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Norwood trustees name Sherry next chair, present award to page James Kai and discuss staffing, programs
Summary
Trustees approved a slate of internal governance items: naming Sherry as next board chair, awarding the 2025 Sasson's certificate to staff member James Kai, and approving meeting dates; staff announced a page's graduation and departure, new programming, composting uptake and a proposal to formalize staff recognition.
At the June 11 meeting of the Town of Norwood Public Library Trustees, board members approved several governance items, presented a staff award and heard staff updates on programming and personnel.
The trustees voted unanimously to accept the consent agenda at the start of the meeting. Later in the meeting trustees formally approved making Sherry the board's chair for the coming fiscal year; the motion carried with an "Aye" vote when the board was polled.
Trustees also approved the 2025 Sasson's certificate award recipient. The trustees announced that James Kai, a library page who graduated this spring and will depart to attend George Washington University in the fall, is the award recipient. The trustees moved and approved the award; the board said it will issue a press release and arrange a photo. The board asked that staff pass along thanks and congratulations to Kai.
Library staff reported personnel and programming updates. Staff said James Kai and another page, Rasija, graduated this spring and that Kai will leave his page position before the fall as he prepares for college. Staff also described ongoing programming: Juneteenth events on the Norwood Common, summer reading programs for adults (beginning June 20) and children, movie matinees and a popular puzzle race. Staff said a staff development day will close the library for a day and described planned workshops with the deputy fire chief and other presenters.
Custodial staff and facilities updates were highlighted: senior custodian Jim Croak introduced the custodial team and thanked the town facilities department and a contracted landscaping company for winter plowing and grounds work. Croak praised the custodial team and said Sunday coverage and vacation and sick leave were handled by three part‑time staff. He also reported the library now participates in a townwide composting program; the library produces "1 to 2 small kitchen style bags a week," and staff said the program has run smoothly.
Trustees discussed internal committee assignments for the coming year. Because several trustees were absent at the June meeting, staff and trustees said they would open ad hoc committee appointments so trustees can indicate preferences. Trustees agreed to send an email with subcommittee membership and term information; an ad hoc committee will collect preferences and propose assignments. Trustees also agreed to meet on Sept. 9 and approved the trustees' meeting calendar at the subsequent fall meeting as is customary.
On personnel recognition, trustees asked the personnel subcommittee to consider a formal process to recognize staff who complete postgraduate degrees such as master's degrees in library science. A trustee said the library lacks a systematic way to acknowledge such accomplishments and asked the personnel committee to draft options for equitable recognition.
The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn that passed by voice vote.
No external policy changes or capital contracts were approved at the June 11 meeting; the board's actions were limited to internal governance, awards and scheduling.
