Library Trustees

Taunton Public Library Minutes for the May 17, 2022 Meeting Present: Edgar Gay III, William Hanna, Kevin Downing Staff: Linda Coelho, Interim Director Mr. Downing called the meeting to order at 1:00 p. m. The April 2022 minutes were presented. Mr. Gay made a motion to accept. Dr. Hanna seconded the motion and the Board approved. The April 2022 financial report was reviewed. Mr. Gay made a motion to accept. Dr. Hanna seconded the motion and the Board approved. The April 2022 circulation report was reviewed. Mr. Gay made a motion to accept. Dr. Hanna seconded the motion and the Board approved. New Business:  On May 14th the Southcoast LGBTQ+ Network reserved the library auditorium for Story Time with Monica Moore which featured a drag queen reading children’s books that promote equality, tolerance and understanding. Their event was successful with over 70 people in attendance which is the maximum capacity for the auditorium. It should be noted that this event came with considerable feedback from the community both for and against this program. It was discussed that while the public has strong feelings about this program, the Taunton Public Library’s meeting room policy does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, color, creed, national origin, religious belief, political group, or disability against any person requesting admission to the meeting and in providing access, services, information, or meeting space.  Manga and Graphic Novels have become increasingly popular and in demand. They are in comic book format and content varies widely. Since some content may not be suitable for all audiences the publisher prints them with a rating system. The rating system is similar to movie ratings. Since the ratings printed on the back cover are not easily visible and blend into the other artwork, Ms. Coelho suggested that the library add our own more visible rating sticker to the cover of graphic novels. This collection is located in the young adult area which may include younger teens depending on reading level and interest. While the library does not restrict access to this content, adding a more visible ratings sticker will allow parents an easier opportunity to make the decision of what is appropriate for their family. A “T+ 16+ Older Teen” and “M 18+ mature content” in red lettering with white background was presented to the board for their consideration. Other libraries in the SAILS library network are adding their own ratings stickers for the  same reasons that we discussed. Mr. Gay made a motion to make the publisher ratings more visible. Dr. Hanna seconded the motion and the Board approved.  A Summary of the Conflict of Interest Law for Municipal Employees was reviewed and signed by each member of the Library Board of Trustees. Old Business:  The elevator repairs are complete and appears to be in good working order.  Stair tread repairs are still in research phase. Friends’ Report: None Correspondence: None With no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 1:50 p.m. The next scheduled meeting will be held June 21, 2022 at 1 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Linda Coelho