Director’s report: parking-lot repaving, new digital services librarian and system transition

Library Director Lisa Mast gave the board an operations update April 13 covering facilities work, staffing, programs and a technology transition.

Mast said the parking-lot repaving project began the previous Thursday and staff have been asked to park at town hall or the police lot while work proceeds. "They're anticipating a two‑week project; they're adding fresh rock and then they repave," Mast reported.

Mast introduced Joanne Cullie, the library’s new full‑time digital services librarian, who started March 28 and has been training on reference duties and library technology. Later in the meeting the assistant director said new part‑time pages are starting and Lori Bougie will begin in a children's position on April 28.

Programs highlighted included Passport to Connect Connecticut Libraries (a statewide passport program running through April with participating libraries stamping passports at more than 160 sites), a "Take a Duck, Leave a Duck" kindness program and a pilot guinea‑pig visit scheduled after an earlier animal died in a farm fire. Staff also recapped the Anita Wilson Memorial Family concert and the Little Free Library ribbon cutting.

On technology, assistant director Jen reviewed the library’s move to a new integrated library system in June. She warned patrons there would be no dedicated mobile app between April 8 and June and a planned downtime period around late May/early June when the system will be unavailable for card issuance and holds. Jen said check‑in and check‑out will still be possible and staff will maintain a backup system during the migration.

The director said staff will continue program planning and logistics for upcoming events, including the May 17 5K, and asked trustees to help with volunteer shifts for packet pickup and race day tasks.