Newbury Library Adapts to Baker & Taylor Closure, Focuses on New Opportunities
- Meeting Overview:
At the recent Newbury Library Board of Trustees meeting, the most discussion centered around the impending closure of Baker & Taylor, a long-established book and media supplier. The library director announced that the company, which has been a staple for libraries’ CD and DVD collections, would cease operations by January. The director reassured attendees that the library has been utilizing Ingram for books since Baker & Taylor’s previous distribution issues in 2019. However, they noted that finding new suppliers for CDs and DVDs would be necessary, although they do not anticipate major disruptions.
In addition to supplier changes, the library director shared plans to apply for a new grant from the Massachusetts Broadband Institute. The funding would enable the library to acquire laptops for patrons, potentially enhancing access to digital resources. The grant application is due by the end of the month, and the director expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of expanding the library’s offerings.
The meeting also highlighted community engagement initiatives, including the upcoming Harvest Fest on October 25th. The event will feature a treasure truck, soup contest, petting zoo, and lawn games. The library will also host a blood drive on Halloween, soliciting volunteers to ensure its success. Furthermore, new programs like the ASL club and homeschool hangout have launched, fostering community connections and providing additional learning opportunities for local families.
Tracy Blais
Library Board Officials:
Beth Cennami, Richard J. Passeri, Terry Litterst, Richard Ravin, Patricia A. Olson
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Meeting Type:
Library Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
10/14/2025
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Recording Published:
10/28/2025
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Duration:
12 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Essex County
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Towns:
Newbury
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