Below is a summarized version of the Board of Library Trustees meeting, organized by timestamps and speakers, focusing on key points raised during the discussion in Reading, Massachusetts. This summary condenses the discussion into major themes, speaker contributions, and decisions, avoiding excessive detail while retaining the essence of the conversation. Timestamps correspond to the video linked at the bottom.
Contents
🗓️ Board of Library Trustees Meeting Summary🔹Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)🌈 Affirmation of Solidarity with the Pride Community🔹Summer Programming & Early Literacy UpdateHighlightsEarly Literacy Programs🔹Policy Discussion: Lending to Residents of Decertified Libraries🔹Election of Officers🔹FY26 Trustee Meeting Dates🔹CY26 Library Holiday Closings🔹Financial Report🔹Director’s Report🔹Approval of May 12 Meeting Minutes🔹Future Agenda Items🔹Adjournment✅ Key Outcomes
🗓️ Board of Library Trustees Meeting Summary
Date: June 16, 2025
Duration: ~1 hour 10 minutes
Format: Hybrid (in-person + Zoom)
Chair: Christian “Cappy” Popp
Main Topics: HVAC concerns in the children’s room, summer programming and early literacy, lending policy for decertified libraries, officer elections, FY26 meeting and holiday schedules, financial and director’s reports.
🔹Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)
🕒 2:27–8:36
- A patron expressed concern about the children’s room HVAC issues, especially with summer approaching.
- Staff clarified that the room is only closed when temperatures exceed 80°F for a sustained period.
- Alternatives like relocating materials and using portable fans are being implemented.
- Facilities is aware and working on a solution, though no diagnosis has been confirmed yet.
- Trustees requested an update by Thursday via one-way communication.
🌈 Affirmation of Solidarity with the Pride Community
🕒 8:04–8:55
- A statement was read affirming the library’s commitment to being a welcoming, safe, and supportive space for LGBTQ+ patrons and staff.
🔹Summer Programming & Early Literacy Update
🕒 9:02–31:03
Highlights
- Events include Punk Rock Aerobics, PorchFest, Bike Rally, and a Community Garden Party.
- Narcan Training held in partnership with public health officials.
- Camp Kindergarten introduced to prepare children for school.
Early Literacy Programs
- Led by Olivia McGowen, Head of Children’s Services.
- Storytimes are structured to support early literacy, math, motor skills, and caregiver bonding.
- Programs include both registered and drop-in formats.
- Mandarin Storytime and themed events like Baby Prom and Trick-or-Treat Storytime drew large attendance.
- Total attendance for early literacy programs: 5,735 (Sept–April).
- Storytimes foster community, especially for new parents and caregivers.
🔹Policy Discussion: Lending to Residents of Decertified Libraries
🕒 31:18–39:35
- No immediate action required; urgency has decreased.
- Survey results: 63% of libraries have a policy; 90% of those deny borrowing privileges to residents of decertified municipalities.
- OverDrive access is only revoked if 50%+ of NOBLE libraries submit formal denial letters.
- Trustees expressed interest in possibly prioritizing Reading residents for program sign-ups if needed in the future.
🔹Election of Officers
🕒 39:46–44:48
- Chair: Christian “Cappy” Popp (re-elected)
- Vice Chair: Pat Egan (re-elected)
- Secretary: Andrew Grimes (elected)
All votes passed via roll call.
🔹FY26 Trustee Meeting Dates
🕒 44:48–46:41
- Approved as presented.
- Meetings scheduled for the second Monday of each month, with flexibility for holidays and quorum issues.
🔹CY26 Library Holiday Closings
🕒 46:50–53:31
- Approved as presented.
- Includes standard closures and early closings on holiday eves.
- No significant community complaints about current schedule.
- Staff requests noted for Mother’s Day and the day after Thanksgiving.
🔹Financial Report
🕒 53:37–59:23
- Expected to return ~1% of salary budget; most expenses will be spent down.
- Weekly warrants may occur through July due to holidays.
- Gifts received from Reading Lions Club and in honor of Cherry.
- Proposal for an annual “Cherry on Top” ice cream social to honor past and present trustees and staff.
- Discussion of Tony audio figures for children and their processing status.
🔹Director’s Report
🕒 59:30–1:06:08
Presented by Amy Lannon, Library Director
- New patio is open and well-received; additional chairs and umbrellas may be added.
- Community Garden Party scheduled with local partners.
- Interior and exterior plant care enhanced with educational signage.
- PorchFest participation confirmed.
- Library terrace project may begin construction in late August or early September.
- Administrative approval received; no CPDC hearing required.
🔹Approval of May 12 Meeting Minutes
🕒 1:06:08–1:06:52
- Approved with abstentions from members not present.
🔹Future Agenda Items
🕒 1:06:52–1:09:31
- July meeting to be led by Megan.
- August: Locker usage update and potential PR push.
- Review of policies likely to be minimal this year.
🔹Adjournment
🕒 1:09:31–1:10:07
- Meeting adjourned by roll call vote.
✅ Key Outcomes
- HVAC issues in the children’s room acknowledged; facilities working on resolution.
- Summer programming and early literacy efforts are robust and well-attended.
- Lending policy for decertified municipalities discussed; no changes made.
- Officers re-elected for FY26.
- Meeting dates and holiday closings for FY26/CY26 approved.
- Financials are on track; new initiatives like the ice cream social proposed.
- Library terrace project moving forward with potential late summer start.
