The meeting unveiled significant constraints posed by the temporary location, notably the library’s dispersion across six suites on two floors, affecting both staff operations and patron experience. This arrangement has led to inefficiencies, particularly with the children’s department being isolated on the first floor, raising safety concerns during nights and weekends. Issues of space were compounded by the adult collection being divided between the new location and the basement of another building, creating accessibility challenges and environmental risks. The board underscored the necessity for a cohesive space to enhance library services and programming opportunities, which are currently limited by the capacity of a small room accommodating only 15 to 20 people.

Safety protocols were a topic, with the board confirming engagement with police and fire departments to ensure appropriate measures are in place. Despite regular security walk-throughs by Crest, the board noted that walkie-talkies were ineffective within the building, prompting discussions on alternative communication strategies for emergencies. While the temporary setup offers improved bathroom facilities, the need for keys to access some restrooms highlighted ongoing accessibility issues.

Amid these challenges, board members praised the staff’s resourcefulness in maximizing the temporary space. The children’s room, in particular, was commended for its inviting atmosphere despite spatial constraints. However, the limited seating and storage remained areas of concern, with a favored window table consistently occupied.

The board also delved into the efforts taken to document the library’s inventory in preparation for the upcoming construction project. A detailed spreadsheet was created to manage furniture and items, identifying those to retain and those unnecessary, such as a piece of plywood. The anecdote of discovering table leaves matching a fine arts collection table underscored the comprehensive nature of this undertaking. These leaves are temporarily stored in a trustee’s office due to limited storage options, highlighting the ongoing resource constraints faced by the library.

Traffic levels and patron engagement were discussed, with the implementation of door counters noted as a method to monitor visitor numbers. The board observed a decrease in traffic, attributed to the summer season and patrons adjusting to the new location. Variability in traffic patterns was also noted, with the frequent movement of staff between suites affecting count accuracy. The limited capacity of branch libraries and the absence of large events, such as magic shows, were cited as factors contributing to reduced visitor engagement during the summer months.

The library’s relocation has impacted downtown walk-in traffic, with board members acknowledging the loss of visibility and accessibility as potential causes for decreased patronage. To address this, the library has consolidated summer reading programs across its three buildings, offering separate programs for adults, teens, and children. This adjustment aims to increase participation and streamline staff efforts.

As the meeting concluded, anticipation for an upcoming building committee meeting was expressed, with members reflecting on the emotional aspect of revisiting the old library space. Documenting the environment through photos and videos was emphasized as a means to preserve memories, capturing the “happy sad” sentiment associated with leaving behind the familiar while moving towards progress.