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.
🗓️ Reading Board of Library Trustees Meeting Summary
📅 Date: November 12, 2025
⏱️ Duration: ~1 hour
💻🏛️ Format: Hybrid (in-person + Zoom)
👤 Chair: Christian “Cappy” Popp
👥 Board Members in Attendance: Christian “Cappy” Popp, Kelli Bacon, Andrew Grimes, Monette Verrier, Patrick Egan, Andrew Gregory
🧾 Main Topics: Public comment, DECA scholarship request, policy updates, gift policy review, financial report, director’s report, approval of minutes, and future agenda planning.
🔹Public Comment
🕒 7:14–8:12
- Community Preservation Act Committee requested 15 minutes at a future meeting to present their work.
- No other public comments or emails.
🔹RMHS DECA Scholarship Program
🕒 9:13–9:59
- A student proposed hosting a fundraising table at the library but did not follow up with details.
- No action taken; trustees will wait for further outreach.
🔹Policy on Distribution, Posting & Collection of Materials
🕒 10:01–10:59
- Revised policy approved unanimously.
🔹Gift Policy Review
🕒 11:01–13:20
- Discussed clarity of language regarding “Friends of the Reading Public Library.”
- No vote taken; will revisit next month.
🔹Financial Report
🕒 13:24–15:31
- FY26 budget on track; no major updates.
- Draft Level 1 FY27 budget to be presented at December 8 meeting; select board presentation on December 9.
- October gifts acknowledged.
- Licensing/software costs high early in fiscal year due to Noble subscription and cyclical renewals.
🔹Director’s Report
🕒 15:36–22:48
Highlights:
- Library Terrace Construction: Began Monday; funded by RPL Foundation. Positive patron feedback.
- Museum Pass Program: 18+ passes offered; usage trending upward post-pandemic. New additions include Boston by Foot and Concord Museum.
- Interlibrary Loan Map: Tracking loans visually in Tech Services.
- Events:
- Connected Reading Fair: 200+ attendees despite overlap with downtown trick-or-treat.
- Mid-Autumn Moon Festival: Successful cultural event with multiple partners.
- Flu Clinic: 62 vaccinations; strong partnership with town health nurse Liv Bartholomew.
- One-on-one tech help appointments resumed.
- Sixth-grade tours featured a book fair-style activity.
- Goat visit drew 146 attendees; Halloween trivia attracted ~30 participants.
- Personnel:
- Andrea Fillo accepted branch manager role at Cambridge Public Library; farewell celebration scheduled next Wednesday.
- Ashley Cristiano promoted to Librarian I for Adult Services.
- Professional Development:
- Staff attended NELA conference; Andrea presented on intellectual freedom and legal issues; Megan presented on Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program.
- October all-staff meeting focused on customer service skills.
- Snapshot Note: OverDrive figure excludes items borrowed from other networks.
🔹Approval of October 14 Meeting Minutes
🕒 24:32–25:03
- Approved (5 in favor, 1 abstention).
🔹Future Agenda Items
🕒 25:06–26:14
- December:
- FY27 draft budget discussion
- Winter programming update
- Rooted in Reading final report
- RPL budget presentation to Select Board (Dec 9)
- January:
- Community outreach and engagement update
- Supplemental spending update
- Community Preservation Act Committee presentation to be scheduled.
🔹Adjournment
🕒 27:28–27:42
Meeting adjourned.
✅ Key Outcomes
- Policy on distribution/posting approved.
- Gift policy review deferred to December.
- FY27 budget prep underway; select board presentation set for Dec 9.
- Library terrace construction started; strong community engagement through events and outreach.
- Personnel changes: Andrea departing; Ashley promoted.
- Trustees reaffirmed commitment to future agenda planning and outreach.
