The board began by approving a motion to fund a program featuring Judith Calora, who will portray Deborah Samson, the only woman known to have fought in the Revolutionary War. This program is scheduled for August, with a cost of $921 after a discount. The board expressed interest in advertising the event on a statewide site to boost visibility and attendance. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of publicizing these programs through the town’s website and social media platforms. The board also discussed upcoming programs in May presented by Jill Sanford, focusing on early American art and revolutionary images, supported by a cultural council grant application.

Turning to the book sale, the board reported on the subcommittee’s progress. The sale is scheduled to run from April 6th through April 11th, with donations accepted starting April 1st. A significant logistical challenge emerged due to the physical demands of transporting books, as a maintenance staff member was unable to lift heavy boxes. The board sought community volunteers, highlighting the Westport Explorers, a youth group associated with the fire department, as a potential source of help. They also explored alternative means of moving books, such as using a wagon to transport multiple boxes at once. This approach was considered to reduce the physical strain on volunteers and ensure the safety of the boxes during transportation.

Collaborations with local vendors for acquiring boxes were also on the agenda. The board highlighted cooperation with Leaves of Beer, which provided boxes, and considered additional sources like local liquor stores and even a mobile gas station. The cleanliness and storage conditions of these boxes were discussed, with plans to store them in a newly-arrived pod, as well as in the library’s kitchen and back room until needed.

On programming matters, the library director’s report introduced new initiatives, including a children’s clothing swap in early April and the need for reimbursement for craft supplies and seed exchange materials. The board approved these reimbursements and confirmed the library’s closure dates for Good Friday, the following Saturday, and Juneteenth, with plans to announce these in the newsletter.

A trustee shared insights from a recent meeting, discussing plans to honor Joseph, a local individual known for his landscaping work, by restoring benches and planting trees. The board considered a plaque in his honor but sought more cost-effective alternatives. They also debated planting a tree in memory of Carol, with a decision reached to plant a honey locust for its large canopy and filtered shade.

Personnel changes were noted, with a long-serving trustee stepping down after 28 years. The board discussed commemorating her contributions in the newsletter and acknowledged the absence of children’s programming for the year. They suggested possible activities, including a musical program and a virtual planetarium experience, and planned to coordinate with the library director on summer programming.

The board also contemplated a collaboration with the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra, weighing the options between a full orchestra performance or a smaller quartet. They decided to avoid scheduling in July, considering other local events during that time.