===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Public Library Trustees of Lunenburg Public Library, Meeting Minutes February 19, 2026 Sudolnik Conference Room, Lunenburg Public Library Members Present: Muir Haman (Director), Harry Kubetz, Maia Wentrup, Laura Boussom, Robin Venezia, Jana Balish, David Niose, Stephanie Trudel, Glenn McLeod (Select Board Representative) Members Absent: None The LPLBT meeting was called to order at 6:51 p.m. by Chair Harry Kubetz. Public Comment ● Muir thanked us for completing his performance evaluation and for our ongoing support. He will continue to strive to keep up with our expectations, and will work towards completing the new goals for FY2027. Agenda Items ● Approval of Minutes of January 15, 2026 ○ Robin made a motion to accept the minutes of January 15, 2026, as amended, seconded by Jana. The motion passed with six votes, with Maia abstaining. ● Director’s Report ○ FY2027 Budget Update The Town Manager has asked department heads to prepare a level service budget. Muir will be presenting the library’s budget to the Finance Committee on March 5. A level service budget is anticipated to need an override at Town Meeting. ○ FY2026 Budget Update Longevity is a bonus for 10 years of service and is a contractual obligation. 15K of invoices were submitted today, and an Ingram invoice for about 12K was just received. ○ Staff Update Muir said he appreciated the help Lydia Paolilli and Debbie Lafond gave during his parental leave. Debbie will be back again once Lydia takes her parental leave. Minna Scholten, the new Library Assistant, is learning circulation desk duties and helping with small projects in the Children’s room. We received a $700 grant from the Emerson Hospital Christine Gallery Community Benefit Program. This will be used to purchase memory kits for people with dementia and their caregivers. The kits will be housed at the Lunenburg Adult Activity Center and catalogued by the library. Muir finished the FY25 Annual Report for the Trustees. ○ Programs Update Joslyn has been going above and beyond organizing and scheduling teen and tween programs while we have a vacancy in the Teen Librarian position. A paraprofessional from the school is continuing to volunteer to run a game group and a Dungeons & Dragons group. Toddler yoga and children’s crafts have been popular. ○ Outreach Update Muir is working on building a list of volunteers who could help us offer a Repair Clinic event. Melanie is preparing a second event at Baker Brook, and will also be attending a meeting ot the Lunenburg Women’s Club to talk about library services. 1 ===PAGE 2=== ○ Technology Update The new color printer has been using a lot of toner. Staff have changed the settings to a lower quality print to test and see if this will produce a good print and use less toner. The old printer, which Maribeth was using to make labels, is no longer working. Sherri’s workstation is on the list to be replaced. It was scheduled to be replaced last year, but was delayed. The Friends have purchased replacement early literacy stations for the Children’s Room with a gift in honor of Anne L. Rivard and Charlene M. Wagner, supplemented with other funds from the Friends. ○ Building & Maintenance Update Bill Tyler has been helping with some extra cleaning and maintenance around the library. We are still waiting on the final steps of the electronic lock system. ● CIPA Presentation ○ The Children’s and Internet Protection Act (CIPA), is a federal law which permits the government to require entities receiving certain kinds of federal funding to filter internet content. ○ CWMARS recently upgraded a fiber-optic switch for our internet. There is federal funding available through the FCC’s E-Rate program to subsidize the cost of this line. In order to get this subsidy, the library would need to agree to install filtering software in order to be in compliance with CIPA. Compliance requires the use of filtering software for internet access. ○ We do not currently have a filter. It is against library policy for people to access pornography in the building or on our network. ○ Muir has submitted forms to CWMARS expressing our intent to be in compliance with CIPA so that we can apply for the grants to subsidize the cost of the line. However, this does not bind us. We can change our mind before June 30, 2026. ○ The Trustees need to decide if we want to install a filter and censor information so that we can receive a discount, or do we want to forgo the discount and decline to censor information. The discount would be about $1,500. ○ Questions we have are: ■ What information will