January2020Minutes-TrusteesBoard: Library Trustees
City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Subcommittee:
Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2020 6:00 P.M.
Place: Beverly Public Library
Board members present: Margaret Altman, Mary Behrle, Marshall Handly, Ivy Mahan,
Colleen Michaels, Cathryn Keefe O'Hare, Kevin O'Reilly, Joanne Panunzio, Myron Schirer-
Suter
Board members absent:
Others present: Anna Langstaff, Allison Babin
Recorder: Allison Babin
Kevin O'Reilly presided.
Cathryn Keefe O'Hare made the motion, seconded by Margaret Altman, to accept the minutes of
the regular meeting of December 17, 2019. Motion passed.
Public Presentation
None.
Committee Reports
Personnel: Joanne Panunzio reported that the Personnel Subcommittee received 10 applicants for
the Library Director position and extended interviews to four strong candidates. One candidate
withdrew. Interviews are scheduled for February 3, 10, and 11. The interviews will be open
meetings of the search committee.
Administration: No report.
Finance: No report.
Long Range Planning: No report.
Report of the Library Director
1) Fiscal Year 2020 Budget is on track. The computer software line is 77% spent because of
computer upgrades.
2) Building Issues: Mike Collins finally received the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
(HVAC) report from Griffith & Vary. He was disappointed in the depth of the report, and is now
talking to B2Q Associates. There is no update on the capstone. The library's van, which is used
to transport library materials, snow blowers, and lawn maintenance tools, back and forth from
the Farms branch is in need of repairs and may not be fixable. The library is receiving quotes on
new carpet and paint to renovate the Storytime Room, using the $10,000 donation from the
Flynn Family Foundation made to the Friends of the Library.
3) Community Engagement: The library applied for a $25,000 Community Preservation Grant to
digitize newspapers, but was rejected. The Historic Preservation Committee determined that it
would not qualify for funding because it would not involve the preservation of the actual,
original documents. Anna Langstaff met with City Councilor, Julie Flowers. Anna Langstaff
shared the details of an upcoming Rotary fundraiser on March 13 at Danversport, the proceeds of
which will benefit the Teen Renovation Project of the library. The Children's and Farms
librarians are meeting with school reading specialists and literacy coaches next week to develop
the summer reading list. Allison Babin is spearheading an effort to make the library a Climate
Resilience Hub, which will involve doing at least one climate change program per year and
displaying literature. The Census has been reaching out to libraries. Allison Babin attended a
Human Rights Committee meeting on the Census. Effective February 1, 2020, the Beverly
Public Library will no longer charge fines. The library has coordinated with SeniorCare to hold a
Dementia Friends training for staff on January 29.
4) Personnel: The current librarians' union contract goes through June 2021. Following the
ratification of other city union contracts, the current librarians' contract has reopened. City
department heads including Library Director Anna Langstaff and Assistant Library Director
Allison Babin received 2.5% raises.
5) Programs: Allison Babin shared upcoming program highlights: At the Main Library, Read
Your Favorite Poem on Thursday, March 26, a contest to read your favorite published poem
aloud; Yoga at the Library in February, March, and May; an Introduction to 3D Printing; and a
screening of the film, Parasite, on Friday, February 21. The Children's Room will celebrate Take
Your Child to the Library Day! on Saturday, February 1 with special story times and a chance to
win a book and plush toys. The 24th Annual Teen Poetry Contest has opened for entries. At the
Farms, children and their families can attend PJs and Masks: A Mardi Gras Celebration story
time at which they are encouraged to attend in pajamas, and donate a new pair for a child in
need.
Communications
Anna Langstaff shared thank you cards that were given to the Bookmobile Librarian by the
North Shore Christian School, and a letter from appreciative parents to the Children's Room
staff.
Unfinished Business
None.
New Business
Myron Schirer -Suter shared that Katie Nelson, Assistant Communications Librarian, did an
excellent job at North of Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE) leading the Social Media and
Marketing Discussion Group.
The next meeting of the board will be Thursday, February 20 at 6:OOPM at the Beverly Public
Library.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:55PM.