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Cook Memorial Library schedules grant-backed events, advances accessibility and technology planning
Summary
Trustees reviewed program plans including a grant-funded 'US@250: Big Watch' screening May 6, staff-led junior fiction reclassification, AI programming and an accessibility push (current accessibility score 96.3; WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance required by April 26, 2027). The board discussed holding a June celebration for recent projects.
Cook Memorial Library staff and trustees on April 13 discussed upcoming public programs, staff-led collection projects and technology and accessibility priorities. Librarian Mary Cronin reported that the library will host 'US@250: Big Watch' — a film showing and community conversation funded by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities — on May 6; program details appear in the April newsletter.
Staff described internal projects intended to improve patron browsing: Amy Carter has led reclassification of the junior fiction collection by genre to help young readers find books more independently, and Peggy Johnson has added series information to adult fiction spine labels in response to patron requests. The board also discussed an AI discussion group and a workshop on using AI tools; staff are discussing whether to develop an AI policy.
Mary Cronin reported the library has enrolled to receive a weekly accessibility report from the New Hampshire Department of Information Technology; the library's most recent accessibility score is 96.3. Trustees noted that government-supported websites, mobile apps and newly created documents must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA by April 26, 2027, and discussed next steps to reach or maintain compliance.
Trustees also discussed a public celebration to highlight recent projects — the new lift, a solar installation and incoming books from CLiF — with June 20 offered as a possible date; ideas included inviting the Energy Committee and local media and coordinating with Friends of CML for refreshments. Building & Grounds reported that the lift installation is nearly complete pending final inspection, carpet cleaning is scheduled for April 16, and exterior painting work will begin at month-end; Pete Hoag was contacted about tree work on the roof line and two front trees will be treated.
Board members asked staff to review survey results as part of the strategic plan update; trustee Kevin Mahoney noted that roughly 70% of survey respondents were over age 55, which he said could skew priorities toward older patrons. The board agreed to develop strategic priorities at a future meeting and to draft a narrative for public review.
