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Tamworth library sets February community survey for strategic plan and notes staff changes
Summary
Cook Memorial Library trustees finalized distribution plans for a February community survey for the 2026—2028 strategic plan, reviewed upcoming programs and digital resources, and noted staff member Verity Elder has resigned.
Library Director Mary Cronin told trustees the board will distribute a community survey in February as part of the Cook Memorial Library's 2026—2028 strategic planning process and outlined multiple ways residents can participate.
The board approved the survey distribution plan, which includes an online form, paper copies at the library, paper copies delivered with Meals on Wheels, postings on the local exchange, and mailed copies on request. Trustees decided to add a question about frequency of library use and to keep the first two questions demographic. The next steps listed in the meeting packet are to distribute the survey and to begin drafting the plan narrative.
Cronin also reviewed winter and recent programming and partners, including Chocorua Lake Conservancy, Green Mountain Conservation Group, Arts Council of Tamworth, and DEI in the Lakes and Mountains. She reported the library's new digital newspaper subscriptions are live and that staff member Verity Elder has given notice and will be leaving following an upcoming move. The board noted circulation and visits in 2025 were close to pre-pandemic highs and that Verity will lead a workshop to introduce patrons to the new digital newspapers.
Committee updates included a Building & Grounds report on rescheduling carpet cleaning and pursuing eligibility for renewable energy credits, a Friends of CML meeting scheduled for Jan. 13, and personnel and policy committee activities. The board encouraged continued coordination between staff, the finance committee and the policy committee to finalize processes for the Lloyd Hadden Memorial Fund and other operational items.
During public comment, Selectboard representative Karl Behr thanked outgoing trustee Betsy Loughran for her service. A member of the public, Kevin Mahoney, asked rhetorically, "Are you always this contentious and mean?" and thanked trustees for allowing him to attend; the comment was recorded in the minutes with no formal response.
