Parking difficulties at the Kingston Public Library emerged as a central issue, affecting not only the library’s summer reading program participation but also the ongoing daily operations. The library director highlighted the impact of parking constraints, which were cited as a contributing factor to the decline in participation for the summer reading program. To address this, the director announced plans to engage with the police chief and the facilities team to explore potential solutions. During the meeting, the introduction of a “Do Not Enter” sign and the proposal to make the parking lot one-way were discussed as possible measures to alleviate traffic congestion. However, concerns about diverting traffic to neighboring streets were noted, emphasizing the need for a thorough assessment before implementing any changes.

Further complicating matters, the library has been dealing with a security breach related to the town’s Amazon account. This breach has disrupted access for library staff, affecting their ability to order essential programming and office supplies from the primary vendor. Efforts are ongoing to resolve the issue, with the director acknowledging the problematic nature of the situation and the challenges faced in restoring account access.

In addition to parking and security concerns, the library is managing operational updates, including facilities improvements and personnel changes. Notably, the installation of new LED light fixtures in the break room has enhanced lighting conditions. However, the library is contending with inadequate air conditioning systems in the Atom Center, where temperatures soared to 102 degrees in a vestibule area. Discussions are underway to explore potential solutions, such as portable air conditioners or improved ventilation systems, to address the extreme heat impacting the effectiveness of the main air conditioning units.

On the personnel front, the library is seeking to fill two vacancies: a teen emerging technology librarian and a part-time library technician. The director has conducted several interviews for the former position and is considering a candidate for a second interview. Despite the competitive nature of the hiring process, the library remains open to applications.

The meeting also addressed the scheduling of future board meetings, taking into account significant dates and public attendance. The December 15th meeting, coinciding with the first day of Hanukkah, was rescheduled to January, with January 26th proposed as the new date. Additionally, the board agreed on subsequent meeting dates, considering school vacations to ensure optimal public attendance.

The collaboration with the Kingston 300th Committee for a planned historic homes tour was another key topic. Scheduled to run from 11 AM to 4 PM, the tour will feature the Atom Center as its base and include a slideshow exhibit of historic homes. The initiative aims to foster community interest in Sunday events at the library, building on previous successful events.

Lastly, the board discussed the aesthetics of a utility box near the library, a topic of concern for community members. Suggestions were made to enhance its appearance through public art or murals, though logistical challenges with contacting Eversource, the utility company, were acknowledged.