HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-26-BOLT-min.docx
CARY MEMORIAL LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Estabrook Hall, Isaac Harris Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Mass Ave.
Call to Order 12:30 PM – Jill Hai, Trustee Chair
Attendees:
Trustees: Suzie Barry, Jill Hai, Reverend Barbara Callaghan, Doug Lucente, Mark Sandeen,
Rabbi Karen Thomashow, Rev. Claire Feingold Thoryn, Kathleen Lenihan
Staff: Koren Stembridge, Laura Bernheim, Susan Lusk, Jen Webb, Alissa Lauzon
Friends: Ethie Slate
Foundation: Liz O’Neil
Public Comment
No comments.
Secretary’s Minutes – May 15, 2024 Full Board Meeting. Motion by Jill Hai; second by Suzie Barry.
Motion approved by unanimous vote.
Cary Library Foundation Update – Liz O’Neil, President
The Foundation has met their budget goals for this year with the annual appeal.
A new Strategic Planning process has begun with volunteers working on an internal focus. Will
share at end of year.
Mary Ellen Ringo has resigned after supporting the Foundation for the last eight years. A job
posting for her replacement may be found on the Foundation website.
Friends of Cary Library Update – Ethie Slate – President, Friends of Cary Library
The Friends had to modify their fundraising efforts this year due to the renovation but thanks to
the success of the bookstore they have exceeded meeting their current budget. The bookstore
raises about $2100 per month from sales of approximately 1000 books.
Administrative Updates
Building project updates
o Per Mike Cronin of Facilities, the project is on time and on budget; all change orders
have been covered under the contingency funds. A scheduled shut down will be needed
in late April or early May to complete the HVAC work.
o Expect a soft launch opening at end of summer and then a proper celebration with
ribbon cutting in the fall to include Trustees, Town colleagues, donors, Foundation, and
Friends.
Library Director’s report
o In May the library plans to resume 9:00 pm closing time in time for LHS finals.
o The art appraiser has completed their report of the library collection. A few pieces will
require some restoration but the issues are nonurgent.
o Conversations with LICA re. their role in assisting the library in identifying clergy board
members continues.
Alissa Lauzon – Youth Services update
o The library has been able to host children’s programs all year in Estabrook Hall
o Thanks to the many organizations/businesses who have hosted library programs:
Omar’s Comics, LexFarm, the Munroe Center, Galaray House, and the Community
Center have all been fantastic partners.
Laura Bernheim presented for Helen Lui – Adult Programming update
o While most adult programming has been happening virtually, partnerships with the
Lexington Community Center have allowed some of our flagship programs to take place
in person.
o The library has launched a new Cookbook Club and a Writers Workshop at the LCC.
Jen Webb – Library Collections update
o The entire Bib Services team has moved to Cary Building to multiple areas. A thank you
to the custodial staff who helped with the move and continue with weekly deliveries
back and forth between buildings.
New Business
th
Staff Training Day closure – Friday, March 7
o We will welcome the new town manager and provide AI training for staff. Jen Webb will
give a historic collection overview.
o Motion to approve by Jill Hai. Second by Rev. Barbara Callaghan. Motion approved by
unanimous vote.
Historic District Commission nominating process (vote)
o Doug Lucente reiterated that Cary Library puts forth nominees for HDC. The Trustees
need to bring forward 2 nominees for a full seat and 2 nominees for associate seats.
The roles need to be filled by May; recruiting will take place in March and April.
Library Trustee Nominating Committee
o Doug Lucente, Rabbi Karen Thomashow and Rev. Claire Feingold Thoryn have agreed to
sit on the committee to vote for our executive board for the next year.
Special Recognition
Suzie Barry, for her decades of service to the library
o Jill Hai acknowledged Suzie’s service to the town, the library and the Trustees board.
She was presented with flowers and a selection of dedicated books to be added to our
collection.
Mary Ellen Ringo, for her years of service as the Development Director for the Library
Foundation
o Koren spoke on the work Mary Ellen has done working with the donors, fundraising and
coordinating programs with our staff. She was also presented with a selection of books
to be dedicated in her honor”
Announcements – none.
Adjournment - Motion to adjourn at 1:28 PM by Jill Hai. Mark Sandeen seconded. Motion approved
by unanimous vote.