Library Director Christine Barbera updates financial reporting and new website launch

The Hubbardston Library Trustees meeting on August 8, 2025, highlighted significant updates regarding the library's financial reporting and website analytics, which are crucial for transparency and community engagement.

Christine Barbera, the library director, announced that the state financial report portal is now open, with plans to complete the report by mid-September. This report is essential for tracking the library's financial health and will be shared with the trustees once finalized. Barbera noted that while she has preliminary figures for the fiscal year 2026, the year-end numbers for fiscal year 2025 are still pending due to a transition in the state’s reporting system. This change has caused some uncertainty regarding the accuracy of the starting numbers for the new fiscal year, prompting Barbera to advise caution in interpreting the data.

In addition to financial updates, Barbera discussed the library's new website, which officially launched on the same day as the meeting. The site, built on WordPress, aims to enhance user experience and accessibility. Barbera expressed enthusiasm about the training she received for managing the new platform and indicated that she would provide further updates in the next meeting.

The trustees also addressed the inclusion of a recently acquired Community Preservation Act (CPA) grant in the financial reports, ensuring that all funding sources are accurately reflected in the library's financial documentation.

Overall, the meeting underscored the library's commitment to maintaining clear financial records and improving community access to information through its updated website. These efforts are expected to foster greater engagement and support from residents, aligning with the library's broader goals of serving the community effectively.