be censored? ■ Who determines what will be censored? ■ Will we get a list of websites and information that is being censored? ■ Can we create a whitelist to prevent certain websites from being censored? ■ Do we have liability if we don’t censor? ■ Are there any unexpected expenses connected with this software that will negate the value of the discount we receive on the fiber line? ○ Muir will meet with a representative from Cisco, who will be providing the software, to get answers to our questions. ● Trustee Handbook Discussion ○ We reviewed Chapter 3 from the MBLC Trustee Handbook, Legal Responsibilities ● Conroy Memorial Garden Update ○ Muir has been working on getting quotes for a plaque for the garden. He is looking at etched brass, cast brass, or engraved granite. Bob’s family would like the phrase, “Every day is an adventure”, on the plaque. ● Policy Discussion(s) - Gift & Investment ○ Gift Policy - will review at a future meeting. ○ Investment Policy - Robin presented us with an edited version based on our discussion last month. Muir will be meeting with Town Counsel to get their feedback on this policy. ● Brooks House Update / Discussion ○ None 2 ===PAGE 3=== ● Friends Update ○ Chris Harlow has set up Donor Box and it is ready to use. It should be released for public use soon. ● Board Comments ○ Harry let Muir know that the drinking fountains in the library were not working. ○ Robin mentioned a March 2, 2026 email from Kara McCarthy, Lunenburg’s Communications & IT Manager, about federal requirements concerning website accessibility. Robin asked if the library’s website would need to meet these requirements. Muir said he would check. ● Other ○ None ● Adjourn ○ A motion to adjourn was made by Stephanie, seconded by Maia. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. ● Attached Documents ○ February 2026 Director’s Report ○ February 2026 Youth Services Report ○ February 2026 Adult Services Report ● Additional Documents Referenced ○ MBLC Trustee Handbook ○ Lunenburg Public Library FY25 Annual Report ○ Gift Policy (Draft) ○ Investment Policy (Draft) ○ CIPA PowerPoint presentation 3 ===PAGE 4=== LUNENBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT FY26 Budget Update *updated to reflect this week’s warrant. FY27 Budget Update March 5 will be the Library’s presentation to the Finance Committee. The Town Manager is anticipated to be delivering her preliminary budget this week, a level service budget. A level service budget for the town is anticipated to need an override. Staff Update Lydia performed to rave reviews while I was on leave. She efficiently took care of business and was acknowledged at last week’s Selectboard meeting by the Town Manager. She effectively monitored and mentored staff while I was unavailable. Debbie Laffond is helping as a temporary employee. She will take some time away during March and then return to help us during Lydia’s leave. Minna Scholten is our new Library Assistant, and we are excited to see how she can contribute. She seems to have picked up familiarity with circulation duties quickly, and is helping us with small projects in the Children’s Room. Lydia and I are continuing regular checkins with Joslyn and Melanie to maintain our availability for them as they work on their projects. We were awarded a grant from the Emerson hospital Christine Gallery Community Benefit Grant and will purchase memory kits that can circulated to Alzheimer sufferers and their caregivers. These will be housed at the LAAC and catalogued by the library. FY26 Budget Budget Expended % Expended Calendar Completion LIBRARY DIRECTOR SALARY 97,076$ 60,998$ 63% 64% ASST LIBRARY DIRECTOR SALARY 69,627$ 45,186$ 65% LIBRARY STAFF SALARIES 272,757$ 158,620$ 58% LONGEVITY 850$ 850$ 100% BLDG REPAIRS & MTC SEWERAGE DISPOSAL 1,300$ 476$ 37% ELECTRICITY CHARGES 22,500$ 15,443$ 69% HEATING CHARGES/NATURAL GAS 18,500$ 8,330$ 45% WATER CHARGES 1,150$ 574$ 50% NETWORK MAINTENANCE 500$ 140$ 28% BOOK SERVICE 4,500$ 4,476$ 99% PROGRAMS 16,000$ 8,244$ 52% CONTRACTED SERVICES 2,500$ 0% CWMARS NETWORK 20,571$ 20,571$ 100% POSTAGE -$ OFFICE SUPPLIES 8,000$ 4,007$ 50% CUSTODIAL SUPPLIES 300$ 233$ 78% LIBRARY MATERIAL 96,000$ 21,314$ 22% MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT 4,000$ 278$ 7% TOTALS 636,131$ 349,738$ 55% ===PAGE 5=== LUNENBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT Karen Barret is the new Town Finance Director, the Assistant Accountant continues. I have a meeting with Karen and the Town Manager on Friday of this week to discuss the preliminary budget for the Library. Programs Joslyn has really gone above and beyond to organize and schedule a steady stream of teen/tween programs while we have had the vacancy in the Teen Room. We have also been lucky to have a volunteer interested in leading a weekly board game club and a Dungeons and Dragon group. We continue to hope that the numbers for those events will increase. Our Minecraft Tournament drew 20 excited participants on Feb 14th. Children’s crafts have seen a positive response with 32 attendees for Sock Snowmen and 38 for Love Bugs. Toddler Yoga has been another positive note with 19 little guys in attendance this past month. Adult programs have seen some weather impacts, though many programs are seeing steady numbers. 