[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6476342,"mediaKeyId","5730597-cd59c069544250a7b4f84dcb1623adb4","parentId",5730597,"title","Trustees approve minutes, authorize limited engineering funds and agree to legal funds for Friends group","audioSeconds",5653,"startMs",1567000,"endMs",7220000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5730597-cd59c069544250a7b4f84dcb1623adb4&start=1567&end=7220","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5730597-cd59c069544250a7b4f84dcb1623adb4/thumbnail_1567000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6476342/Massachusetts/Trustees-approve-minutes-authorize-limited-engineering-funds-and-agree-to-legal-funds-for-Friends-group","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476342-017ec5288592151ff09be52d2ff9753c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770490848&Signature=UH7pJWluYxGFgJe0pIiqH5tscGUkcSrAtmZPwbWxbKqDOWsbl0gUBZFkqXseSsr4UDzx1VnMErvvV64yNotzyUi546xevz4aCcMVyzGHIkOVPDFJ5yuxH7EXTCSlCdJ8LF4R5S7Gk-Ml0QFfz8Txg88XnqrH33hKz1SASY2cuhj6yUrL-LkSjQC0g6LqR0DS1DUR-~wepREou0164ZRFXZPE9vbPFiGizBVRWZllJTCtV9epeeVuW69n5ZDhnuapcW5zSZdj2-tVcNmRUDugp-L4hC0Di1-WmCCQPdoK2h4z~xMakk6ayRl7McKp4A0Gtn637bT3dpv39AAoSdsvCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hubbardston","date","2025-09-07T21:59:29Z","article","The Hubbardston Public Library Trustees recorded three formal outcomes at the meeting.

Minutes: Trustees approved the minutes of the August 7, 2025 meeting. The motion to approve passed with five trustees voting in favor and one abstention; no votes opposed.

Lower-level structural assessment authorization: Trustees gave their working group authority to obtain a focused structural assessment of the lower level (basement) if required by contractor bids or scope. The board agreed that — should a focused structural or engineering report be required — the library’s donation/trust account may be used and the trustee-authorized cap for that assessment is up to $3,000 so the working group can proceed without returning to the October meeting for additional approval.

Friends of the Library legal funding: Trustees voted to authorize funds to cover legal costs and related filings to form a Friends of the Library organization and pursue 501(c)(3) status. The meeting recorded a motion, second and an affirmative vote to make up to $4,000 available for legal fees and related startup costs; trustees agreed the funds would be drawn from existing library trust/donation accounts (specific sub-accounts to be determined by trustees and staff).

Meeting attendees discussed practical next steps: staff will contact recommended lawyers to obtain cost estimates and will gather volunteers identified as willing to serve in steering roles for the Friends group. Trustees also discussed which existing trust sub-accounts (Buffum, Clark, Fairman and Freetown) could be used to support legal startup costs and agreed staff would document available balances and any designation restrictions.

The board adjourned at the meeting’s close after completing the votes and other agenda items.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Library Trustees 9.4.25","oneSentenceSummary","At the meeting trustees approved the August 7 minutes, authorized up to $3,000 for a structural assessment if needed, and approved up to $4,000 from donation funds to pursue legal formation of a Friends of the Library 501(c)(3).","taxTitle","Town of Hubbardston, Worcester County, Massachusetts","taxId",61645,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6476347,"Trustees pursue lower-level renovation planning; seek contractor bids after structural review if needed",2245,4355000,6600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5730597-cd59c069544250a7b4f84dcb1623adb4&start=4355&end=6600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5730597-cd59c069544250a7b4f84dcb1623adb4/thumbnail_4355000.jpg","/articles/6476347/Massachusetts/Trustees-pursue-lower-level-renovation-planning-seek-contractor-bids-after-structural-review-if-needed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476347-ed616e97455b7d92b2954e8b09d7c5f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770490848&Signature=lmK9C86Jb8ibYYDuMXzzD5UsNFA4u3AxleEGyi2myWNq8Z3oPn2PvHTSW1fXTU4zWsy-fusQCe6Rlxu6G6J7OEEgc03O2ugiJUqt6DJHLgVAAMpT0X2mmkK4roarX9nY0ybswiy36J7zoc2b6RSUL7xn7pLI7AtyDfjtsQwr3jPa2rKXdWRiiJILphIhMrFejbp5sNxzFA~hFIv27SurJPa7WMuGFZN8byPSbsVZrZFtiexm9uEEkJCXEv~enwbVWhoXvaUZgmF3QVT6gwsiU2y0ZN-TvN4gcUfibfzsNo33z0g5GUJ0apSsMjWpgZa5DjblQrg40jPEXXVyXtR~-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Trustees discussed plans to renovate the library’s lower-level (basement) space for programming and storage. The meeting focused on whether to commission a structural-engineering assessment or to pursue a request for proposals (RFP) from general contractors to scope and bid the work.

