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.
📚 Board of Library Trustees Meeting Summary
🗓️ Date: July 14, 2025
⏱️ Duration: ~22 minutes
💻🏛️ Format: Hybrid (in-person at the RPL + Zoom)
👤 Chair: Christian “Cappy” Popp
👥 Board Members in Attendance: Christian “Cappy” Popp, Kelli Bacon, Patrick Egan, Andrew Gregory, Andrew Grimes, Monette Verrier
🧾 Main Topics: Warrant schedule, ❄️ HVAC and 💻 IT updates, 🧰 Library of Things lockers, 🎶 PorchFest recap, 🧑🤝🧑 outreach efforts, and 📅 future agenda planning.
🔹Warrant Schedule
🕒 0:00–2:12
- A new warrant schedule aligns more closely with the town’s weekly process, though the library will continue with a biweekly rhythm for convenience.
- Warrant signing will be coordinated around meeting dates and holidays.
- Trustees can approve warrants via email if unable to sign in person.
- Color-coded schedule and warrant numbers were reviewed.
🔹Director’s Report
🕒 2:12–21:01
Presented by Michelle Filleul, Assistant Library Director
HVAC Update:
- Most air conditioning service has been restored except for part of the ground floor.
- A blown circuit board on a condenser caused the issue; a replacement part is expected midweek.
Locker Usage:
- Previous underreporting corrected; usage is higher than initially thought.
- A future update from Collection Services is planned.
Library of Things Lockers:
- New lockers installed; some mechanical issues being resolved.
- Items are checked out at the desk; patrons receive a code to unlock the locker.
- Cards with codes are left in lockers and replaced if lost.
Events & Outreach:
- Participated in PorchFest (moved indoors due to rain).
- Hosted a successful Community Garden Party with ~150 attendees and multiple town departments.
- “Three Sisters” community beading project will be displayed near the seed library.
- Outreach visits to senior housing complexes (Frank Tanner, Peter Sanborn, Cedar Glen) to promote services like delivery and health resources.
Catalog & Staff Updates:
- New, more visual and faster online catalog launched.
- Megan celebrated 12 years at the library; Judy Terzano is retiring after 8 years but will stay on as a substitute.
IT & Network Issues:
- Ongoing network outages traced to Comcast; not caused by library infrastructure.
- Staff will be migrated to the town network with individual logins to improve reliability.
- Public Wi-Fi has experienced intermittent disruptions since May.
Parking Spot Update:
- One EV charging spot was approved for conversion back to regular parking.
- Awaiting action from RMLD to repaint and remove signage.
🔹Approval of June 16 Meeting Minutes
🕒 21:01–21:18
- Minutes approved unanimously.
🔹Future Agenda Items
🕒 21:18–21:56
- August meeting will include:
- Locker usage update
- HVAC system update
- IT/network reliability update
- Meeting room policy review
- Supplemental spending recommendations (state aid, trust funds)
🔹Adjournment
🕒 21:56–22:06
- Meeting adjourned.
✅ Key Outcomes
- Warrant schedule updated for better alignment with town processes.
- HVAC repairs are nearly complete; final part expected soon.
- Library of Things lockers installed and operational with minor adjustments.
- Community outreach and events like PorchFest and the garden party were successful.
- Network issues identified and mitigation steps underway.
- Future agenda will address key operational and policy updates.
