Kevin Robert Malone, Chair, called the Library Trustees to order at 7:04 PM, on Wednesday evening. Following approval of the December 4, 2019 minutes, the group listened to Director Leslie McDonnell’s report and presentation of the budget.
In presenting the Library Budget FY2020-2021, McDonnell said that she “followed the recommended 1% increase of the Finance Committee.” McDonnell’s budget of $521,899 was unanimously passed by the Trustees.
McDonnell’s Director’s report began with the successes of the Children’s Library programs including the Winter variety show, “Movies and a Craft” program, and the coordinated efforts of the Library in working with Youth and Family Services.
Additionally, the Lego group is now meeting every Thursday, and drop in play times are both Tuesdays and Fridays. McDonnell said, “The Storytime is getting bigger,” and 18 children arrived for a very successful Makers’ Space.
On December 4, a reception sponsored by HDAAC (Holliston Drug and Alcohol Awareness Coalition) and YFS (Youth and Family Service) welcoming the arrival of the Natick Opioid Art Project enjoyed a large audience for the installation that will leave the Library in January.
In other news, McDonnell thanked the Holliston Garden Club for decorating the library for the holiday season. A movie will be shown weekly throughout January and February, because it’s “award season.” As many already know, auto renewal began January 1.
McDonnell mentioned that she had been involved in the interviews of the proposed Facilities Manager position. Five people were chosen to interview, and McDonnell felt there were “three strong candidates.”
Selected Library staff visited the Millis Library recently, noting some of the nice features: a patio, an indoor gas fireplace, a lounge area with overstuffed chairs. They will visit the Hopkinton Library on Monday.
Reporting on the facility, McDonnell noted an improvement with the cleaning service and reported the modernization of the fire alarm system. McDonnell is looking for funding for carpet replacement, as the Library carpet is 18 years old.
As the Town is about to send out the Census, a reminder to complete the Library survey will accompany this mailing. Also of note was the Director’s interest in the TD Bank property next door that is now vacant.
In an update on the Friends of the Library, a mini-golf event is being planned for Sunday, March 1, from 1-5PM. Tickets are $5. in advance, $6.00 at the door. Snacks will be available.
In other business, the Trustees were very effusive with their appreciation of the efforts of the new Children’s Librarian, Jennifer Carlson. The activities, the displays, and the programs were all mentioned by various Trustees.
Malone closed the meeting at 7:55 PM, with the next meeting planned for Wednesday, Feb. 5, in the downstairs conference room of the Library.
Many years ago the Hopkinton Library was combined with an old stone church – with the new renovation, the architecture of the church was incorporated and stain glass windows and arches (which were echoed in other parts of the new addition) were safely preserved to make an incredibly beautiful and functional building.