Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
3.15.21 Minutes
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Canton Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of March 15, 2021 Attendees: Chris Untersee, Susan Cogliano, Emily Prigot,Peg Mead, George Comeau, Betty Chelmow, Joan Schottenfeld Bernie Mendillo, Nancy Connery and Director Andrea Capone The meeting was called to order by Susan Cogliano at 7:32. Susan announced that George has been appointed to the Board of Library Commissioners by Governor Baker, this will be the third Governor to appoint George to the Board of Library Commissioners. Congratulations to George! The minutes of the February 22, 2021 minutes, with corrections noted, were approved unanimously after a motion to accept made by Joan Schottenfeld and seconded by Betty Chelmow. Director’s Report Andrea noted that March is in like a lion at the library and that our wonderful librarians have been very busy working on Curbside checkout for the community, while continuing to advance creative and innovative new ways of connecting residents with library services. This month 7,838 items have been circulated through our curbside pickup program. Access has been provided to an array of important digital resources for our community through online offerings. E-Book usage is up 91%over where it was at this time last year and continues to grow. Our thoughtful and talented librarians continue to select materials in every format available that engage and entertain the public. The library’s “On Demand” printing service has printed and delivered over 600 jobs. Over the past month the library hosted 23 virtual storytimes for young patrons with 6,237 people viewing these programs.These virtual storytimes are recorded and can be watched anytime on Facebook or can be accessed live each weekday at 10:30AM. In partnership with Canton Public Schools, our wonderful Children’s staff hosted 232 students in a virtual Read Across America celebration. 15 Tweens and Teens are participating in a 6 week computer programming and web design course through the generous sponsorship of the Friends of the library. We are so grateful to the Friends for helping us make this outstanding opportunity available to Canton’s youth. Remote Access to the Wall Street Journal has now gone live, and along with the New York Times and the historical Boston Globe, expands our growing collection of digital newspapers.
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There is an important change to digital magazine collections.The library’s RB Digital Magazine collection will be merged with Overdrive E-Book platform starting March 16th. Users of the RB Digital App will still have access to their collection through the end of March. Overdrive has purchased RB Digital and patrons will now have access to an expanded collection of 3,000 titles through Overdrive or the Libby App. Keep an eye on your mailbox for details from the library about this change. Amie Grosshans will join the library circulation staff on April 6th. The entire library is excited to welcome Amie to our team. Curbside Update: As a reminder, 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 we saw 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 Presentations to various town boards and committees are complete and await the votes of the Finance Committee and Select Board on this year's requests. Library Legislative Day Director Capone announced the board of Library Legislative Day virtual sessions will be held on April 8th via zoom. Andrea reminded the Trustees of the importance of board members participation and advocacy as it is vital to securing funding for libraries in the Commonwealth. Subcommittee on Reopening Report: Bernie presented the sub committee recommendations that we wait until mid April to do a slow (re) opening similar to what we had done some months back with the lobby area opened and stocked with a variety of best sellers and materials for all ages. There will be capacity limits in place and masks must be worn at all times, even if waiting in line outside. You will not need an appointment unless you want to reserve time for a computer. Curbside pick up hours will remain the same and holds will be available in the covered entryway. Conditions in the community will continue to be monitored as we thoughtfully and safely reopen. Potential reopening date of 4/12 to be considered, Chair Cogliano asked for a motion to be made to approve the recommendations of the reopening Subcommittee. A motion was made by, Chris seconded by Peg and unanimously approved by the Board. Susan and the board members thanked Bernie for his work on this committee as well as on the Canton Reads sub committee. As this was Bernie’s last Trustees meeting Susan asked Peg to join the Reopening Committee. Friends Update:
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Emily gave an update on the activities of the Friends of the Library. “Canton Writes” has launched and applications are live on the library website. A “Love Your Library” campaign was held during February with informational bookmarks placed in curbside pickup books. Twenty patrons signed up including 8 who became lifetime members and 6 new members. The next Coffee House will be held on June 12 and will feature Celtic Music by House of Hamill. Patti McDermott is working on a Community Impact Grant which would be used toward more chrome books and hotspots. She reached out to other Friends for help on paperwork for Certification of Solicitation which would help expedite the process.Trustee Chris Untersee asked if the Friends could be included in the Library Legislative Day and received support from the board. Canton Reads Update: The Canton Reads Subcommittee provided an update on the wide variety of program events planned throughout the month of April around the “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown. To “advertise” these Joan and Bernie have written articles and placed an Ad for the Canton Citizen. Director Capone and Nancy Connery will be doing an interview on Canton Cable TV and attending a Select Board Meeting announcing this year’s selection. Copies of “Boys in the Boat” will be given to Select Board Members in advance of the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Connery, Secretary Future Meeting Dates: April: 4/26, May: 5/17, June: 6/21