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Peabody Institute trustees approve treasurer's report, discuss archives funding, staffing and building issues
Summary
At their Jan. 14 meeting trustees approved the December treasurer’s report, discussed using trust funds for archives-room equipment, reviewed FY2027 budget goals, and were briefed on staffing, training and a recent string of false fire alarms in December.
The Peabody Institute Board of Library Trustees approved the December 2025 treasurer's report and discussed several operational and planning items at their meeting on Jan. 14.
Treasurer Cory Ryan presented the December financials, reporting a beginning balance of $713,391.71; deposits $0.00; income $5,290.88; withdrawals $0.00; expenses $0.00; a change in value of $(3,490.22); and an ending balance of $715,192.37. Trustee Noah Leavitt moved to approve the treasurer's report; Kenneth Yoon Lee seconded the motion, which the minutes record as passing unanimously.
Chairperson Donna Hopkins reported ongoing meetings with the town, the library director and union representatives to clarify the respective roles and responsibilities of trustees, library staff and the Town of Danvers. In New Business Director Noelle Boc distributed copies of the Open Meeting Law and reminded trustees of available training through the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office.
Jessica Cargile led a discussion about prioritizing trust fund spending on items identified by the director, with a particular focus on equipment and furniture for the archives room. Charles Desmond stressed the importance of cataloguing and preserving archival items; Boc said she has consulted the Board of Library Commissioners and hopes to receive guidance in February.
Director Boc also reported four or five false fire alarms in December that staff attributed to a system fault; a contractor visited on Jan. 5 and the library expects the issue is resolved. Boc reported the library received a NOOK Huddle Pad at the end of December and said it is already in use. Boc and Assistant Director Jennifer McGeorge are interviewing candidates to fill two part-time Assistant Librarian positions with planned onboarding in February; the interview process now includes sending questions to candidates in advance to improve accessibility. Staff training on discrimination and harassment occurred Jan. 12; the library will close March 19 for a professional development day including Cultural Competency training from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., and trustees are invited.
Boc also encouraged attendance at NOBLE Library Legislative Day on Feb. 27, 2026, at the Melrose Public Library to support library budget items. With no further business, Jessica Cargile moved and Charles Desmond seconded a motion to adjourn at 8:46 p.m.; the motion passed unanimously.
