Category: alllibraryposts

Call to Order

Approval of Minutes

Mail, Other Communications, and Requests to Use Library Facilities

       Executive Session

1. Consider a motion to enter into executive session as per MGL c 30A s 21(a) (3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares.  (Requires a rollcall vote.)
   1. Consider a motion to return to open session.  (Requires a rollcall vote)

Monthly Liaison & Committee Reports

Building Project Steering Committee

Seekonk Library Trust

Friends of the Seekonk Library

Seekonk Meadows Advisory Sub-committee

Old Business 

Library Trustees Award – Senior Class Night, May 31, 2023

Discussion of 2023 Sharon St. Hilaire Award

New Business  [An asterisk indicates that the item may require a vote of the Board ]*

Reorganization of the Board *

Discussion of Town Meeting Warrant Article

FY24 Funding Request to the Friends of the Library*

Policy Reviews  

#120 Policy on Accepting Gifts*

#320 Display Space & Sign Policy* 

#330 Meeting Room Use Policy*

#340 Policy on Naming & Recognition*

Other Business Public Comments & Questions

Library Director’s Report

Trustee’s Comments, Concerns & Suggestions   

Set Next Meeting Date & Vote to Adjourn

Yesterday, we were informed of a library workplace exposure to coronavirus. It was a challenging day for us as we worked to make notifications, activate emergency closing procedures, and consider the general well-being of all of our staff and community.

We always strive to be transparent. Yesterday, we chose to release the minimum information necessary in order to alert the public to the sudden change in our status. Our intent was to impart basic information, and to avoid misspeaking, during a difficult time. Today, we are able to provide additional information.

Here are some important things to know:

The library has been closed to the public since December 22 and has been providing curbside service only since that date.

No members of the public have been impacted by this workplace exposure.

We want to thank all who have reached out to express their concern, extend warm wishes, and thank us for the vital role we play in the community.

We thank you for respecting the privacy of our staff.

Lastly, we thank you for your patience over the last 24 hours. Please continue to visit our website and follow us on social media for status updates.

Please contact me directly with any questions or concerns you may have.

We look forward to reopening for curbside services on Friday, February 12.

Sincerely,
Kate Hibbert, Director

Recently, the COVID-19 positivity rate has escalated in our community. The Library Board of Trustees has made the difficult decision to return library services to curbside pickup and remote services only. While library staff will be working on site, the library building will remain closed to the public.

Please know that this was not an easy decision to make. We are aware of what a lifeline the library is for many of you, and we take our mission of service very seriously.  However, in keeping with the overall well-being of our staff and community, and in alignment with other town services, we feel the most prudent method of operation at this point in time is to return to curbside pickup and remote services only.

These changes will take effect starting Tuesday, December 22.

Here’s what to expect during this time:

Library staff will be available during normal business hours to answer any questions via phone, email, or social media.

Please continue to request items via our online catalog. Once you are notified that an item is available,  please schedule a curbside pickup by phone, or electronically via our online events calendar. Select a day, then time, that is convenient for you. Please note that curbside pickup will be suspended during inclement weather or icy conditions.

Library wifi will remain on and accessible from the parking lot; tablets and chromebooks will be available for check out.

Mobile printing will still be available – please follow these instructions, and then schedule a curbside pickup of your print job. 

We regret that notary services and in-library public computer access will not be available during this time.

We will continue to offer virtual library programming, and will keep you informed of changes in library services. We encourage you to follow us on social media, and visit our website for service updates.

Lastly, we wish you a safe holiday season, and thank you for your patience and patronage during this very challenging time.

As per Governor Baker’s Executive Order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, sec. 20, this will be an online meeting with Zoom. The public may see and listen to the meeting via ZOOM. The meeting ID # is 740 450 5287. People who have questions about viewing and/or listening to this meeting or should contact Peter Fuller, Library Director by calling (508) 336-8230, ext. 56101 or by emailing, pfuller@seekonkpl.org.
The public is also welcome to submit questions and comments prior to the meeting by emailing the Mike Durkay, Chairperson, Board of Library Trustees at trustees@seekonkpl.org. Members of the public who wish to address the library trustees at this meeting must submit a request to the Chairperson no later than 12:00 PM on Monday August 17.

Meeting Agenda

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes
   a. June 2020 regular meeting
   b. July 15 regular meeting
   c. July 15 executive session
   d. July 29 special session (interview)
3. Mail, Other Communications, and Requests to Use Library Facilities
   a. Take any actions pertaining to requests received by the Board– Discussion & Vote
4. Monthly Liaison & Committee Reports
   [This section may include votes to take action pertaining to the requested by library-related organizations and Board sub-committees.]
   a. Seekonk Library Trust – Report & Discussion
   b. Friends of the Library — Report & Discussion
5. Old Business
   a. Appointment of Kate Hibbert to the position of Library Director – Discussion & Vote
   b. Extending the contract for Communication Services (Libby Post) –Discussion & Vote
   c. Update on work with Tappè Architects — Report & Discussion.
   d. Update on State funding for library construction — Report & Discussion
   e. Sharon St. Hilaire Public Service Award— Report & Discussion
   f. Update on reopening the library under Phase 3 & contingency plans to fallback to an earlier phase if required — Report & Discussion
6. New Business
   a. Search for a new Associate Director— Report & Discussion
   b. Sign ordinance memo– Discussion & Vote
   c. Vote to leave Seekonk Meadows Committee [Bylaw 9a] inactive–Discussion & Vote
7. Policy Reviews
   a. Policy # 40 Library Patron Records– Report & Discussion
   b. Policy # 50 Customer Services [no changes recommended] — Questions & Discussion
   c. Policy # 60 Ethics [no changes recommended] — Questions & Discussion
8. Public Comments & Questions –Questions & Discussion
   [This section may include votes to take appropriate actions to address concerns raised by members of the public.]
9. Library Director’s Report – Questions & Discussion
10. Trustee’s Comments, Concerns & Suggestions – Questions & Discussion
    [This section may include votes to take appropriate actions to address concerns raised by a library trustee.]
11. Other Business
    [Items that the chairperson could not reasonably anticipate more than 48 hours before this meeting and require immediate consideration because of potential adverse effects on safety, security or the orderly functioning of the library.]
12. Set Next Meeting Date & Vote to Adjourn – Discussion & Vote

Monday, June 22 at 7:00 PM at Seekonk High School

Last day to register to vote for this event is June 12, 2020. Please call the Town Clerk’s Office at (508) 336-2920 for more information.

You can download a copy of the Meeting Warrant here when you open this post.