Library Trustees

Taunton Public Library Minutes for the April 19, 2023 Meeting Present: Ted Gay, Kevin Downing, Audrey Reese, Jason Cross Staff: Linda Coelho, Director Ms. Reese called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m. The March 2023 minutes were presented. Mr. Gay made a motion to accept. Mr. Cross seconded the motion and the Board approved. The March 2023 financial report was reviewed. Mr. Gay made a motion to accept. Ms. Reese seconded the motion and the Board approved. The March 2023 circulation report was reviewed. Mr. Gay made a motion to accept. Mr. Downing seconded the motion and the Board approved. New Business:  The two vacant library assistant positions have been posted for two weeks, and we have received a number of viable candidates. Interviews are starting next week, and we hope to have both positions filled and the new employees being trained by the time of our next board meeting.  April vacation programming is in full swing. The youth services department has been busy preparing. Some of this week’s events include Movie Maninee, Sidewalk Game Fun Day, Storytime Tea Party, Supa Dogman Party, Earth Day Planting, and Drop-in Crafts.  The need to revise the current Auditorium Use Policy and create an accompanying application was discussed. Minutes from the February 21, 2017 meeting were reviewed where the Board voted for group leaders or performers be CORI checked. This could be done several different ways. Performers providing their own as part of the application process was the most reasonable and cost-effective for the library. Mr. Gay made a motion that performers provide their own CORI as part of the application process. Mr. Cross seconded the motion and the Board approved. Ms. Coelho will be doing further research into the criteria that other libraries and the school department uses to screen the CORI applications.  The current policy for library cards includes a separate form and signature for internet use. This includes both adult and juvenile cards. This may have been necessary when  the technology was new, but now feels outdated and cumbersome to the library card application process. Ms. Coelho recommended there be one application for a library card and it includes everything that the library has to offer rather than a separate application for internet use. Mr. Gay made a motion that a library card includes all library services. Mr. Downing seconded the motion and the Board approved. Old Business:  The second round of the carpet project that includes the director’s office, the literacy office and the two meeting rooms in the reference department has been completed. The side children’s room entrance door is still out of order. Friends’ Report: The book sales continue to go well which will allow the Friends’ to continue to fund many library programs including this week’s April vacation events. Correspondence: none With no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 2:38 p.m. The next scheduled meeting will be held Wednesday, May 17, 2023 Respectfully submitted by Linda Coelho