15 attended the treasure journaling workshop, and 15 attended the sock hop concert. An interesting note: attendance at virtual programs this month climbed to 15 at the 5 events we advertised, a significant increase over recent months. Our Valentines Day movie showing brought in a small crowd who were thoroughly entertained last Friday night. Coming up: 2/18 Afrobeats Dance class for Kids, 2/18 Scottish Music concert, 2/19 STEM Olympics, 2/20 Winter Salve workshop, 2/21 Winter Puzzle Swap, 2/27 Video Game Night, 2/28 next session of Toddler Yoga, 3/2 Bridie Wolejko art exhibit “Harmony and Discord,” 3/7 Music Clinic, 3/14 Candle Making sessions for kids and for teens. Outreach Currently working on building a list of volunteers who might help us offer a Repair Clinic Outreach event. Melanie is working on scheduling a second presentation at Baker Brook, and will be visiting the Lunenburg Women’s Club to talk about library services at one of their two next meetings. We are have begun filling out our calendar for late Spring and summer. If you notice any potential visits, let me know. Right now, Cruise Night, May Vendor Fair, Artisan Markets, and several visits to local recreation spots (beach, pickleball courts, etc.) are what we are planning. ▪ Building & Maintenance Bill Tyler has been helping out us with a some extra cleaning and maintenance around the library. He’s always a reliable and hard-working helper. We are still waiting for the final steps on the electronic lock system. ▪ Technology We are monitoring the toner usage in the new color printer, trialing a lower “quality” setting. The old machine had been dialed in and used only a moderate amount of color toner, and this machine needs to be tuned in. The old machine also finally gave out (it limped along just long enough!) As the town ===PAGE 6=== LUNENBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT continue to try to minimize extra printers, we have identified at least two that we feel very strongly that we need to keep for our operations: the color machine and the staff black-and-white. Sherri’ workstation is on the list the be replaced as soon as we can make it happen. Nothing catastrophic, but we delayed that replacement last year. The Friends have purchased replacement Early Literacy Stations in the Children’s Room with a gift in honor Anne L Rivard and Charlene M Wagner, supplemented with other funds from the Friends. ===PAGE 7=== February 2026 Youth Services Trustee Report Children’s Stats (Jan 13 – Feb 9) Activity Participants Drop-In Craft Sock Snowmen 32 Around the World Story Time 13 Around the World Story Time 15 Toddler Yoga 19 Sounds and Music Story Time 16 Kids Comic Club Kits 6 Drop-In Craft: Love Bugs 38 Around the World Story Time 4 Bookworms Book Club 4 Kiddie Music Time 38 Beginners Book Club 4 Tween/Teen Stats Activity Participants Nautical Crafting w/ Pop-Up Art School 5 Tween/Teen Dungeons and Dragons 2 Budget Stats: ===PAGE 8=== Highlights: TODDLER YOGA: The first of our Monthly Toddler Yoga was an adorable success! Ava from 2 Mindful Girls was incredible at engaging the kiddos in a Frozen-themed yoga class both toddlers and their grownups seemed to really enjoy! The February session is already full - with a full waitlist too! DROP-IN CRAFT – LOVE BUGS: Seems like Drop-In Crafts are back in full swing! Plenty of adorable little bugs and proud kids! KIDDIE MUSIC TIME: Monument Square Music is always delightful. The kids that dance, dance the whole time. The kids that are too scared to dance, still watch the whole “show” in awe. Lots of smiles and giggles as always. ===PAGE 9=== Upcoming Events: • Feb 11: Around the World Storytime • Feb 11: Teen Board Game Club • Feb 11: In-Betweeners Book Club • Feb 12: Teen Metalsmithing Workshop • Feb 13: Tween/Teen D&D Club • Feb 14: Tween Minecraft Tournament • Feb 17: Winter Painting w/ Miss Julie • Feb 18: Afrobeats Dance Class • Feb 19: STEM Olympics • Feb 23: Sounds and Music