Trustees said the renovation goals are modest: create usable programming space, clear storage and address mold and other building-condition issues highlighted by staff. Trustees identified a particular interior masonry wall as a priority question: whether it is load-bearing and whether removing or altering it would require extensive structural work.

The group reviewed prior reports on the building (historical-preservation assessments and previous foundation reports) and discussed cost and procurement approaches. Trustees heard that an architect or structural engineer had quoted a site inspection and report in the range of $1,500 to $3,000 for a focused assessment; by contrast, an RFP to a general contractor could yield bids that would indicate whether a separate engineer’s report is required.

Trustees approved a working-path approach: staff will prepare an RFP for a general contractor to bid the lower-level project and, if a contractor or scope requires an engineering assessment, the trustees authorized the working group to obtain a focused structural assessment. The board agreed the structural assessment, if needed, would be funded from the library’s donation/trust account and capped at an amount of up to $3,000 so the working group could proceed without waiting until the full October trustee meeting.

Trustees emphasized the need for a detailed scope so bidders understand the historical character to be preserved and the primary objectives (egress, mold remediation, flooring and wall integrity). Staff said they would gather known previous structural contacts and contractor names used by the town to help expedite the RFP and any follow-up engineering engagement.","Trustees discussed plans for the library’s lower-level renovation, including whether to commission a structural assessment or seek general-contractor bids; trustees authorized staff to pursue a general-contractor RFP and said they would approve a structural assessment if required.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6476352,"Trustees review draft ADA assessment; director flags historical constraints and edits",954,2166000,3120000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5730597-cd59c069544250a7b4f84dcb1623adb4&start=2166&end=3120","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5730597-cd59c069544250a7b4f84dcb1623adb4/thumbnail_2166000.jpg","/articles/6476352/Massachusetts/Trustees-review-draft-ADA-assessment-director-flags-historical-constraints-and-edits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476352-d506fbbca06c7091b735c95423f3460f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770490848&Signature=LTbgBlibUh0~Y-bQ58ShwInhuAB1doFZYa3t5JVsupFH24l8rgjjURDpKEyKu~-dfkcCcoW6gD9FwbYPgQoAJIzvkIDjbgAY5QstVwVbp8YLs7rojOZh1PpTck-D8PxHybkudQfpWhubk99DJIHg7lAmFHFU9oVM1uP1-CCDyUAG4hckR-fJ46-KF8Y~wfmMW9SUNQnlIWdbBo4tfttip7K43-0FKIZoq9sEkcnVrNa246U-OOFVOA7WuIoa08EZAi-t9LG1epEuv1jQ9ZzF2tUUfDzNQXUpdjL5gxTFqkWd1Xq4Be~cTS-EbAwXmb-ealhc0zY3t5RFdvZcBj-TbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Trustees reviewed a working draft ADA accessibility report prepared for the town that includes a section on the library. Christine Barbera, the library director, said the draft misnames the building in places as \"Hubbard Memorial Library\" and in some passages lists the select board as the responsible party for parts of the building that are under trustee control. She asked for corrections and for the report author to return to update the draft.

Barbera told trustees the consultant completed the library walkthrough in February 2025, during transitional conditions when some municipal offices were moving. She said the consultant did not access the library mezzanine and second floor because of historical-society access constraints and because the director was reluctant to give unsupervised access to an unaccompanied visitor. Barbera said the consultant noted that several railings and interior features are original to the historic building and do not meet modern code but that historical protections constrain what can be changed.

Trustees discussed how the report could form the basis for grant applications. Barbera noted the report includes cost estimates for a set of accessibility fixes and that some projects — for example, an exterior lift replacement and sidewalk repair outside 48 Gardner Road — could be eligible for ADA or historic-preservation grant programs. \"There are historic ADA grants making historic buildings in Massachusetts ADA accessible,\" Barbera said; she also said the town usually gets notices when grant rounds open and she would watch for relevant opportunities.

Members suggested the consultant be asked to correct errors and either revisit the site or provide clarifying telephone follow-up. Barbera said she would provide contact information for the consultant and coordinate a follow-up with the town administrator and a trustee representative so the draft could be finalized.

