Library Trustees

Taunton Public Library Minutes for the February 21, 2024 Meeting Present: Ted Gay, William Hanna, Kevin Downing, Audrey Reese Staff: Linda Coelho, Director Friends of the Taunton Public Library President: Brian Belanger Ms. Reese called the meeting to order at 1:13 p.m. The January 2024 minutes were presented. Mr. Gay made a motion to accept. Dr. Hanna seconded the motion and the Board approved. The January 2024 financial report was reviewed. Mr. Gay made a motion to accept. Dr. Hanna seconded the motion and the Board approved. The January 2023 circulation report was reviewed. Dr. Hanna made a motion to accept. Mr. Gay seconded the motion and the Board approved. New Business:  We are working with the Board of Health on the Community Naloxone Program. The goal of the CPN is to prevent death from opioid overdose by increasing distribution of free naloxone to community bystanders across Massachusetts. The library will be one of the places locally providing emergency overdose kits along with harm reduction kits free for the taking for anyone who wants them with no questions asked.  The library has been awarded two cultural council grants. Coco Dickerson has presented “Herbs for Stress Management” She will be teaching about mixing and making different teas for health and wellness. “Mush with Noggin” will be coming up in March. Karen Land will bring her dog and teach all about dog sledding and what it entails. We have four other performers who were awarded the grant that we will be hosting. Rondae Drafts will be presenting “Hip-Hop Playtime.” Motoko Dworkin will be presenting “Tales of Origami for Teens.” Karen Chase and Andrea Lovett will be holding a writing workshop called “Carving Out Your Story.” Motivational speaker Scott Maloney will be presenting “I am…” Old Business:  Repointing of the front limestone of the building is still not completed yet. The weather has held up the work as it has to be above freezing temperature for them to do the work. The building department has completed work on the front stairwell in the old part of the  building. It looks wonderful, and preserves this old part of the building. They are also replacing old and broken ceiling tiles throughout the building. Friends’ Report: A donation from First Citizens bank was received which included museum passes. The Friends’ will probably drop subscriptions to a couple of passes due to lack of circulation, and pick up different museums. Correspondence: none With no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 2:00 p.m. The next scheduled meeting will be held Wednesday, March 20, 2024 Respectfully submitted by Linda Coelho Documents list January 2024 minutes January 2024 Financial Report January 2024 Circulation Report https://www.mass.gov/info-details/community-naloxone-program-cnp