The introduction of school book kits emerged as a major focus of the meeting. The board deliberated on the practicalities of implementing this initiative, which aims to supply resources to schools without libraries. The project would involve curated sets of books for different grade levels, and discussions revolved around distribution mechanics, librarian involvement in assessing reading levels, and the potential impact on teacher workload. Financial implications were also examined, with the proposed budget covering the cost of duffel bags for book transportation, and logistics of borrowing and returning the kits. There was broad support from the board for the initiative, emphasizing the potential benefits of collaboration with schools and providing valuable resources to teachers.

Additionally, the board discussed logistical aspects such as the duration of borrowing, storage of the book kits, and challenges in coordinating with teachers for pickup and return. The board highlighted the need for supervisors to work out these details and considered the possible involvement of the teachers’ union. There was a call for feedback from teachers before moving forward with the motion and a suggestion to phase the project to make it manageable for staff.

Financial management was another discussion point. The trustees reported an increase in the library’s account interest rates from 0.9% to 2.5%, which translated to an additional $5,000 in one month’s interest. Debate ensued over whether to continue evaluating interest rates at other banks or to seek a financial advisor. Questions were also raised regarding the role of the finance committee and trustee involvement in financial decisions. Additionally, there was talk of possibly drawing on the expertise of other libraries or the State of New Jersey’s Resource Center for guidance.

The library’s custodial services management was under scrutiny, with the board debating the current effectiveness and the potential need for a facilities manager to oversee custodial staff and larger repairs. A related issue was the increase in the cleaning contract negotiated through the municipality, with trustees considering whether to accept the increase or go out to bid independently.

Another topic was the renewal of a Survey Monkey tool and the potential use of Constant Contact for email outreach. The board weighed the merits of these tools against alternative options, emphasizing the importance of gathering community feedback, particularly from non-library users, and enhancing the library’s social media presence.

The board also discussed the possibility of increasing the library’s investment in Hoopla, a multiformat materials database, by $1,000 a month. This proposal was met with debate over the service’s usage and the necessity of monitoring the investment to ensure it aligns with the demand for e-materials.

Updates on the building and grounds included inquiries about bathroom and furniture renovations and ongoing troubleshooting of HVAC issues. The finance committee planned to meet to discuss various topics, and the personnel negotiations committee covered relevant matters. The technology committee was scheduled to provide an update in the following week, with a particular request to address server issues in the next agenda.