Storytime • Feb 23: Homeschool Craft Corner • Feb 25: Around the World Storytime • Feb 25: Teen Board Game Club • Feb 27: Tween/Teen D&D Club • Feb 27: Tween/Teen After-Hours Video Game Night • Feb 28: Toddler Yoga • Mar 2: Sounds and Music Storytime • Mar 4: Around the World Storytime • Mar 4: Teen Board Game Club • Mar 5: The Bookworms Book Club • Mar 6: Tween/Teen D&D Club • Mar 9: Kiddie Music Time • Mar 9: The Beginners Book Club • Mar 10: Teen Cupcake Decorating • Mar 11: Around the World Storytime • Mar 11: Teen Board Game Club • Mar 12: In-Betweeners Book Club • Mar 13: Tween/Teen D&D Club • Mar 14: Colorful Candle Making for Kids • Mar 14: Tween Spring Candle Making Joslyn Davis, Children’s Services Librarian ===PAGE 10=== Trustee Report Adult Services Department February 2026 Summary of Last Month ➢ The yoga and breathwork classes showed a lot of initial interest with full classes and long waitlists for the January sessions. However, we had nearly 50% no-show rates for each program. We will adjust class sizes to absorb some of these absences, and an email was sent to all February and March registrants to be considerate of their registration. Hopefully we will see improvement for the remainder of the classes. ➢ The treasure journaling workshop on Friday, January 16th went really well. We had 15 enthusiastic crafters attend and create unique hand-sewn journals out of recycled materials. It was highly reviewed and these presenters will be on my list of programmers to ask back in the future for more crafting events. ➢ On January 24th we held our Sock Hop Golden Oldies party despite the frigid temperatures outside. There were 15 people in the audience for this very fun and engaging concert. Denis Cormier brought costumes and great energy to make this an unforgettable show at the library. ➢ For our virtual program offerings, there were 16 total registrations across the five programs held this month. Some were more popular than others, but it is encouraging to see the engagement rising. There are six virtual events planned for February, so we will see if the trend continues or starts to dip as the year progresses. Recurring Program Updates ➢ Book clubs went well in January. We had steady attendance at both meetings – and a few new members joined us! o 100 Books Bucket List is discussing The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame at the next meeting on Tuesday March 3rd o Between the Bookends is discussing Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived by Ralph Helfer at the next meeting on Wednesday March 11th ➢ No significant changes to our drop-in tech help sessions with Melanie. There have been more patron requests for tech help appointments during other work hours, but ===PAGE 11=== the workload seems manageable for Melanie for now. We will continue to monitor and adjust if needed. February Programs ➢ Adults Only Make It Monthly for February are string art hearts on Wednesday, February 4th and Thursday, February 5th. This will be the last of the series before my maternity leave, but based on how well this class goes, we may resume when I return in the summer. ➢ The biweekly yoga and breathwork classes continue for February on Thursday, February 5th and 19th. ➢ A popular program, Jason Graham’s Saturday music clinic, will be on February 7th. ➢ Jill Pottle is returning to teach colored pencil drawing on Sunday, February 8th. ➢ In conjunction with a teen session earlier in the day, adults can make their own copper bookmark with Heather Beck on Thursday, February 12th. ➢ To celebrate Valentine’s Day, on Friday, February 13th we will host Jeff Rapsis for live music accompaniment to silent film “Girl Shy” starring Harold Llyod. ➢ The Monthly Music Series for February will take place on Wednesday, February 18th with an evening of Scottish music. ➢ Grace Krupkowski with Trilogy Herbalism rescheduled her winter salve making workshop from January 30th to February 20th. ➢ Our annual winter puzzle swap will take place on Saturday, February 21st and we already have quite a few collected! ➢ Following the puzzle swap will be a puzzle race on Wednesday, February 25th. ➢ We also have several virtual programs running in conjunction with the Ashland Library on February 2nd, 7th, 9th, 12th, 23rd, and 26th. Programming Financial Report ADULT PROGRAMS AS OF 2/1/2026 BUDGET LINE TOTAL % SPENT % ENCUMBERED % REMAINING TOWN $4,500 51% 41% 8% FRIENDS - PROGRAM $3,000 67% 29% 4% FRIENDS - SUPPLIES $1,000 23% 0% 77% MUSIC SERIES $6,600 52% 27% 21% GRAND TOTAL $14,600 48% 24% 28% ===PAGE 12=== Respectfully submitted, Lydia Paolilli, Assistant Library Director