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New library director reports staffing gains, programming growth and building needs at Baker Free Library
Summary
Library Director Caitlin told the Board of Selectmen on Feb. 11 the Baker Free Library is nearly fully staffed, has expanded adult programming, is pursuing New Hampshire Humanities grants, and is tracking building needs including HVAC and a website-host migration with an October deadline.
Caitlin, director of the Baker Free Library, updated the Board of Selectmen on Feb. 11 on staffing, programming and building maintenance.
Caitlin said she is approaching three months in the role and described the staff as “fantastic.” She reported that a front-desk clerk was promoted to adult services programming librarian and meeting-room coordinator, restoring full adult programming. She said youth services librarian Juliana is leading strong children’s programming and that the library has won two New Hampshire Humanities "Humanities To Go" grants to bring speakers and authors to the community.
Caitlin also described building issues and projects. She told the board the library has an HVAC need that she is tracking and that the library’s website host is retiring; staff have until October to complete a migration to a new host and have already obtained quotes from four vendors. She and town staff are exploring combining part-time custodian openings into a single full-time custodian position to address ongoing maintenance needs.
Why it matters: The staffing and programming changes mean the library will resume fuller adult and youth programming; the HVAC and website-host changes require capital planning and operational work to ensure continuity of services.
Other details cited by the director: - Staffing: One clerk promoted to full-time adult services programming and meeting-room coordinator; a remaining part-time clerk position is currently unfilled by design as the director evaluates needs. - Programming: Two New Hampshire Humanities grants awarded; expanded adult programming and ongoing children’s programming led by youth services librarian Juliana. - Facilities: HVAC issues are on the director’s radar; the town and library staff are working on a plan. The website host is retiring, with a migration required by October (as described by the director); the library has solicited quotes from four vendors.
Ending: The director thanked the board and staff for support and said the library will continue coordinating with town staff on staffing, building repairs and the website migration.
