HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Trustees 02/09/2022MANSFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Board of Trustees Meeting, February 9, 2022
Attendance: Nancy Breef-Pilz, Jean Mallon, Leonard Epstein and Director Catherine
Coyne. Nancy called the meeting to order at 4:30 PM.
Secretary's report. The report for December was reviewed. Jean moved for approval,
Nancy seconded followed by unanimous approval.
No treasurer's report available.
Correspondence. The library has received "valentines," in particular one from a patron
who commented that it is very important that the library provide access to materials that would
otherwise be difficult to afford. The library has maintained its sign that the mandate is still in
force. Nancy noted news reports of many books being banned in several places in the country and
asked if the library had received any correspondence seeking similar action. Catherine explained
that most such activity was taking place in the so-called "bible -belt."
Librarians reports. The librarians' reports were reviewed and highlights discussed.
Catherine returned from her surgery and convalescence only recently and reported that operations
are going well, albeit the library has been somewhat quiet, but picking up in February. She happily
noted that Whitney and the staff did a great job in her absence. Catherine has spoken with the staff
about doing more in person programming, noting in particular the success of Whitney's "make and
take" mini heating pads (microwave)/ ice packs (freezer).
Meeting room. Catherine asked whether non -access to the meeting room should be
continued and the board unanimously agreed it should continue other than town events until the
mask mandate is lifted.
Library of Things. Nancy inquired about the status. Catherine explained there is not yet a
specific budget or plan for increased purchases because she is waiting for public feedback from a
survey she has initiated. She hopes to add recreational materials and games, e.g. giant Jenga. The
laminater and karaoke machine are used a lot. She is also thinking about outdoor games when the
weather improves. Nintendo Switch will be in inventory - only the controllers, not games --t
themselves. She has also been approached by the Sun Chronicle about doing an acle abut t,
Library of Things. n
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Board vacancies. There are presently three applicants, all well qualifred-y-tl'wo 3elecfard
members along with Catherine and Nancy will interview them and will take recoAmendjaimp3to
the entire board. m
Director's goals. Catherine reported she is working on this year's goals and plans to
incorporate a survey of patrons. Ideas she is working on include:
Home -bound deliveries. Two and possibly three subs are interested in home -bound
deliveries. Catherine is thinking about a bag identifying the service. The library already makes
deliveries to Willow Crossing and will be opening it up to home delivery. She will also coordinate
with the COA for possible help and hopes to have the service up and running in April.
Hybrid programming. This would mean programs open to live attendees and those
participating virtually. Sails recently had a demo of the Owl, a device whichMa lets virtual
participants see the entire room. Sails is ordering two devices. Catherine has called company
which will be setting up a demo. The cost is approximately $1,000 available from MEG funds.
Staff handbook update. Several staff members have expressed interest in working on a
review and update of the library's staff handbook. Catherine is also looking for one or more board
members to participate. Nancy has volunteered.
NEW BUSINESS
In person programming Catherine is looking to restart in person programming in March.
She also anticipates the Owl will likely be popular for hybrid programming and believes it will be a
good use of MEG funding.
Staff development day. There hasn't been a staff development day since the start of Covid.
Catherine will be contacting the police to again present a violence prevention program, possibly in
the spring or fall or possibly a webinar. Jean urged this to be a very high priority. Catherine will
contact Lt. Bane and try to arrange a date in March. Nancy noted that wellness programs being
offered by the town are really good.
Next meetine. Jean moved to adjourn; Nancy seconded. All approved and the meeting was
adjourned at 5:20 PM. The next meeting will be March 9, 2022.
Leonard Epstein
Leonard Epstein, Secretary
The foregoing minutes were approved at the March 9, 2022 meeting of the Mansfield Board
of Library Trustees.
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