HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Trustees 01/07/2021MANSFIELD S uBLIC LIBRARY
Board of Trustees Webinar Meeting - January 7, 2021
Attendance: Nancy Breef-Pilz, Marianne Mackie, Jen Riordan, Jean Mallon, Leonard
Epstein and Director Catherine Coyne. Nancy Griffin acted as organizer and presenter. Nancy read
the preamble statement concerning Gov. Baker's suspension of certain sections of the open meeting
law. The meeting will be available to residents on Mansfield cable. Nancy then called the roll.
Secretary's report. The secretary's report for December 10 was reviewed and approved on
a roll call vote. Minutes of the May 13 meeting were similarly approved on a roll call vote.
Treasurer's report. The treasurer's report for December was reviewed and approved on a
roll call vote. Marianne noted $918.50 in dividend income which has historically been used for
funding programs for the following year. The board agreed to review the issue next month.
The board discussed the Make and Take program for which MEG funds are available and
will be used instead of donations since many of the library's virtual programs have been free.
Marianne recommended allocating approximately $600 for next year's programs.
Correspondence. None.
Librarians reports. The librarians' reports were reviewed and highlights discussed.
Circulation has again increased and there were 1,544 visitors in December. Curbside service
continues and on-line programming is going well. Catherine noted that she is especially proud of
the staff for their cooperation and effectiveness.
Old Business
Library vacancies update. Both page openings have been filled with the second successful
applicant starting work January 11. The part-time children's room library assistant started January
6, filling the vacancy created by Covid-19.
CARES funding. Nancy reported having emailed the town manager to ask whether Cares
Act Funding were to be treated as town apportioned funds and therefore require a vote by the library
trustees for expenditures over $2,500. She will update the board as further information is received.
New Business
Job descriptions. The board discussed the updated descriptions for Youth Services
Librarian and Head of Information Services. Catherine reported that she had updated old job
descriptions and sent them to Jocelyn at HR who has suggested a few edits. Catherine is eager to
advertise to fill openings, especially for Youth Services, which was approved on a roll call vote.
Nancy had a question about the reference position which will be clarified at the next meeting.
Annual Director's evaluation. Nancy noted the possible problem of securing a virtual
meeting time slot for the necessary executive session, especially since it will require more than one
hour. Catherine's annual report is in progress. Nancy will follow up on the time slot problem. Jean
noted preliminarily that she is "Overwhelmed by the way Catherine and her staff have responded to
the new situation, being very creative and responsive and making meaningful connections with the
library's patrons." She asked Catherine to covey the board's congratulations and appreciation.
Nancy noted in particular the staffs meaningful contributions to developing new and innovative
ways to deliver services to patrons.
Next meeting. February 4, 2021, 4:30 p.m. A motion to adjourn was unanimously
approved at 5:25 p.m.
eonard Epste Secretary