Patricia Massie’s election as president was one of the focal points of the meeting. Two candidates were nominated for the position, which resulted in a somewhat ambiguous situation, but Massie ultimately secured the position. In her acceptance, Massie acknowledged the divided vote and voiced her intention to earn the trust of the entire board. Sue O’Neal was elected vice president, Lisa Krauss as secretary, and Fiona as treasurer, completing the new leadership structure.

The meeting proceeded with essential administrative approvals including the meeting dates for the next two years, the library’s official auditor and attorney for 2024, and TD Bank as the official bank. A 3% increase in administrative salaries was approved following the Personnel Committee’s recommendation. The board also agreed on the library’s closed days and holidays for 2024, with the exception of Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and the staff development day, which were singled out for further discussion due to their non-contractual nature.

The financial practices of the library came under scrutiny when board member Tony questioned the legality of the president’s authority to sign checks, as the bylaws did not explicitly outline this responsibility. This prompted a debate between Tony and the board president. The board recognized the need to review and possibly revise its bylaws and strategic plan, with a board retreat suggested as a means to address these concerns.

The board’s focus on financial oversight extended to the budget planning for 2024, where the creation of spreadsheets for the budget, particularly for salaries and expenses, was emphasized. The board agreed to implement a 60-day temporary budget to allow further work on the full 2024 budget. Members also discussed the need for simplifying the budgeting process and the potential benefits of using tools like Excel for this purpose.

During the meeting, the board considered the impact of digital trends on library services, discussing the shift towards streaming content and the potential implications for traditional library resources. The board expressed its commitment to adapting to changing user preferences by planning to offer streaming content related to concerts and ballet, as well as the inclusion of leisure-focused content in library programming.

Operational updates included the upcoming arrival of a bookmobile, the support received from the library foundation for winter challenge prizes, and collaborative efforts to enhance library services. The meeting also covered progress reports on the North Edison Branch and the introduction of Musepasses, which are passes to local museums and attractions, indicating the board’s enthusiasm for these developments.

Public comments added another dimension to the meeting, with a Friends of the Library member raising concerns about the Clara Barton branch’s outreach efforts and suggesting proactive measures to increase membership, such as mailing library cards to families with new kindergarteners. The board discussed the need for a comprehensive assessment of Clara Barton’s performance and potential financial support.

Community outreach strategies were further explored with suggestions to involve PTA presidents in organizing library fairs and to engage top librarians in promoting programming to boost sign-ups. Concerns about the visibility of the library were addressed with talks of installing a larger sign and consulting with the planning or zoning board for its placement.

The public comment period also featured an impassioned plea regarding the potential closure of the Clara Barton library, urging for transparency and the library’s role as a year-round resource. Requests for more diverse and educational decorations, recognition of federal and state holidays, and the library’s role as a gathering place for educational programs were also voiced.

The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss contracts and legal issues. The board encouraged members to express their interest in serving on specific committees, announced the Friends of the Library meeting, and adjourned at 9:06 PM. This meeting demonstrated the board’s ongoing efforts to manage the library’s governance, community engagement, finances, and adaptation to technological advancements, while also ensuring transparency and inclusion in its decision-making processes.