Meriden Library announces "Americans and the Holocaust" exhibit, readies digital media lab and staffing additions

Alyssa, the library director, told the Meriden Library Board of Trustees that the traveling "Americans and the Holocaust" exhibit has arrived and staff are assembling it ahead of a private opening scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 28. "Our exhibit has arrived," she said, adding that about 60 people had RSVP'd and that "the governor and the lieutenant governor will be in attendance." She asked trustees to review talking points provided by the American Library Association and to consider serving as event monitors during busy times.

The director also updated the board on the library's digital media lab. Allison, who leads the AV/digital center work, said the lab is "in really good shape" and that an intern from CT State will help produce training videos, run equipment demonstrations and assist with the initial opening phase. Alyssa said the library has posted two additional per-diem librarian positions and a DML librarian position to expand programming and to allow the lab to move toward full service.

The library plans a phased approach to opening the digital media lab so staff can run workshops and early projects; Allison noted MET Interactive will troubleshoot a remaining technical issue. The board and staff discussed targeting an opening in October but anticipated a likely November timeline to accommodate exhibition work and donor coordination. The director also described recent emergency-procedure meetings for staff that included building walkthroughs to point out exits and fire equipment.

The board did not take formal action on the exhibit or lab at the meeting; the director said staff will continue planning and provide additional details to the board and to grantors as required.