Trustees agreed the most useful near-term priorities are exterior access (including lift replacement and sidewalks), restroom access, interior door and hardware upgrades, and preservation-sensitive solutions for railings and thresholds. Barbera circulated a staff-prepared summary of the consultant's recommendations with prioritization notes to help trustees and potential funders understand which items could be pursued without harming historically significant fabric.

","Trustees discussed a working draft ADA accessibility report that lists the library (referred to in the draft as Hubbard Memorial Library), corrections to responsible-party attributions, and recommended priorities including exterior lift and restroom access; staff will request edits and follow up with the report author.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6476357,"Hubbardston library reports steady patronage, expanded summer programming and web reach",0,1227000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5730597-cd59c069544250a7b4f84dcb1623adb4&start=1227&end=1227","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5730597-cd59c069544250a7b4f84dcb1623adb4/thumbnail_1227000.jpg","/articles/6476357/Massachusetts/Hubbardston-library-reports-steady-patronage-expanded-summer-programming-and-web-reach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476357-57008ccb3af844ced7ab1a9bf58f0ca9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770490848&Signature=oSckx4XQE-oQq9AzqR83S1NmyApMvxFHOmwW2ULm4rWVLBcdSsFkeSwba5zf15o-9uQTxXscxzh8idQDiYXL5LVcsvLaz7bUq1bJeodWuL7pf8Ky6Sn7kCLK~jVJ7clmWW7IBg-THhHx5oGy2Uea7i4R6RKamiy2OzekF0VLLcFy9fcKgaOpK0dx0YuF4kK4xkpn1wT-SlMw9GfEwdz7Fu52YHLuPj3ZbbBJuKfIMQdBi8V80Jp~r2qmrbpFvgekvaYN2Tv0o1-MxZr7XGo5VD38iAXee0EQmRoNxUafELnxk~lioBoYqihwQLJG~Fdg5jGkadC2osGZUkkzZGBy4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Christine Barbera, Hubbardston Public Library director, told trustees the library recorded 988 local circulations and 1,073 total circulations in August and that the library’s Facebook reach for the month was 3,309, with 1,079 page followers.

Barbera, presenting the director’s report for August 2025, said the library issued two new cards (one an eCard) and logged 497 website visits in August. She also summarized digital-lending activity: 852 OverDrive monthly checkouts and 392 combined e-audio and e-book holds. \"Respectfully submitted by Christine Barbera with a couple of caveats,\" she said, noting the financial figures were provisional pending updated accountant numbers.

Trisha, a member of the library staff who led summer programming, described a busy season of outreach and partnerships. \"I really wanted to focus on outreach and collaboration with both local police and fire, to help foster a relationship with the kids,\" Trisha said, explaining the library invited the Hubbardston Fire Department and Hubbardston Police Department to summer story times so children would recognize first responders.

The summer reading program drew 448 story-time attendees over the season and 49 total entries for the reading program, up from 44 the prior year, Trisha reported. Special events included a popular storybook walk that staff plan to run again with a seasonal (Halloween) display for mid-October, weather permitting. Dungeons & Dragons ran weekly through the year but staff expect a short September hiatus to accommodate teens returning to school and to re-market the program.

Trustees and staff discussed social-media metrics and how followers and non-followers see library posts in users’ feeds. Barbera said Facebook views for August were 18,227 and that 57.1% of those views came from followers while 42.9% came from non-followers. Instagram reach and engagement were smaller but present: 162 reach and 205 followers with 565 views in August.

Staff also asked for volunteer help on landscape upkeep at the library’s front and rear planters and noted upcoming outreach appearances, including a combined 48 Gardner Road open house and Taste of Hubbardston event in October and other fall community events where the library will table.

Trustees asked staff to continue refining website and social-media reporting and to post recurring program dates (for example, D&D) in advance on the new website to help patrons and parents plan ahead.

Barbera cautioned some statistics (notably financial account balances and page likes from the Meta Business Suite) were provisional: \"The financial page is based on what I think we did ... take them with a grain of salt,\" she said.

The library will continue to publish monthly director’s reports and post program schedules on the library website and social accounts.

","Library Director Christine Barbera presented August 2025 circulation and outreach figures and staff described a successful summer reading season, new programs and a plan to refresh the library’s social media presence.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Trustees approve minutes, authorize limited engineering funds and agree to legal funds for Friends group

Trustees pursue lower-level renovation planning; seek contractor bids after structural review if needed

Trustees review draft ADA assessment; director flags historical constraints and edits

Hubbardston library reports steady patronage, expanded summer programming and web reach