help services, bringing one-to-one instruction to residents in places such as Peter Sanborn. The expansion of Home Delivery Services and tech support is intended to make the library and its services more equitable and accessible to all members of the community. Mr. Popp was very supportive of these initiatives. In other community outreach efforts, librarians have been visiting the Coolidge School once a week to engage students at lunchtime. The purpose of this initiative is to get out Page | 3 and make the library and librarians more approachable for students. This program supplements the traditional classroom visits. However, with tighter curricula, teachers and students have less class time available for such visits, making creative programs like the essential. Ms. Bacon asked whether or how long the Coolidge program would continue. Ms. Lannon said the hope is to restart the program next fall. The jewelry swap in April went quite well. Overall, the swap series is popular with the community. The last swap of the year is a cookbook swap tentatively scheduled for October. The Library Terrace ribbon cutting will be on June 4, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Summer Sizzlers is scheduled for June 12. This is a fun event where library staff share their favorite summer recommendations. The Friends of Reading Public Library will sell mocktails at the Sizzlers event. The Green Communities Garden Party will be on June 18. This family-friendly event features free ice cream and tabling from local environmental, sustainability, and eco-friendly groups. This event promotes Reading’s status as a green community and raises awareness of these issues within the community. Finally, the Juneteenth Freedom Festival and Friends and Family Day will be on June 20 with library representatives at both events. Ms. Lannon reminded the Board that the library will close on May 19 for the staff development day at the Massachusetts Library Association Conference. The next board meeting will be on June 8, and the Fiscal Year 27 begins on July 1. VI. Board of Library Trustees Vacancy With Mr. Grimes’s upcoming departure from the Board, Ms. Lannon reviewed the policy and procedure for filling Board vacancies. The new Trustee will be jointly appointed by the Select Board and BOLT. She hopes this meeting will be in July with the new Board member starting August 1. The person selected will serve the short remainder of Mr. Grimes's term through the beginning of April 2027. At that time, they may choose to run for a full three-year term. The Board must make an appointment within 60 days of the vacancy being posted. Ms. Lannon will post the vacancy once Mr. Grimes submits his resignation letter. The vacancy will be posted physically in the library and Town Hall, and digitally on the town and library websites. The ideal candidate will support the library's core values, mission, and vision. VII. Approval of April 13, 2026 Meeting Minutes Motion: To approve the minutes of the April 13, 2026, Trustee Meeting as written. (Egan/Bacon) Vote: Approved 6-0 VIII. Future Agenda Items The Board reviewed the draft agenda items for June, July, and August 2026. Adjournment 7:36 p.m. Motion: To Adjourn (Gregory/Grimes) Vote: Approved 6-0 Respectfully Submitted, Andrew Grimes, Secretary