Southwick Library Board Plans Updates and Expansions

Overview: The Southwick Public Library Board of Trustees met to discuss a series of updates and future plans aimed at enhancing library services and community engagement. The board deliberated on operational aspects such as holiday staffing adjustments and the acceptance of a canal program laptop from the Historical Society. Significant future plans include the adoption of new software for the Summer Reading program, the consideration of new Musepasses, and the addition of genealogy resources.

Shutesbury Library Board Deliberates Detailed Construction Plans

Overview: The Shutesbury Library Board focused on a variety of intricate construction details in their recent meeting. The discussions, which did not follow a chronological order, spanned technical aspects ranging from the concealment of the septic system with plantings and paint to the installation of a concrete pad for a charging station. Notably, there was an active debate on the size of the conduit for broadband, with suggestions to upgrade from a one-inch to a two-inch conduit to ensure future-proofing.

St. Pete Beach Library Hosts Smithsonian Exhibit on Human Origins

Overview: The St. Pete Beach Library Advisory Board discussed several notable topics in their recent meeting, with the highlight being the announcement of an exhibit from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History entitled “Exploring Human Origins: What Does it Mean to be Human?” The exhibit, which is currently on display through April 30th, features 20 panels throughout the library, documenting humanity’s evolutionary journey. This endeavor marks the first time the library has hosted such an exhibit, and there is a plan to circulate the panels through various city venues over the next five years.

Old Bridge Library Trustees Tackle Security and Tutoring Services

Overview: In a recent meeting of the Old Bridge Library Board of Trustees, the discussions were dominated by the approval of a new Branch Services Manager job description, concerns over the library’s tutoring services, and the consideration of keyless entry systems. The board also debated the need for a security system for the library doors, the impact of a local event on library hours, and the utilization of funds from the friends group for library events.

Edison Library Board Tables Main Renovation Bid Amid Concerns

Overview: In a development during the Edison Public Library Board meeting on March 12th, 2024, the Board opted to table the approval of the main library renovation project bid, amidst discussions surrounding errors, omissions, and the need for clarity on additional costs. Despite the G Meyer group submitting the lowest bid of $1,734,000, concerns were raised about the lack of information regarding contingencies, potential change orders, and the bidder’s experience with public library-specific construction.