HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Trustees 12/15/2021MANSFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Board of Trustees Meeting - December 15, 2021
Attendance: Nancy Breef-Pilz, Marianne Mackie, Jeri Hill, Jean Mallon, Leonard Epstein
and Acting Director Whitney Brown. The meeting was called to order a 5:04 PM in the meeting
room.
Secretary's report The report for November was reviewed and unanimously approved.
Treasurer's report The report for November was reviewed and unanimously approved.
Librarians reports. The librarians' reports were reviewed and highlights discussed.
Whitney talked about the one recent in -person program, concerned about the high level of
attendance and the risk of Covid-19. She will be meeting tomorrow with a student from the Islamic
high school to discuss program possibilities for Islamic Awareness Week in March. Possibilities
being considered include an art show and book displays.
The board discussed the One Book, One Community concept that used to be so popular.
Whitney is thinking that autumn may work better this year in light of the ongoing pandemic and she
is thinking about forming a committee to pull it together.
OLD BUSINESS
Acting Director. Whitney reported that she is feeling comfortable and growing in
confidence filling in for Catherine. Payroll being one of the most important tasks, she had started
doing it last summer. She is very pleased with the Town Hall personnel who have been very
helpful.
NEW BUSINESS
Extended leave time for employee Kim has requested an additional ten weeks of unpaid
leave to care for her extremely ill adult daughter. The board unanimously approved the request and
discussed a contribution at the appropriate time, probably the purchase of relevant books. Whitney
reported that the staff are all being very cooperative filling in for her as needed.
Staffing during Catherine's absence Similarly, Whitney reported that all is well with
staff coverage, with everyone}"pulling together." Catherine's tentative return date is January 6.
Board vacancy. Since she has moved out of Mansfield, Marianne will be leaving the board
at the end of her term (December 31). There are two and possibly three potential applicants.
Catherine has asked that the selection be held in abeyance pending her return. A committee is
likely, probably two selectmen, Catherine and a board member, presumably Nancy. Marianne
expressed concern over having a new member take over as treasurer. Jean agreed to think about the
position.
Next meeting January 12, 2022 at 5--0 .m. eeting wds adjourned at 6:10 PM.
Leonard stei , creme
The foregoing minutes were approved at the February 9, 2022 meeting of the Mansfield
Board of Library Trustees.