HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Trustees 09/08/2021MANSFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Board of Trustees Meeting - September 8, 2021
Attendance: Nancy Breef-Pilz, Marianne Mackie, Jeri Hill, Jean Mallon, Leonard Epstein
and Director Catherine Coyne. All attendees were masked and the meeting was held in the
MPL/COA meeting room to enhance social distancing.
Secretary's report. The report for June was reviewed and unanimously approved.
Treasurer's report. The report for August was reviewed and unanimously approved.
Correspondence. Betty Stetson, a long time patron of the library, passed away last week.
hi lieu of flowers, her family has asked for donations to the library, the first of which was received
today.
Librarians reports. The librarians' reports were reviewed and highlights discussed. Jean
expressed the board's appreciation for receiving continuing reports over the summer in the absence
of monthly meetings.
Overall it has been a good summer. Although the mask mandate had been ended, it has been
reinstated for patrons as of Monday, September 13, in accordance with a Board of Health decision
on Thursday, September 2.
Catherine reported on the use of the new service engaged by the library, "WhoFi," which
tracks patrons' intemet usage
The director reported on the forthcoming introduction of a "Library of Things" which will
be highlighted in the October newsletter. Initial offerings will include kits dealing with cooking,
crafting, dementia activities, parties/events, recreation, and technology with others to follow. Items
will have a one week loan period with one renewal. Marianne asked how Darcy goes about
choosing purchases. Catherine explained the five categories initially in use and plans to expand
them based on experience. Marianne suggested a possible survey to help identify interests.
OLD BUSINESS
Director's annual review. The board approved Nancy's synthesis of the members' input
into Catherine's annual performance evaluation which Nancy has delivered to Catherine who
reported her satisfaction with the analysis.
Meeting room policy update. Catherine has reviewed the meeting room policy with the
Town Manager who is dubious about non -library groups using the room after hours. Other venues
for such meetings were noted. The current concern is when to re -open the meeting room to outside
groups and after discussion Marianne moved to delay such use by outside groups pending the end of
the mask mandate and to then adhere to the requirement that outside groups vacate the room no later
than ten minutes before the library closes, viz. 7:50 p.m. Monday -Thursday; 4:50 p.m. Friday, and
3:50 p.m. Saturday. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
Juneteenth update and vote. June 19' has now been declared a federal holiday. The
board voted unanimously to add the holiday to those recognized by the library and will accordingly
add it to the list in the library's handbook.
NEW BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Assistant director. The board discussed whether the library has reached the point of
needing an Assistant Director. Catherine will commence research of the issue, including typical
duties, compensation, etc. It was noted that Whitney has been extremely effective in her position
for almost three years, going beyond reference issues and being the de -facto fill-in for Catherine
when necessary, and would obviously be a strong candidate for Assistant Director if the board
concludes that such a position is appropriate for the library.
Goals for FY22. The board discussed Catherine's goals for FY22, including various
references and comments in this month's Director's report (e.g. expanded homebound patron
services, continuation and expansion of virtual programming, building security, updating the staff
handbook and others. With respect to the library's staff handbook, Marianne noted the need for
additional specificity and clarity, and Catherine will prepare her thoughts for subsequent
consideration. As was done in the last revision several years ago, the board will consider seeking
staff input into the process. Catherine is also concerned with the library's space constraints given
the years of growth and expansion, and may seek to utilize MBLC's help with space planning,
especially in light of the CONS forthcoming relocation. Catherine agreed to draft an initial
goal/planning document for future discussion with the board.
Next meeting. October 13, 5:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Leonard Secretary
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