Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
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Canton Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of February 22, 2021 Attendees: Chris Untersee, Susan Cogliano, Emily Prigot, Peg Mead, George Comeau, Betty Chelmow, Nancy Connery and Director Andrea Capone The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman George Comeau at 7:32 PM The minutes of the January 25,2021 meeting were unanimously approved after a motion to approve by Peg Mead and second by Betty Chelmow. Director’s Report The past month has been a busy and productive time at the library despite remaining closed for in-person services. The wonderful librarians have been hard at work serving the public with virtual programs and connecting them to physical items through curbside services. Great progress continues on the shifting and weeding project in anticipation of restarting work on interior renovation in the future. Staff training and development continue to be a priority. Six library staff will attend a series of virtual seminars beginning in March put on through Library Journal. The course is called “Public Library Programming in the Pandemic” and will help staff adapt and grow professionally during this time. This month 8,388 items were circulated through the curbside pickup program. Access to an array of important digital resources for the community has been provided through online offerings. E-Book usage is up 89% over last year and continues to grow. Engaging materials in every format available continue to be thoughtfully selected by the librarians. Over the past month the library hosted 25 virtual storytimes for young patrons with 7071 people viewing these programs. These virtual storytimes are recorded and can be watched anytime on Facebook or accessed live each weekday at 10:30AM. The library was certified by the Mass Board of Library Commissioners in the State Aid to Public Libraries program on Feb. 11th, 2021. The first of two payments, in the amount of $19,252.69 should be dispersed soon. No official award letters were sent out this year, due to the pandemic. Director Capone attended the MBLC meeting on February 11th in her capacity as Old Colony Library Network President, to support two OCLN members that were petitioning for waivers due to disproportionate cuts. Kingston and Hanover both made presentations and final determinations have yet to be made on waiver status.
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Director Capone suggested that the Board of Trustees examine our position on serving decertified libraries. The only official policy language related to certification does not address specifically borrowing privileges, but addresses the issuance of new cards and is as follows: “Massachusetts residents of a city or town currently certified in the State Aid to Public Libraries program may obtain a Public Library borrower card at the circulation desk with valid proof of address.” Vice chair Comeau suggested that this be put on a future agenda. Curbside Update: Currently, the Town of Canton has made changes to the operation of municipal services in response to the Covid 19 health crisis. The library is currently operating “Curbside Only” services at this time. This change will remain in effect until such time as the case numbers in Canton see a sustained downward trend as seen over the summer months, or until such time as the Board of Library Trustees, in consultation with the Board of Health, determines it is appropriate to return to in person services. Budget Update Director Capone advised that we continue to spend a significant amount on custodial supplies and materials but the overall budget is on target. Presentations have been made to the Finance Committee and SelectBoard for our FY22 operating budget request. The Library’s capital request to the CPC is scheduled for Wednesday February 24th. Circulation Assistant Position The board unanimously voted to forward a recommendation to appoint Amie Grosshans to the Board of select. This vacant Circulation Assistant position is contingent upon satisfactory salary negotiations, the successful completion pre-employment verification, and joint approval by the Select Board on March 2nd. Friends Update: Emily Prigot provided an update on The Friends of the Library meeting she attended on 2/8. Upcoming events include Canton Reads, a Coffee House on March 20 with bluegrass group Ruta Beggars performing and a coding program for children featuring Matt Amory. The Friends also co-wrote a letter with the Library Trustees that applauded the above and beyond performance of the Library Staff during COVID 19 which was published in the Citizen. The Friends will also have an article in the Citizen about an upcoming membership drive as membership has dropped in the last year probably another result of COVID.
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When Emily finished her update, George Comeau, as chair of the meeting, complimented Emily on bringing the Coffee House to the town, the Library and the Friends for many years - it is a gift many enjoy. Canton Reads Update: The subcommittee on Canton Reads will meet this Wednesday 2/24 to discuss the programming and publicity push prior to the April events which will feature the community wide experience of sharing the book “The Boys on the Boat” by Daniel James Brown. Future Meeting Dates: March: 3/15, April: 4/26, May: 5/17, June: 6/21 The meeting adjourned at 7:58 PM Respectfully submitted, Nancy Connery, Secretary