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: August 11, 2025
⏱️ Duration: ~35 minutes
💻🏛️ Format: Hybrid (in-person at the RPL + Zoom)
👤 Chair: Patrick Egan
👥 Board Members in Attendance: Kelli Bacon, Andrew Gregory, Andrew Grimes, Monette Verrier
🗣️ Public Comment
⏱ 0:15–0:22
- No public comments received via email or in person.
📢 Proclamation: National Library Card Signup Month
⏱ 0:28–3:49
- Board reviewed and approved a proclamation to designate September as Library Card Signup Month in Reading.
- Plans include themed booth at Town Day, selfie frame promotions.
- Motion passed unanimously.
🏛️ Meeting Room Use Report & Policy Review
⏱ 3:49–16:38
- Usage Update: FY25 numbers expected to rise post AV system and booking software upgrades.
- AV Upgrades: Installed by AVI SPI; includes cameras, wireless mics, Zoom capabilities.
- Software: Communico upgrade completed; positive feedback on calendar usability.
- Policy Changes Proposed:
- Reduce booking lead time from 5 to 2 business days.
- Clarify publicity language to avoid implied endorsement.
- Refine political activity guidelines to align with state ethics laws and allow debates.
- Prohibit use of library logo in external publicity.
- General Support expressed for all proposed changes.
💰 Financial Report & Supplemental Spending
⏱ 16:38–22:52
- General Budget: On track; large warrant includes Noble memberships and database subscriptions.
- Supplemental Spending Recommendation:
- Total: $80,000 (lower than previous years due to anticipated leaner times).
- Categories: Marketing, tech, furnishings, materials, professional development, programming, miscellaneous needs.
- No vote required.
📋 Director’s Report
⏱ 23:00–30:20
- Trends: Steady usage; locker use increasing.
- Facilities: AC system limping but operational; EV chargers nearly complete.
- Events:
- Vehicle Day (Aug 12) and Bike Rally (Aug 14)—parking lot closures noted.
- Database Changes: Loss of statewide Boston Globe access; library now subscribes independently.
- Hiring Update: 28 applicants for open position; offer expected soon.
- Library of Things Loggers: Performing well; stats to be reviewed at 6-month mark.
🧾 Minutes Approval
⏱ 30:29–31:19
- July 14, 2025 minutes approved unanimously.
📅 Future Agenda Items
⏱ 31:19–34:12
- September: Fall programming, summer reading report, EV usage update, meeting policy vote, collection development policy review.
- October: Toys for Tots policy, distribution/posting policies, financial forums (focus on budget cuts and staff retention).
🎭 Costume Swap Announcement
⏱ 33:00–34:12
- Dates: Collection from Aug 22–Sep 22; swap on Sep 27.
- Location: Lobby bin for donations.
- Theme: Sustainability—reduce, reuse, recycle.
🛑 Adjournment
⏱ 34:47–35:06
- Meeting adjourned by unanimous vote.
✅ Key Outcomes Summary
- Proclamation Approved: September is officially Library Card Signup Month in Reading.
- Policy Updates Supported: Board endorsed reducing meeting room booking lead time and revising publicity/political usage language.
- Supplemental Spending Plan Presented: $80,000 allocated for strategic enhancements, with no vote required.
- Hiring Progress: Strong applicant pool for open position; offer expected imminently.
- Facilities & Tech Updates: EV chargers nearly complete; AV and booking systems upgraded.
- Community Engagement: Costume swap planned; Vehicle Day and Bike Rally scheduled.
- Next Steps: September meeting to include votes on revised policies and updates on EV usage and collection development.
