The most significant announcement was the introduction of the Help Now service, offering live tutoring for students from 2 PM to 11 PM, along with a writing lab. This service aims to support middle school students and will be promoted during an upcoming parents’ night. The new digital tool is expected to be a valuable resource for students and families in the community, providing accessible academic assistance.

Lynn Blair provided a detailed report on the summer reading program. The kickoff event attracted approximately 100 attendees, and high participation rates were observed throughout the summer: 14 teens, 115 children, and 77 adults engaged in various events. Activities included a sourdough workshop attended by 35 adults and a final program featuring Animal Adventures for children. The board noted the importance of these programs in fostering a love for reading and community involvement.

Blair also highlighted the library’s collaboration with the economic development commission. This partnership includes promoting each other’s events and potentially utilizing contacts within the commission to secure speakers for library programs related to careers. These collaborative efforts are designed to enhance the library’s role in the community and provide diverse learning opportunities for residents.

Another topic was the library’s strong circulation statistics for July and August, with over 6,000 circulations each month. This marked a significant increase compared to the previous year. The board discussed strategies to manage high demand for adult programs.

The meeting also covered several operational improvements. The board approved the Sarah Gillette services for the elderly Grant, which provided $400 for craft supplies to create a low-mess environment in the adult section of the library. Items included coloring supplies, scratch art, board games, and puzzles. Additionally, new battery charging stations were introduced in response to community requests.

Facility improvements were another primary focus, with discussions on the design and layout of an outdoor area adjacent to the library. A proposed cement path with branching directions and the installation of three musical instruments were presented. Concerns about potential price increases for equipment were noted, emphasizing the need for careful budget planning.

Updates were provided on previously discussed building improvements, including the installation of a new display shelf and the arrival of new outdoor book drops. Communication with patrons about the transition period without book drops was prioritized, with plans to inform them through social media and email.

The library’s technology upgrades were also highlighted, with the acquisition of two new laptops and five new computers. An update to the telephone system was in progress, addressing the outdated and unreliable current system. The board anticipated a brief period of downtime during the installation of new phones.

The Strategic Plan committee’s efforts to update the library’s action plan were discussed, with recent marketing and public relations initiatives noted. These efforts include a monthly email newsletter and outreach to local newspapers and community organizations. The library’s programming for children and teens is expanding, with new initiatives designed to engage families and promote literacy. Collaborations with local schools and organizations like Firefly Fields were emphasized.

Outreach programs and partnerships aimed at enhancing community engagement were a part of the discussion. The library continues to operate a popup library in the South of village and is exploring additional outreach opportunities. The children’s department is focusing on attending more after-school events, and the teen department is doing the same. The library aims to maintain a diverse collection and respond to patron inquiries, with plans for significant genealogy programs in October.

Funding opportunities were discussed, with the library pursuing several grants, including the cultural council grant. The board is committed to marketing its services effectively to reach underserved populations, with the aim of raising awareness about available resources. The effectiveness of various marketing strategies was evaluated, including the use of local news outlets like the Westfield News.