Mr. Hightower discussed the May Treasurer's Report. There were no questions.
Director's Report - June 2023
2.
Ms. Smith presented the Director's Report for June.
Budget News:
· The Commission Special Fund budget is on our agenda for discussion and a vote tonight.
With the change in responsibilities for our photocopier machines, the Commission
Special Fund budget will be evolving.
Library News:
· Ledyard Public Library has been selected to receive the American Library Association’s
Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant in
the highest amount of $20,000! This exceptional opportunity is focused on improving
library services to those with disabilities. We will be hosting community conversations in
the coming months to better understand Ledyard/Gales Ferry needs so we can begin to
enhance library services. Monday, July 24 at 6:30 p.m. we will host a hybrid (in-person
and virtual) community conversation at Bill Library. Tuesday, July 25 at 6:30 p.m. we
will host an in-person community conversation at Gales Ferry Library. The goal of these
community conversations is to hear directly from members of our community so we can
allocate grant funding accordingly.
· Beth Nemchek accepted the Library Assistant position and started working June 12,
2023. She is a regular library user and Ledyard resident.
· We are working on several behind the scenes projects to clean up our online catalog and
also streamline workflow when it comes to hold receipts. Currently, each hold slip
requires staff to hand write names on the top of slips and we are looking into having
names print out on the slips.
· Our World Language collection items are arriving and items are currently being
cataloged and processed. You will now find books written in Spanish for all ages at both
locations.
· The staff meeting on June 2 went well and Sgt. Ryan Foster from Ledyard Police
Department presented on the ALICE program which focuses on active “Violent Critical
Incidents” and will encompass all types of workplace incidents not strictly and active
shooter incident. We also used the remaining time that afternoon for library professional
development.
· This past Saturday, June 17, we had 130 participants attend our Summer Reading
kick-off event with Pete the Cat! It was an action packed, magical performance full of
singing, dancing, reading, and really spread joy to all ages. As of today, we have 158
youth signed up who have already logged 104 adventures. Our Adult Summer Reading is
also open and we have about 30 registrants so far.
Building News:
· The Bill Library audio visual collection has taken on a shift and new look! A shelving
unit used for music CDs and movies was a safety concern due to pull out drawers that
would not stay closed. We were able to move around other shelving to take its place. Not
only are the shelves safer for the public, but the shelving units are now spaced out to also
follow ADA guidelines. The music CDs are conveniently displayed in new acrylic
containers promoting easy access and browsability.
· The Bill Library sign by the street has been updated with our revised hours. We will now
be open Saturdays 9:00-5:00 p.m. year-round. Our Sunday season will be slightly shorter.
