Brownell Library directors, trustees outline staffing, safety and sustainability concerns

Brownell Library Director Wendy Hisco and Brownell trustee chair Jean Grant briefed the Junction City Council on March 26 about building pressures, staffing challenges, patron needs and planned policy work.

Hisco said construction at nearby Lincoln Hall has increased demands on the library’s meeting spaces and parking, and that staff have seen more patrons in crisis recently. “We’ve had to call emergency services, more regularly,” Hisco said, adding that outreach workers have been an important resource. She described efforts to manage the building and its services while staff cover additional duties and absences.

Hisco noted concern about possible federal funding reductions to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and described the importance of state Department of Libraries grants and interlibrary loan networks. She said the library is preparing for uncertainty and monitoring possible impacts on services that rely on those funds.

The trustees described work on a sustainability initiative that includes environmental stewardship, social equity and economic feasibility. Jean Grant summarized the scope of the sustainability plan and noted new programs and passive offerings funded by local donors: “The youth department added a Winnie Bell Maker Space, which offers opportunities for youth and families to explore STEM concepts,” Grant said. She also described popular community swaps and other outreach that reduce waste and build community.

The council and trustees discussed safety, training and on-site response. Hisco said the library is coordinating with Essex Police for staff training and that officers will bring training (replica) firearms to help staff become familiar with safe handling and response protocols. “Most of our staff have not had any like, have never interacted with firearms in any stretch whatsoever,” she said, describing a plan to increase staff comfort with what an unattended firearm might look like and how to secure a scene until police arrive.

Grant and Hisco also described operational impacts from a July 2024 state law (S.220, Act 150) that expanded privacy protections for youth. “In July 2024, a new law went into effect…that created new privacy protections for youth age 12 to 18,” Grant said, and staff have adjusted registration and checkout procedures accordingly.

Trustees and council members discussed whether internships or dedicated social-service staff could relieve pressures. Hisco said internships require substantial staff time to supervise and that outreach workers who are already experienced often provide a more immediate match for patrons’ needs. She noted Burlington has hired a full-time social worker based in the library and that models differ across municipalities.

Throughout the discussion council members expressed appreciation for the library’s services and asked the trustees to keep the council informed as the library analyzes a recent community survey. The trustees requested continued support for training, outreach and funding, and highlighted staff turnover driven in part by low local wages.

The council did not adopt any formal policy changes during the discussion; the item served as an informational presentation and trustees update.