The decision to modify operating hours was a focal point of discussion during the meeting. Starting July 1st, the library will decrease Monday hours but extend services later into the evening on other days. This change aims to provide additional programming during times when patron attendance is higher. The board carefully considered the potential impact on staffing and programming and concluded that the adjustments would not interfere with compliance requirements. Additionally, they noted that patron traffic on Monday evenings was minimal, supporting the rationale behind the reduction of hours on that particular day.

In tandem with the operational changes, the library is promoting its programs and services. Efforts include the use of Constant Contact blasts, website updates, and social media to engage with the community. The board reviewed the library’s recent participation in the artsy fartsy artists and authors fair at the Pleasant View Senior Center, a successful event where the Children’s Department offered a crafting program and staff provided information on library resources.

The Director’s report revealed a robust array of activities and resources provided by the library. Among the highlights was a presentation by Jim Zabowski from The Aldrich Astronomical Society on the sky and solar eclipses, which garnered positive reactions. The library’s Adult Department also boasted 11 programs with 188 attendees and extensive use of study rooms. The Children’s Department continued to offer a varied program lineup, including craft programs and caregiver trainings. The library’s collection saw updates with 702 new items added, and 306 items removed, emphasizing a revamp of the children’s picture book biographies.

Additionally, the Circulation Department cited the circulation of 13,850 items and welcomed 52 new patron registrations. The staff has been providing one-on-one support to patrons navigating the new Aspen Discovery layer for the CW Mars catalog, which consolidates different formats into one record for simplified searching.

The board also provided updates on the library’s digital offerings, highlighting the availability of electronic versions of books via platforms like Libby and hoopla.

Looking ahead to summer, the library is preparing for its 2024 summer reading program, set to run from June 1st to August 12th, under the theme “read renew repeat.” The board encouraged attendance at the kickoff event on June 11th. In addition to program planning, the library is reviewing donation and meeting room policies and engaging in strategic planning activities, such as Community Focus Group meetings and the creation of a community survey to gauge public needs.

Building maintenance updates were also addressed, with the library undertaking the replacement of emergency lights, an elevator inspection, and the installation of a new waste recycling station at the West entrance. These improvements are part of the library’s ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and functional environment for its patrons.

The Friends of the Library provided a report highlighting the announcement of scholarship finalists, a rise in membership numbers, and the scheduling of upcoming meetings. This segment underlined the valuable support provided by the Friends to the library’s mission.