Author: Kate Hibbert

Board of Library Trustees Meeting, 6 PM, Wednesday, May 17, 2023, Library Meeting Room, 410 Newman Avenue, Seekonk, MA

Posted on by Kate Hibbert

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

Update on Library Services

Posted on by Kate Hibbert

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

Curbside and remote services only as of 12/22/20

Posted on by Kate Hibbert

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.

Update on Library Services

Posted on by Kate Hibbert

Dear Friends,

How are you? This has been a challenging time with many adjustments to our daily lives.  We hope that you and your families remain safe and well. While we know that you have appreciated our virtual library services, we also know that you are as eager as we are to resume some sense of normalcy.

The Commonwealth’s Phase 1 reopening plan includes library curbside delivery.  We are working diligently to be able to reopen our bookdrops and provide curbside delivery. For the safety of our patrons, volunteers, and staff, we want to be certain we are meeting all safety standards as outlined by the Commonwealth’s Safety Standards, as well as best practices within the Massachusetts library community. Please continue to monitor our website, social media channels, and newsletters for information regarding the resumption of limited services. 

We thank you for your patience and support over the past weeks. We thank you for reaching out to let us know how much you value library services during this time. Please continue to reach out to us – we will move forward together.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Hibbert
Associate Director

Stay Informed: Resources to help you during the COVID-19 Crisis

Posted on by Kate Hibbert

This is a challenging time for our community. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed all aspects of our daily lives. We have to reassess our daily activities and delve into uncharted waters. A tremendous amount of information is available, but finding trustworthy resources can be challenging. We have created a curated list of health and wellness sources, as well as news, education, and recreation resources, to help you navigate this unfamiliar territory. Our building may be closed, but we are still able to serve you. Please contact library@seekonkpl.org for additional help.

Updated information on library services

Posted on by Kate Hibbert

Hi Friends,

On March 31, Governor Baker extended his non-essential stay-at-home advisory to May 4. We recognize that this has been a challenging time for our community. We want to reassure you that the library does not want to contribute to any anxiety you may be feeling. In cooperation with the SAILS network, we have made the following updates to library services:

Due dates will be extended. The new due date for items currently checked out will be June 4.

Overdue fines will be waived. Overdue fines will be waived for all library items currently checked out.

Hold pickup dates will be extended. The new pickup date for holds will be May 15. If you had been notified prior to our closure that an item was available for pick-up, you now have until May 15 to pick that item up.

Our Wi-Fi is ON. Our wi-fi service is on and accessible from our parking lot. The network is “Guest” and no password is required. Please note that parking closer to the library is your best option for access.

We are here for you. We encourage you to access our library website and to contact us via social media or at library@seekonkpl.org or childrens@seekonkpl.org. Library staff are monitoring these accounts remotely and will make every effort to reply in a timely manner.

At this point, it is uncertain when the library will re-open. Please note we will continue to serve you remotely, we thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to seeing you again.

Sincerely,
Peter Fuller, Director
Kathleen Hibbert, Associate Director

Library closed due to public health emergency

Posted on by Kate Hibbert

March 17, 2020

Dear Friends,

We hope that we have been keeping you well informed about library service in our community while the library is closed.  Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, we are all learning what our “new normal” is. We appreciate your patience as we navigate through this unfamiliar and rapidly changing landscape.  These are the latest updates in library service effectively immediately:

  • Staff will not be available to answer telephones as mentioned yesterday. We will be monitoring our email and social media channels and will do our best to respond to any inquiries in a timely manner.
  • Our outside book drop will be locked. We ask that you hold onto your library materials until the library re-opens. Due dates on items currently checked out will be extended 30 days and overdue fines will be waived.

We encourage you to routinely check our website and social media channels for any updates to our status.

Our staff will continue to share additional resources that are available for individuals and families over the coming weeks.

Lastly, we encourage you to stay informed by visiting the Centers for Disease Control, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and Town of Seekonk web sites.

We wish the best to you and your families,

Peter Fuller, Director

Kathleen Hibbert, Associate Director

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