Peabody Institute trustees approve revised scholarship policy, address $45,000 personnel shortfall

The Peabody Institute Board of Library Trustees voted April 8 to approve a revised Scholarship Policy and signed off on a series of policy updates, while Director Noelle Boc reported the library faces an estimated $45,000 shortfall in its FY26 personnel salary line.

Chairperson Donna Hopkins opened the meeting at 7:05 p.m. in the DCAT Building in Danvers and recognized public comments from Lisa Silva and Ellen Graham. Silva emphasized the “importance of training for micro aggressions for a healthier work place,” and Graham raised concerns about staff comments and library culture. The board then unanimously approved the minutes from March 11, 2026.

In financial business, Treasurer Cory Ryan presented the March 2026 treasurer’s report showing a beginning balance of $726,200.91 and an ending balance of $696,737.13 (a change in value of -$30,849.31); the trustees approved the report unanimously. Boc told trustees that, because of a compensation and classification study completed during the year, the personnel salary line is projected to be roughly $45,000 short by June 30. To reduce that gap the library will keep the Assistant Head of Reference and Information Services position vacant through June and plan to use state aid to cover the remainder.

On policy matters, following committee revisions and consultation with Cornerstone Financial, trustees approved a revised Scholarship Policy that requires proof of enrollment for employees seeking scholarship funds and assumes annual scholarship spending of $10,000 is feasible. The motion, moved by Trustee Cory Ryan and seconded by Chairperson Donna Hopkins, passed with one trustee voting no. Trustee Michael Hagan had earlier urged that the Scholarship Committee expand beyond three members and that committee decisions be insulated from personalities.

The board also acted on several housekeeping and governance items: it approved a revised Artwork Donation Policy (to include archival donations and to require a suitable, safe display location); approved an updated Library Trust Fund Mission Statement with the fund name added to the title; and agreed to table a proposed Code of Conduct addendum until the May meeting. All of those motions passed unanimously.

Trustees discussed compliance with the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law and the trustee by‑laws during a New Business segment. Treasurer Cory Ryan presented proposals aimed at aligning trustee handling of personnel concerns with state law; Trustee Michael Hagan reiterated that Open Meeting Law limits discussion of personnel matters in public sessions. Director Boc and Trustee Julie Curtis emphasized that any anti‑harassment language must be consistent with applicable state and federal labor and union rules.

Boc reported program and outreach activity, saying Friends of the Library membership growth has outpaced last year and previewing events including an April 16 program titled “(Bitter)SweetHistory: 18th Century Chocolate and the American Revolution” and the Friends’ June book sale. She described a new weekday summer pass option for the New England Aquarium, a new Griffin Museum of Photography pass, partnerships for a Northeast Arc “Hangout” for adults with disabilities, planned Healthy Relationships programming with HAWC and HRIC, and strong demand for the Seed Library (more than 75% of 2,200 packets distributed since restock).

Chairperson Hopkins said she will follow up with the Select Board after the Town Attorney did not respond to inquiries about indemnification insurance. With no further business, the board adjourned at 8:27 p.m. The trustees expect to revisit the Code of Conduct addendum at their May meeting.