Library Trustees Minutes Dec 22 2020.docxCity of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Library Trustees
Subcommittee:
Date: December 22, 2020, 4:00 P.M.
Place: Remote Meeting on Google Meet
Board members present: Margaret Altman, Mary Behrle, Marshall Handly, Ivy Mahan, Kevin
O'Reilly, Joanne Panunzio, Myron Schirer -Suter
Board members absent: Cathryn Keefe O'Hare, Colleen Michaels
Others present: Allison Babin, Meghan Karasin
Recorder: Meghan Karasin
Kevin O'Reilly presided. Meghan Karasin stated that the meeting was being recorded.
Myron Schirer -Suter noted misspellings of his name in the minutes of the November 24, 2020
meeting. Mary Behrle made the motion, seconded by Joanne Panunzio, to accept, as amended,
the minutes of the meeting of November 24, 2020. Roll call vote approved, 6 to 0, with one
abstention. Motion passed.
Public Presentation
None.
Committee Reports
Personnel: No report.
Administration: No report.
Finance: No report.
Long Range Planning: No report.
Report of the Library Director
1. Fiscal Year 2021 Budget: The budget is on track for the year. A new snow blower has been
purchased, as planned.
2. Phased reopening: The library is offering Front Door Service six days a week and
appointments every other day. A cart of Take & Makes has been added to the vestibule and they
are very popular. A cart of "Lucky Day" books - the most popular adult books - has also been
added to enhance browsing. The Children's Room has been offering "Book Bundles" for families
who want as many as 30 books on a topic. Tables and plexiglass have been added to the lobby,
allowing the lobby to serve as a hub for most activity.
The Governor's roll back to Phase 3, Step 1 didn't require the library to make a change as it is
not open with a capacity model. Other libraries in the area did roll back, either to all remote or to
just front door service. New roll backs announced today by the Governor also do not require the
library to make changes, but this did spur even more libraries to roll back. Allison Babin
suggested to the Mayor that the library suspend appointments around the holidays for 2 -3 weeks
and this is under consideration. Margaret Altman asked how a change would be announced to the
public. Allison Babin stated that it would be announced via the newsletter, social media, and the
website and the library could contact those who have appointments. It would be similar to a
snow closure.
Marshall Handly said this sounds like a decision for the Trustees and the Trustees should
consider this in regards to the safety of the employees. Kevin O'Reilly asked how the employees
are feeling. Allison Babin replied that the employees seem generally happy but questions have
come up, particularly about other libraries in our network. Staffing is becoming more
challenging as staff are out for testing, quarantining, or because they are ill. Marshall Handly
asked if there is a protocol in place in the event of a staff member testing positive. Allison Babin
replied that there is a protocol with some questions remaining. Marshall Handly proposed the
following resolution, seconded by Joanne Panunzio:
Resolve that it is the recommendation of the Board that, in the interest of public safety and the
safety of library employees, we temporarily revert to a curbside only service until January 11,
2021, or such other time that the Governor and the Mayor and the Board determine that it is
appropriate to return to a more full - service model.
Roll call vote approved, 7 to 0. Resolution passed.
Allison Babin will convey the text of the resolution to the Mayor.
3. Building Issues: The Story Time Room has been painted and shelves are being built. A plaque
honoring the donor and carpet will be installed next month. The renovations should be complete
by the end of January. Plans are being made for the renovation of the Arts and Crafts Room as
well. The lighting, ceiling tiles, and floor will be replaced and the walls painted. A professional
lighting designer has donated his time to recommend fixtures. Pipe repairs have been completed
at the Farms Branch. Heating issues in the lobby of the Main Library have been addressed.
4. Friends of the Beverly Public Library: The Friends of the Beverly Public Library Pop -Up
Book Sale raised almost $500 and ran very well. A Friends member, Roberta Neuman, is
spearheading a personal shopping service using books otherwise used for the book sale.
5. State Aid: The library's waiver will be presented in February and voted on in March.
6. Community Engagement: Allison Babin recorded a Daily Stretch Call for the Beverly Council
on Aging. The North of Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE) coordinated a meeting to discuss
ways to address the digital divide with Essex County Community Foundation. This could be a
good partnership and potential source of funding.
7. Personnel: The Head of Young Adult Services position was offered to Katie Nelson, who was
formerly the Assistant Communications Librarian and who has worked at the library since 2013.
The title has been changed to Head of Teen Services to be more approachable for patrons. The
Assistant Communications Librarian position is currently posted and applications will be
collected through December 30, 2020. Administrative Assistant Deb Debski developed 12 Days
of Cheer for staff, planning activities for staff to brighten the season.
8. Trustees Terms: The terms of the following trustees will expire on January 31, 2021: Margaret
Altman, Mary Behrle, Marshall Handly, Ivy Mahan, Kevin O'Reilly, and Myron Schirer- Suter.
All of the trustees would like to continue and their reappointment will appear before the City
Council. Joanne Panunzio asked why so many were expiring at once. Allison Babin replied that
there was a clerical error at last renewal. Myron Schirer -Suter asked if they will be appointed
with differing lengths of terms. Allison Babin was not sure.
9. Programs: Upcoming library programs include a virtual Pie Day and Katie Bug Crafts.
Kevin O'Reilly asked how the library compares with others in regards to the loaning of digital
materials. Allison Babin replied that the library will be out front when the iPads begin
circulating. Many libraries loan hot spots and Chromebooks. Marshall Handly suggested there
may be an opportunity to work with Comcast and BevCam. Allison Babin replied that this might
be part of what the Foundation is working on. If they are working on universal broadband then
any device we can loan would go much further.
Communications
None.
Unfinished Business
None.
New Business
1. Video Surveillance Policy: Allison Babin stated that the current policy has been in effect since
April 2012, when software was housed on a physical computer in the library. Now it is in the
cloud and accessible to police and others. There were some minor changes to the wording of the
policy to account for the change in how the video is stored. The policy still states that law
enforcement must contact the Director or Assistant Director to view footage. The final policy
will be shared with the Chief of Police. Marshall Handly suggested it be shared with the
Solicitor's office as well. Joanne Panunzio asked about the correct term to use for where the
videos are stored. Allison Babin suggested using the word portal.
Marshall Handly made the motion, seconded by Myron Schirer- Suter, to approve, as amended,
revised Video Surveillance Policy. Roll call vote approved, 7 to 0. Motion passed.
The next regular meeting of the board will be held virtually on Tuesday January 26, 2021 at 4
PM.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:05 PM.