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Director reports strong summer programming, circulation and planned maintenance
Summary
Director Lisa Cheever reported strong summer reading and program attendance, rising Hoopla and interlibrary lending, LSTA grant spending plans, and facility maintenance scheduled (actuator repairs, condenser cleaning, boiler inspection). Trustees learned of mold on brick that New England Chimney will test-clean and of planned sheds for Friends' storage.
At the Aug. 12 meeting, Library Director Lisa Cheever highlighted summer program successes and operational updates for the Blackstone Public Library.
Programming and statistics: Cheever said summer reading numbers were "terrific," with Hoopla digital uses rising from 172 in June to 200 in July, Brainfuse had 13 uses in July, Canopy logged seven visits, and 269 items were added in July. Cheever noted the library is a net lender in interlibrary loan, reporting about $9,793.95 worth of materials lent to other libraries during July. Young adult and children's programs (including Breakerspace, Touch the Trucks and paint nights) drew steady attendance and staff are pursuing certification opportunities.
Grants: Cheever said $1,357.79 remains in the LSTA grant and must be spent by Sept. 30; planned charges include microphones and presenter fees for scheduled programs.
Facilities and maintenance: The condenser coil cleaning was completed July 24; actuator repairs were scheduled for Aug. 21. Liberty Mutual inspected boilers on Aug. 6 (inspection fee now paid from the library budget rather than the town; fee stated as $100 total, $50 per boiler). Trustees and staff raised concern about black mold buildup on exterior brick; New England Chimney will conduct a non-toxic test cleaning to determine an approach. Trustees also reviewed design plans for a taupe-colored Friends shed and a garden shed to be sited near the dumpster containment area for volunteer storage.
Cheever told trustees she will bring a cleaned-up food/allergen policy and the charitable-collections policy back for review in September, and trustees confirmed the next meeting for Sept. 9, 2024.
The board recorded no contentious disputes; items will return for ordinary follow-up and budget tracking.
