Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
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Canton Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of January 25, 2021 Attendees: Chris Untersee, Joan Schottenfeld, Bernie Mendillo, Susan Cogliano, Emily Prigot, Peg Mead, George Comeau, Betty Chelmow and Director Andrea Capone and community resident Joan Chamberlin The meeting was called to order at 7:36 PM Director’s Report Director Capone expressed optimism and excitement for the new year noting that 2021 is well underway and there is hope that better days are on the horizon. In the meantime she and the library staff encourage all to take advantage of some of the great library offerings now available; The Pronunciator app can be used to learn a new language, Great Courses are available through the Kanopy platform, a Winter Reading Challenge for teens is available through the library website. There are also many virtual learning opportunities available such as Instant Pot cooking or an upcoming Art Matters lecture. This month the library has circulated 9,589 items mostly through the curbside pickup program. Additionally, an array of important digital resources for the community have been available through online offerings. E-Book usage is up 84% over this time last year and continues to grow. The thoughtful and talented librarians continue to select materials in every format available to engage and entertain the public. The past month the library hosted 22 virtual storytimes for our young patrons. These virtual storytimes are recorded and can be watched anytime on Facebook or can be accessed live each weekday at 10:30AM. The Young Adult Librarian will return from her maternity leave next week. Tweens and Teens will again be able to join us for weekly virtual programs including the very popular Dungeons and Dragons meetings. Work is underway for the launch of our Teens and Tweens LSTA Grant “Mind, Body, and World Wellness for Teens and Tweens” in the spring. As a result of staff member Florence’s retirement as well as subsequent staff reorganization, there is now a vacancy in the Circulation department. A posting for the available Part Time Circulation assistant position has resulted in applications for the position and interviews will begin the first week of February. Library Staff to Participate in Vaccine Scheduling for the Board of Health The Board of Health has requested assistance from other town departments to help schedule the public for vaccination. Seven hard working librarians have volunteered to assist in this effort for the community. These library staff will spend a portion of their work day answering
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non-medical vaccination questions from the public and assist in scheduling appointments for the Town’s inoculation efforts. Department heads have been consulted and this work will not interfere with library operations. 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 only at this time. This change will remain in effect until such time as the case numbers in Canton see a sustained downward trend such 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. Previous Meeting Follow Up Peg asked if the draft letter regarding the Board’s concern about our library staff as front facing employees not being regularly tested as well as concern around implications of existing pay practices as they do not encourage staff to stay home if exposed had been sent as yet to the Select Board, Board of Health and the Fire Chief. George Comeau said he will circle back to draft the letter. Chris asked if we will be extending our current”no fines” policy as we had agreed to reassess it in January. After discussion, a motion was made by Chris, seconded by George and unanimously passed to extend “no fines” until the end of April when the board will reassess. Budget Update Director Capone reported that generally we are where we expect to be at this point in the fiscal year, however due to COVID, the library had to overspend on custodial supply line, it anticipated this deficit to increase throughout the year. However, there is sufficient room in the budget to cover this overage. Vote to Honor Florence Poznysz Florence will be retiring after 36 years of exemplary service at the library and as she spent most of that time in the Childrens’ Workroom a motion was made by Peg to place a plaque in that space dedicated to Florence. The motion was seconded by Bernie Mendillo and unanimously passed. Peg offered to order the plaque. Friends Update:
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The Friends of the Library met on 1/11/21. Library Director Capone, Trustee Liaison Prigot, and Outreach Librarian Elkort attended. Emily reported that there will be a “Love Your Library” membership drive to encourage people to join/rejoin as Friends. A bookmark has been created to place in curbside take out to advertise the event and an Ad will be placed in the Citizen. Emily also reported that the 1/16/21 Coffee House event was well attended with 44 people logged on to enjoy the musical group, “The Whispering Tree”. The next Coffee House on 3/20 will feature bluegrass group, “The Rutabagas”. Emily shared that the Coffee House has been sponsoring events for 15 years and that she recently did an interview about it on Canton Cable. The friends will also be honoring Florence Poznysz. A motion was made to adjourn by Emily, seconded by Joan and unanimously passed at 8:40 PM. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Connery, Secretary Future Meeting Dates: February: 2/22/21 March: 3/15 (as normal) April: 4/26, suggested for President’s Day May: 5/17 and Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 12:30 PM. The meeting will be held outside at Memorial Field, Canton High School, 900 Washington Street. June: 6/21 (as normal)