Library Trustees
Richard Sugden Library
Trustees’ Report
July 5, 2023
In Attendance:
Cheryl Donahue, Director
Katheryn Smith, Children’s Room
Mary Anne Slack, Chair
Alyson Russo, Trustee
Marie Norcia, Trustee
Bill Cundiff, Town of Spencer Supt. of Utilities
Jeff Bridges, Town Administrator
Meeting was called to order at 12:27 p.m.
Mary Anne made a motion to approve minutes from last meeting. Marie seconded. Motion approved.
Children’s Room:
*Community Connections held programs with us in May and June. Programs included Read, Build, Play, a musical program with Deb Hudgins, Yoga Kids, Icky Sticky, Planting, Monster Parade with Wendy O’Leary, Tie Dye and a Bug Scavenger Hunt.
*Drop-in activities continue in children’s dept.
*We raffled off a puzzle and 2 hooded towels in May.
*We Read It newsletter goes out monthly.
*Katie connected with the 5th grade ELA teacher at Knox Trail and they will brainstorm on ways to collaborate during the school year.
*The Who Was series has been rearranged and relocated.
*Summer Reading starts July 10th. Decorations are up and programs are scheduled.
*Big Truck Day is scheduled for July 24th at the Highway Dept. Katie purchased hats, tattoos and stickers to be given away at the event.
Director’s Report:
*Pause meditation program is held Tuesdays with Wendy O’Leary. Book groups were held on May 10th and June 14th.
*”Coffee Chat” on Monday mornings was held with 12 attendants each week. Mary Baker Wood helped facilitate the conversation at several meetings.
*Worcester County Youth Advisory Board distributed goods and information to unhoused teens on May 6th.
*Japanese drumming was held at the Town Hall on May 15th.
*Denise delivered items to homes of patrons unable to visit the library. She visited Lincoln Hill Manor in May 15th.
*Writers’ group was held on May 22nd.
*Adult book discussion group met on May 23rd.
*Cheryl and Denise attended a town planning board workshop at The Fish and Game Club on May 17th. Story Walk (funded by Cultural Council) was set up, bookmark craft and books were given away.
*Story Walk (funded by Cultural Council), “The Earth Book” was set up at Powder Mill Park On June 13th and 14th
*High school students’ art exhibition was on display through May. Over 300 visited the display.
*Fiona attended a book repair workshop at Charlton Library on May 1st.
*Cheryl attended the annual town meeting on May 4th.
*Cheryl attended ARIS report training on May 4th and CWMARS users’ council on June 20th.
*Staff meeting was held on July 5th to discuss summer reading program Find Your Voice! Read!
*Karin Davey resigned effective July 1st. Bill Belisle completed new hire paperwork and trained four hours to prepare for his first Saturday shift starting in July.
BUILDING UPDATES:
*A walk through was conducted on May 19th by The Green Communities Project. They will improve weatherization of the building.
*LiRo met with trustees and Bill Cundiff to go over the draft of Building study on May 2nd. Trustees will review updated draft presented on July 5th and address any questions/concerns to Bill Cundiff. Trustees will adopt report at August meeting and summit to Jeff Bridges for approval.
Motion to adjourn meeting was made by Maryanne and seconded by Marie. Meeting adjourned at 1:11.
Next Meeting is August 8th at 12:30.