HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-04-BOLT-min.docx
MINUTES (DRAFT) - Trustees of the Cary Memorial Library
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 – 12:30 p.m. - Cary Library Genealogy Room
Attendees:
Trustees: Jill Hai, Barbara Callaghan, Sarah Carter, Karen Thomashow
Staff: Koren Stembridge, Laura Bernheim, Cathie Ghorbani, Alissa Lauzon, Kate Leppanen, Helen
Lui, Susan Lusk
Others: Ethie Slate - Friends of Cary Library
Call to Order (12:37 p.m.) – Jill Hai, Trustee Chair
Public Comment – None
Secretary’s Minutes – Motion to approve, J. Hai. Second, B. Callaghan. Unanimous.
Administrative Updates –
Director’s update
o Teen Services Manager Michelle Techler is leaving the library for a position as Assistant
Director at the Wellesley Free Library. The hiring process is underway.
o Programming Librarian Matt Schuman has left the library. Hiring is also underway for
that position.
o There are many unknowns re. how cuts to federal funding for libraries will impact
Massachusetts and how those cuts will filter down to individual libraries. So far all
essential services remain funded.
Lower Level renovation project update/expected closures for post-project move
o The project timeline is likely going to push beyond September but K. Stembridge is still
waiting for concrete information from the Department of Public Facilities.
o Stembridge reminded the Board that when construction is competed it will still take 3-4
weeks to move and prepare for reopening. This may require some building closures.
More info will be shared in the fall.
Helen Lui – Programming Manager re. library meeting spaces moving forward
o Helen Lui, Programs and Partnerships Manager reported briefly about the adult
programming at various community locations during construction.
o A conversation was had regarding availability of the library’s meeting spaces to outside
groups. The library’s Large Meeting Room used to be used by outside groups. This policy
changed when the library reopened after its COVID closure when the Board determined
that there were not sufficient meeting spaces for the library’s own programs and those
programs developed in partnership with interested individuals, Town departments, and
organizations. The Board agreed we will keep library meeting spaces reserved for staff
use, and have anyone interested in presenting programs at the library work through
staff. K. Thomashow asked if study rooms will become available again once the library is
finished with construction. The answer is yes. J. Hai mentioned that the library meeting
rooms were the only public meeting spaces before the Lexington Community Center. K.
Stembridge indicated that most of the groups that used to use the library’s meeting
room moved to the LCC (or stayed virtual) after COVID, and the last group found a new
location during construction and will not be returning to the library for monthly
meetings.
New Business
Updated print payment system
o Kate Leppanen – Head of Technology requested Board approval for a move to a new
library printing/copy system. The request was to change companies from Pharos to TBS
which would allow patrons to pay by credit card and to raise the price of print/copy
services at the library to be more inline with local copy centers and other libraries
(Wales and Lexington Graphics). A motion was made by J. Hay, seconded by K.
Thomashow to approve the move to TBS and the copy costs:
Raise black and white print costs from $.10 to $.15/page
Raise color print costs from $.25 to $.50/page
Allow the first $.50 of printing free (regardless of b/w or color)
The vote was unanimous.
Old Business
Rabbi Karen Thomashow – provided a brief update on LICA’s conversation regarding clergy
representation to the library board. LICA hopes to bring a proposal forward in FY26.
The FY26 Trustee meeting schedule was finalized.
Vote to Adjourn - (1:13 p.m.) Motion to approve, J. Hai. Second, Sarah Carter. Unanimous.
Lower Level Tour – 1:15
Members took a short tour of the lower level construction project.