HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Trustees 03/04/2021MANSFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Board of Trustees Webinar Meeting - March 4, 2021
Attendance: Nancy Breef-Pilz, Marianne Mackie, Jen Hill, Jean Mallon, Leonard Epstein
and Director Catherine Coyne. Nancy was detained so Jean Mallon substituted as chairperson and
convened the meeting at 4:31 p.m.
Jean read the required preamble suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law and
informing the public of the availability of the meeting and explaining the methodology for
addressing questions to the board. Jean called the roll as required.
Secretary's report. The secretary's report for February was reviewed and approved.
Treasurer's report. The treasurer's report for February was reviewed and approved.
Marianne raised the question of whether additional funds will be needed for programs. Catherine
suggested that we may want to further address the question in the fall.
Correspondence. None.
Librarians reports. The librarians' reports were reviewed and highlights discussed. Even
with recent snow days physical attendance was up. Catherine discussed the logistical issues with
ambassadors, going back and forth between taking information orally or asking patrons to fill in
forms.
Marianne commented that Whitney is doing a great job engaging teenagers with her
"Teenmakercause" program through charitable work and volunteering to help in the community.
She mentioned the blankets at the animal shelter, donating bags with essential needs for the
homeless and making gifts for front line workers. The board noted Whitney's proactive and
successful engagement of teenagers. A no -sew stuffed dog toy project is planned for the future.
Book chats have proven popular. Unlike traditional book clubs, people talk about what they are
individually reading. Take and make crafts have also proven very popular.
Old Business
Hours of operation. Although the library has been considering expanded hours of service,
Catherine reported on an email from Kevin this afternoon explaining that, due to Covid related
expenses, additional funds cannot be made available for the library.
Nancy raised the possibility of using MEG money for expanding hours but Catherine is
concerned about saving MEG funds for future needs given the uncertainty of services, programs,
etc. going forward over the next few months. Marianne also discussed the cost of cleaning, more
specifically paying for extra hours for the cleaner to be open Friday longer hours and Saturday.
Library vacancies update. Applications are still being received. Given the downturn in
in person programming, Catherine wants to be continue being selective, particularly in regard to
with children's experience. New interviews are scheduled for tomorrow and next week.
Director's evaluation. Corresponding with town counsel. Will follow up with town
manager about working out the process. Catherine noted that the BPL digitization project is not
accepting any new collections.
Staff handbook. Catherine will send the staff handbook to board members. She has
included notes on items which may need clarification. Nancy wants to get the town handbook and
see what might be relevant to the library's handbook. Catherine will send a copy of the town
handbook which has not been approved at this time.
Subcommittee meetings. Nancy has clarified this issue with the MBLC and learned that
subcommittee meetings may take place other than in a public meeting as long as the highlights are
reviewed in public.
New Business
Next meeting. April 1, 2021 4:30 p.m. Pursuant to a roll -call vote the meeting was
adjourned at 5:16 p.m.
onard Epst 'n, 6hfy
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