Newbury Library Board Discusses Icicles and Alarm Issues, Acquires New Reading Software
- Meeting Overview:
The Newbury Library Board meeting focused on addressing recurring maintenance issues, including growing icicles and persistent alarm system malfunctions. The library has also acquired Beanstack software to enhance summer reading programs.
The library is facing challenges with large icicles forming over key areas, such as the drop boxes and children’s entrance. The Department of Public Works has been assisting by removing the icicles regularly, but their rapid growth remains a concern. Concurrently, the library is experiencing ongoing issues with its alarm system, which intermittently fails to activate due to a recurring error code. This problem has been reported to the alarm company, but resolution is pending.
To improve reader engagement, particularly for families, the library has introduced Beanstack, a digital platform for tracking reading minutes and facilitating reading challenges. This tool is anticipated to be operational in time for the library’s upcoming Minute Madness event in March, or, if not completed by then, for the summer reading program.
The library continues to engage the community with various programs, including a successful ukulele lesson attended by 31 participants and a digital art event for 18 children. Additionally, the library’s new staff member, Stephanie, was praised for her performance, and all staff positions are reported to be filled.
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:
02/10/2026
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Recording Published:
03/15/2026
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Duration:
10 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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