The board was in agreement about the urgency of addressing the street sign’s instability, especially with winter approaching. The director reported that Plant Science was the sole company to respond to inquiries about the signage, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent further deterioration.

The possibility of allocating up to $5,000 from the building fund was proposed, with the understanding that a more cost-effective solution than the suggested $10,000 expenditure would be sought. A board member questioned the necessity of such a high expenditure, advocating for a brand new sign should costs escalate to that level. The motion to appropriate funds from the building fund was passed unanimously, with a final decision pending approval from a designated individual.

Another major topic of discussion was the library’s budget report, which revealed that nearly 18% of the budget for library technicians and the children’s room assistant had already been spent, primarily due to holiday pay obligations. The director anticipated a slight increase in expenditures and suggested adjustments to the FY 26 budget to accommodate these rising costs. Concerns were also raised about the increased usage of the fax machine, which was impacting telephone line expenses. The board considered a plan to realign the budget to address this issue.

The meeting also touched on the ongoing maintenance of the library’s infrastructure, particularly the Portico, which has been a topic of concern. The director expressed frustration over delayed communications with the roofing company responsible for necessary repairs. Despite efforts to expedite the process, the lack of response from the contractor was noted, leading to suggestions for more persistent follow-up to ensure the work is completed before adverse weather conditions set in.

In addition to infrastructure concerns, the board discussed efforts to collaborate with local community groups for volunteer projects. The director highlighted an interest from a local women’s group to assist with the library’s flower beds, though progress had been hindered by transportation challenges. Efforts were being made to facilitate transportation for the group, with the director expressing gratitude for their willingness to contribute.

The board also reviewed the library’s programming strategies, noting an increase in young adult and DVD circulation, attributed to a more aggressive purchasing strategy. The introduction of new storytime sessions had received positive feedback, and the director mentioned applying for local cultural grants to bolster summer programming.

In administrative matters, the board discussed updates on the state aid application process, highlighting the Massachusetts library board’s allocation of over $2 million for public libraries. The library had successfully met the required spending threshold on materials to qualify for full state aid, securing approximately $52,900 in funding.