Middleborough Development News

Library Board Addresses Staffing Shortages, Approves New Director Reception, and Discusses Various Operational Matters

The board reviewed and approved minutes from a previous meeting, and discussed correspondence regarding the HVAC project update. They also reviewed the trust report and discussed financial statements. A report on a budget subcommittee meeting indicated a unanimous vote to approve $25,000 in uninvested cash for the money market account and a motion to direct AmeriPrize to invest a matured CD. Updates were provided on technology and book orders, with a note that department heads are pushing through many orders. Staff updates included the resignation of Diane Scott, effective the 30th, creating staffing shortages. The board discussed closing on July 3rd due to these shortages, and the impact on opening hours and staff breaks. A public records request training was completed. A discussion ensued regarding a $6,000 labor market survey bill that the library director had no record of and was not planning to pay, raising questions about its origin and necessity. The strategic plan status was discussed, noting that while meetings occurred, no finished version exists, with the last completed plan being from 2004 and a potential 2018 plan needing verification. The financial transparency statement was well-received, with appreciation expressed for its thoroughness. Personnel updates included one-on-one meetings with staff, which generated good information and ideas. Professional development for the director included attendance at public libraries, community hubs for civic engagement, and a state aid waiver workshop. Programming and outreach highlighted the success of the Teddy Root Beckneck event, which exceeded expectations in attendance. School field trips and summer reading program outreach were ongoing. Adult programs, including a concert and book clubs, were discussed, with one book club becoming very large. Repairs to the bookseller and lighting were completed. New business included approving the 2027 sales annual agreement, receiving the letter of agency for funding year 26 and 37 for E-rate, and approving an agreement with Mary Pagnatti for indexing services. A proposal for door tech to repair the malfunctioning inner door at the Clear Street entrance was approved, including the addition of door-mounted safety sensors. The board discussed landscaping quotes from Greener Horizons and Town Piser, considering whether the custodian could perform mowing in-house. They also discussed potential changes to board meeting dates in 2027 to avoid national holidays. A motion was made to authorize closures of the library on specific dates in July and August due to staffing shortages, with compensatory time authorized for staff who come in on those days. A welcome reception for the new library director was scheduled for July 16th, with a budget of $200 allocated for refreshments. The annual meeting and election of officers were announced for the following month.