A point of discussion centered around the Library Landscaping Committee’s recommendation for a $350,000 budget to enhance community spaces around the library. The committee, led by representative Gady Palowski, emphasized the goal of creating a welcoming “third space” for community gatherings. This space is intended to support various activities such as concerts, book clubs, and tutoring sessions. The committee engaged the design firm Activitas, which provided initial design plans with an estimated cost of $1.2 million, later scaled down to $800,000 through value engineering.

Palowski detailed the committee’s strategic process of ranking design features based on community feedback and the library’s mission to foster relationships. The recommended budget of $350,000 was derived from prioritizing essential features such as a community patio, stage for performances, shade-providing structures, and native plant landscaping. Maintenance considerations included dedicated trash and recycling containers and an irrigation system to minimize the burden on library staff. The committee proposed leveraging community volunteers for some landscaping tasks in collaboration with the Department of Public Works (DPW).

Significant debates arose regarding the feasibility of the proposed budget. Concerns were voiced about whether the high estimates aligned with actual costs, leading to discussions on potentially handling some work internally to mitigate expenses. The idea of phasing the project was suggested, allowing for the prioritization of critical items first. A clear fundraising plan was deemed essential, with proposals to engage existing groups like Friends of the Reading Public Library, the Reading Public Library Foundation, and possibly forming a new group dedicated to landscaping improvements. However, caution was advised to avoid confusion between overlapping fundraising efforts.

The conversation also touched on environmental initiatives such as installing rain gardens to address erosion issues, which would align with sustainability goals. Collaboration with the town’s engineering and public works departments was noted as a potential strategy to contribute to the project without incurring additional costs.

The meeting also reviewed the library’s summer reading program report. While the children’s program saw robust attendance with 1,150 kids participating in 57 events, teen participation declined, attributed to changes in high school reading requirements. Community outreach efforts were highlighted, including a successful “treats and beats” initiative targeting families in apartment complexes. Upcoming events include mental health workshops, local author presentations, and the opening of a new tween space.

Further, the board discussed updates to the meeting room policy and tutoring policy, both of which were unanimously approved with revisions aimed at simplification and clarity. The strategic plan for fiscal years 2026 to 2030 was also adopted, focusing on expanding transitional strategies for all ages and enhancing teen engagement. The plan includes increasing diversity among library staff and volunteers and improving the usability of the teen room.

The financial report highlighted the submission of the state aid application, which is important for the library’s budget. The library met all minimum service requirements, and state aid amounted to $58,000 the previous year. The board discussed supplemental spending recommendations totaling approximately $103,500, linked to the Dig In Grant application that requires a matching commitment from the library. These funds are earmarked for upgrades, including a fully accessible workstation, new furniture, and enhancements to the library’s app and website.

Discussion on managing gift funds and trusts revealed an average annual gift income of about $6,000 to $7,000, with trust funds totaling around $112,000. The board considered transferring gift funds to trust accounts to generate interest, though concerns about spending flexibility were raised. The supplemental spending approach was introduced to clarify funding sources for various projects.

The meeting concluded with announcements about library staff recognitions, upcoming conferences, and the need for high school pages. The board also addressed October meeting logistics and the appointment of a member to the ad hoc commemoration establishment committee, with further discussions planned for future agendas.