Danvers library director reports on harassment training and staffing; trustees probe budget and policies

The library director reported that staff received discrimination and anti-harassment training delivered by the town’s labor law firm and led by attorney Jennifer McGrew, who provided slides and a management session outlining complaint and reporting procedures.

"What they talked about... is you should be going to directly to a supervisor and then the union if you are a union member," the director summarized, noting managers received additional guidance and staff were provided slides for reference. Trustees said the training clarified which complaints should be forwarded to human resources and asked whether any new policies were required; the director said the library follows town policies and adopts them as appropriate.

Trustees also raised budget concerns after reports that a town DEI director position — currently vacant — may not be funded in the coming budget cycle. One trustee warned the vacancy could leave "a void" in proactive conflict-diffusion work and cultural competency supports; meeting participants labeled the funding report as unconfirmed and urged careful public phrasing.

On staffing, the director said interviews for an assistant librarian concluded and a candidate had given a verbal acceptance with an expected February start; trustees discussed accessible interview practices, noting that supplying questions in advance can reduce candidate anxiety and improve fairness.

Trustees requested the director continue coordination with human resources on role delineation and to provide the board with any recommended policy adjustments following training.