The fiscal 2026 budget discussions revealed no concrete updates, but the looming override vote could lead to substantial financial adjustments. The library, already facing a projected $70,000 reduction, risks falling below state minimum requirements, endangering $70,000 in state aid. Plans to mitigate these cuts include eliminating Sunday hours and reducing the books budget, potentially impacting the library’s compliance with state standards. The library’s director reported these potential cuts, emphasizing the significance of maintaining services, especially for teenagers who rely on library programs. While donations might offset some losses, the director expressed skepticism about achieving substantial savings due to rising energy costs.

The board deliberated on alternatives to the proposed cuts, such as hiring a part-time library assistant. However, this would still necessitate a reduction in hours, affecting programming, particularly in the teen room. The potential loss of the assistant’s role could diminish the library’s offerings to teenagers, a demographic that continues to seek support. The board expressed support for preparing for potential reductions and ensured alignment with the library trustees.

A trustee raised the prospect of discussing the library’s budget with the select board to address its implications, while ongoing discussions with Nick Milano about presenting impact statements at the select board meeting were confirmed, though it remained uncertain if these would be addressed at the upcoming session.

Additional updates during the meeting included progress on the Capital Improvement Committee’s plans for a generator, which has been under consideration for three years, and received strong support from committee members. This proposal is part of broader funding requests, including renovations at the Cunningham School and a new fire station, which have absorbed significant capital resources.

The board also discussed a survey compiled by an individual named Paul. Issues with its functionality were raised, leading to a suggestion that board members take the survey themselves to better understand the public’s experience. The completion of the survey was contingent on confirming Mike’s candidacy before finalizing plans, with a collective aim to have something prepared by the May town meeting.

The equity and inclusion subcommittee announced a meeting scheduled for March 20 to plan an open house for 2025. This was followed by a brief discussion about potential dates for the event, tentatively set for early September, although no definitive date was established.

The library director presented a report highlighting several successful speaker programs, including an event with Dennis Lehane, which attracted around 400 attendees. Lehane’s donation of his speaker fee back to the library was noted as commendable. Additionally, a children’s author named Grace Lin engaged about 100 families at Pierce.

Technology upgrades in the story hour room were completed. Legislative efforts at the state level were discussed, focusing on ebooks and censorship, with new bills introduced concerning ebook pricing. The director plans to attend a summit to address a national agenda on this issue, and anti-censorship legislation in Massachusetts was also noted, despite a citizen’s petition for increased censorship lacking legislative sponsorship.

The writer-in-residence program was discussed, with positive news about fully booked workshops and humorous remarks from the director about hosting a nostalgic writing exercise with baseball cards, despite feeling unqualified as a writer.

Operational matters were addressed, including the cleanliness and maintenance of library bathrooms, leading to discussions about ongoing efforts to improve cleaning standards. Two library policies were reviewed, with changes to the exhibits and display policy and substantive revisions to the meeting room use policy, particularly regarding alcohol use on library premises. The revised policy proposed limitations on alcohol use to library-sponsored events, requiring approval from library trustees and necessary permits.