During Wednesday evening’s brief meeting of the Library Trustees, Library Director Leslie McDonnell gave a concise report on programs, staff, and the building for October.

Nancy Baron, Library Trustees Chair, opened the remote meeting at 7:01 PM, and members approved minutes for the October 7, 2020 meeting.  McDonnell began with a review of Children’s Library programs.  The Library provided seventy-two Halloween treat bags a week for a 2-week period in October, distributed to children both indoors and curbside pickup.  Each bag contained a craft, a snack, and a toy.  The Library will continue to provide craft and STEM kits for children.  Pamela Pinter Parsons presented “A Program Four Pebble Meditation” to nine children (aged 6-10) participating through Zoom.  Zoom Storytimes attracted a varying number of viewers each week. The Virtual Lego Club continues as well.

McDonnell reported great attendance numbers for the “Irish Need Not Apply” (50 in attendance) and the “Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day” (37 participants) Zoom programs. A variety of Book Clubs also draw a number of readers.  In planning ahead, McDonnell announced a January program, with costs shared by Medway Public Library, featuring Ted Reinstein: “Fighting Back: New England Underdogs.” 

Curbside pickup has moved indoors, and McDonnell reports it is going well.  Books that were due between March and the present are being returned, and no fines are being charged.  Those with overdue books may receive a phone reminder.

The building’s heat pump broke, and will cost $700 to repair.

The public is beginning to “trickle in” to the library building.  The staff reports that all are very appreciative of them.  McDonnell said that typically users spend 10 to 20 minutes in the library, browsing for books.  Only a very small handful spend hours in the building. McDonnell said that some study, some sit and read or use the computers, but all are fully compliant with mask-wearing regulations.  Since the COVID numbers are increasing in Holliston, McDonnell reports that the curbside table previously on the front lawn is now located at a rear door by the Gilman room, and this service remains popular. 

Friend of the Library are preparing Thanksgiving and Christmas goodie bags.  The group will not conduct a clothing drive presently.  The Garden Club is preparing ornament making kits to be assembled at home. 

A very limited number of museum passes may be available, but McDonnell reported that the Parks passes were very popular during the warm seasons.  The Friends and the Newcomers will not be renewing the museum passes immediately, but will probably “wait for better days,” said McDonnell. 

Staff will attend ebook training, and Roberta Winer of Prana will conduct a meditation workshop that staff may attend. 

McDonnell recently met with Kelly McDaniel, HHS and RAMS Librarian, to chat about complementary service.  The HPS are contemplating using Libby for middle and high school students.  Libby is an electronic service that offers ebooks and audiobooks for free to library card holders.

The Trustees’ meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.  The next meeting of the Library Trustees is planned for December 2, 2020, at 7 PM.