The library director highlighted the need for increased funding, emphasizing that the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) has increased their requirements. This change, coupled with staff cost increases due to union agreements, means that without additional town funding, the library may not meet the necessary 19% threshold for collections. Failing to meet this requirement could result in receiving only a waiver instead of full state aid, which would limit access to governmental grants and reduce overall funding. The board has communicated these concerns to town authorities, hoping for a resolution that avoids the need to revert to previous years of limited financial aid.

In other developments, the library’s people counter has failed, which affects the ability to report visitor statistics accurately. The director is exploring cost-effective replacements. Meanwhile, the library has launched Beanstack, a software tool for tracking reading challenges, which is being tested with March Minute Madness and will be used for summer reading programs.

Additionally, the library has seen an increase in participation in its ASL club, growing from two families to 22 participants. Other programs, such as craft events and the introduction of a Mahjong kit to the library’s offerings, have also seen high engagement levels.