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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-21-BOLT-minCARY MEMORIAL LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 12:30 PM Estabrook Hall, Isaac Harris Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Mass Ave. Call to Order 12:31 PM —Jill Hai, Trustee Chair Attendees: Trustees: Jill Hai, Sarah Carter, Eileen Jay, Doug Lucente, Mark Sandeen, Rabbi Karen Thomashow, Kathleen Lenihan Staff: Koren Stembridge, Laura Bernheim, Susan Lusk, Cathie Ghorbani, Alissa Lauzon Friends: Ethie Slate, Nancy Olt Foundation: Mary Ann Sorel, Liz O'Neil Public Comment No comments. Secretary's Minutes — February 26, 2025, Full Board Meeting. Motion to approve by Jill Hai; second by Doug Lucente. Approved by unanimous vote. Cary Library Foundation Update — Liz O'Neil, President • Liz introduced the new Foundation Director, Maryann Sorel. She is a 17 yr Lexington resident and has transitioned from a corporate law firm to non-profit work. For 12 years she worked on the endowment for the International School of Boston where her children attended. • Liz O'Neill will be stepping down from the President role at the end of the month. • Work continues on the Foundation's Strategic Plan which will be voted on at their annual meeting. Friends of Cary Library Update — Ethie Slate — President, Friends of Cary Library • Ethie introduced Nancy Olt who will be taking over as Friends President in June. • Revenue for the current year was lower due to ChiRP, but the group met and exceeded their goal by $16k. • The Friends Annual Meeting will be held on 6/12/25 from 9-11 AM. Will include updates, elections and an open welcome reception. Administrative Updates Jill Hai recognized and thanked Liz O'Neil for her leadership of the Cary Library Foundation and Ethie Slate for her leadership of the Friends of Cary Library. Director's report • Thank you to Laura Bernheim for speaking at the MLA conference and bringing professional development and libraries together to talk about our world. • Thank you to Kevin Grocki, Eunice Hong, Nicole Vandeyar who presented at the conference with "Communicating with Staff During Construction." • Michelle Techler, the Teen Librarian, is leaving after six years to become Asst. Director at the Wellesley Free Library. She was instrumental during the post Transformative Space years, the Lead the Way program and working with the Pelham School. • Heather Vandermillen has again applied for the Dana Home Grant, which provides materials for seniors. New this year there will be some Senior Studio Art Programs in conjunction with Helen Lui and our programming team. • MLN has been curtailing some statewide databases and there is a possibility the Minuteman Network will pick up some of these costs. Unsure of how these will impact Cary Library. We are extremely grateful to have private funding to cover these costs if need be. • Municipal Budget is on course for FY26. Construction Project • Hats off to the Facilities Department as they work hard to keep us open. o Currently working on HVAC o Timeline has been pushed out further by at least three weeks. o Confirmed with Mark Barrett that project still on budget. Old Business LICA Update Rabbi Karen Thomashow spoke of the uniqueness of Maria Hastings Cary's gift to the town that established the Select Board, School Committee, and Settled Clergy as Library Trustees. Conversations consider about the role of the Lexington Interfaith Community Association in identifying clergy to serve on the Board. LICA plans to offer a proposal to the Full Board next year. New Business Nominations for Executive Board for FY26 Doug Lucente put forward the slate of Executive Board members for next year: Jill Hai (Select Board) —Chair Karen Thomashow (Clergy) — Vice Chair Barbara Callaghan (Clergy) Sarah Carter (School Committee) Joe Pato (Select Board) Motion to approve by Jill Hai. Second Kathleen Lenihan. Unanimous approval. Recommendations for HDC Jill Hai gave an overview of the HDC and explained that the library sends nominations for potential HDC members to the Select Board. Eileen Jay, Joe Pato and Reebee Girash were appointed to consider applicants and propose the following candidates for the Board's approval. Full Member Scott Cooper William Roesner Associate Member Robert Bellinger James Carrico Motion to forward candidates to the Select Board by Eileen Jay. Second Rabbi Karen Thomashow. Unanimously approved. Announcements Kathleen Lenihan noted that the LHS Community Forum will be tonight 6:30-8:30 PM. Group is requesting feedback which can also be given online. Eileen Jay wanted to mention how she has enjoyed being on the Executive Board for a number of years. Sarah Carter is excited to join the board as she trained as a librarian and previously worked as a school librarian. Jill Hai wanted to remind all that Saturday is Discovery Day for Lexington. Adjournment - Motion to adjourn at 1:13 PM by Jill Hai. Second by Eileen Jay. Motion approved by unanimous vote.