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Abbot Public Library trustees approve revised borrowing policy, reimburse director for conference
Summary
At its Aug. 4 meeting, the Abbot Public Library Board of Trustees approved a revised Borrowing Policy, authorized a $640 reimbursement to Director Kimberly Grad for conference attendance, and heard reports on staffing, delayed invoice processing tied to the Town of Marblehead’s new Munis procurement platform, and summer facility and program updates.
The Abbot Public Library Board of Trustees on Aug. 4 unanimously approved a revised Borrowing Policy and authorized a $640 reimbursement to Director Kimberly Grad for attendance at the Simmons University Children’s Literature Institute.
Director Kimberly Grad told trustees the library has begun interviews for a part-time custodian and will close for staff professional development on Aug. 14. She said the townwide adoption of a new Munis procurement platform in Marblehead is causing delays in invoice processing for the library.
The board reviewed summer building projects, with Grad reporting that memorial plaques for named spaces and Makerspace drapes are in production, outdoor Open/Closed sign brackets are still pending, and the front electrical box placement and front-lawn lighting projects remain in progress. Grad also noted that, with a new Technical Services Supervisor on board, the library has resumed ordering from vendor Baker & Taylor.
Programming and outreach items included a partnership in development—funded by the Chun Family Fund—with the Peabody Essex Museum tied to its Korean Art exhibit, a planned meeting with Julia Ferreira, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, and upcoming September events: a Friends book sale on Sept. 20 and a library card drive for ALA’s Library Card Sign Up Month. Fourth grader Fletcher Crandall will serve as SPUR Librarian for the Day on Aug. 6, and a Linda Lee Bertrand exhibit in the Carten Gallery will have a reception on Aug. 9 from 2–4 p.m.
On financial matters, trustees approved a motion to reimburse Grad $640 for the Simmons University conference; the reimbursement will be funded from the Sorenson Fund. The board also voted to approve the minutes of its July 14 meeting.
Other operational items discussed included cleanup work at Max’s Garden, uptake of the home delivery program by two patrons, increased inquiries about renting the Carten Gallery, and plans to update reference desk signage. Chair Gary Amberik said he will invite the Town Charter Committee—whose draft charter was recently published—to a future board meeting.
Friends volunteers reported that the next book sale is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 20, with donation drop-off on Sept. 17 and setup on Sept. 19. Research is ongoing into the historical naming of the Marblehead room. The meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
