A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing outreach efforts aimed at high school students, highlighting the board’s recognition of the importance of engaging youth in the library’s long-term vision. One participant noted, “If we’re going to build a library for 30 years, it’s not going to be our library. It’s going to be the high school kids’ library,” stressing the necessity of incorporating input from those who will be the primary users in the future. Suggestions included capturing high school students’ opinions on camera to effectively convey their needs and expectations for the new facility. This initiative was seen as a means to ensure that the library remains relevant and appealing to younger audiences, potentially influencing broader community support.

The discussion also touched upon engaging middle school students, particularly through events like the skaterathon, to gather diverse perspectives from different age groups.

In parallel, the board addressed logistical challenges related to funding, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding state financial support for library projects. Concerns were raised about the potential lack of future funding rounds, with one participant expressing skepticism about the sustainability of state funds for libraries amid the current financial climate. The board discussed strategies for publicly addressing these concerns to inform the community about the urgency of the situation and garner support for library initiatives.

Moreover, the meeting explored the importance of obtaining accurate cost estimates for library projects to ensure credibility in the budgeting process. It was emphasized that multiple estimates would help reconcile various costs and support informed decision-making.

The board also discussed outreach strategies, including the potential for distributing flyers at the yacht club and considering a town mailing to reach voters, possibly timed with the quarterly water bill. The logistics and costs of these efforts were deliberated, with the need for a cost-effective approach being paramount.

Attention was given to the development of a trifold brochure, which had encountered delays and miscommunications in the past. The board recognized the importance of having this promotional material ready for distribution at strategic locations like libraries, the senior center, town hall, and the local chamber of commerce. This step is part of a broader effort to streamline communication and maintain a positive image, as one member affirmed, “we are on the up and up and we are doing what we’re supposed to be doing.”

The potential of a podcast series was also explored as a means to enhance community engagement and disseminate information about library projects. The board considered the format and content of these podcasts, with discussions on how to effectively gauge audience engagement and use listener statistics to refine future outreach efforts.

As the meeting concluded, plans were made to continue discussions and actions with regular meetings, focusing on video projects aimed at capturing community input. The board expressed appreciation for the contributions made thus far and aimed to continue developing strategies for engaging the community and planning for the library’s future.