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Abbot Public Library director outlines staffing, repairs and summer events
Summary
Director Kimberly Grad told trustees May 11 that staffing is at 19 of the original 24 positions, April usage numbers rose year-over-year, and the library has multiple June events planned including a Summer Reading Kickoff on June 25. The board reviewed building repairs and outreach with the Friends and Foundation.
Director Kimberly Grad delivered the library’s monthly report on May 11, citing April usage figures and a series of upcoming programs and operational items.
Grad reported April door counts of 6,489 (3,104 main and 3,385 lower) and 17,428 items checked out (10,833 print and 6,595 digital). She said there are 9,353 card holders, the highest total in the past 12 months, and that the library ran 56 programs in April with a combined attendance of 822. Meeting room bookings totaled 234 sessions with expected attendance of 573.
On staffing, Grad said Teen Librarian Bianca Hezekiah has returned from an extended leave, three staff members will attend the Massachusetts Library Association conference May 18–19, and one recent resignation leaves current staffing at 19 of the original 24 positions. The director said recruitment for the children’s librarian position is underway.
Library facilities and maintenance items reviewed included a scheduled exterior OS&Y valve replacement and an elevator inspection; repairs completed to the outdoor sprinkler system; and outstanding work including signage and threshold fixes in lower-level storage, replacement carpeting and shelving in the children’s room, and minor restorations such as the grandfather clock and a ship model.
The library previewed June events: a book launch and author conversation with Phyllis Karas on June 3; a Summer Reading Kickoff on June 25 featuring a Friends pop-up book sale, partner tables with Council on Aging and Sustainable Marblehead, and outreach with Cape Ann Animal Shelter; and an author visit with Meg Waite Clayton on June 29 sponsored by the Abbot Public Library Foundation with Copper Dog Books handling sales and signings.
Grad said proposed service-hour schedules under FY27 contingency scenarios will be presented to the board at its June 1 meeting.
