Otis Library & Museum Minutes* via Zoom
Thursday, March 11, 2021
5:00 PM
Members in attendance: Diane Dyer, Chair, James Adams, Kathy Bort, Susan Brofman, Susan Ebitz, Lois Hall, Gloria Mamokhin, Donna Rich, Celeste Watman (Phone)
Meeting called to order at 5:11 by Diane Dyer, Chair
- Approval of February Minutes – unanimously approved
- Approval February Treasurer’s reports – FY21 payment received from the town
- Director’s Report – (see attached, unedited)
- Unfinished/Ongoing Business
- Gardening Programming via Zoom – (Diane)
- Workshop with Nicole Zacariah, on Zoom, March 22, at 7:00PM
- LTC “Diversity Otis” – grant (Kathy, Donna, & Susan)
- StoryWalk, “Pop-in” Poetry – Donna shared April 24, at 7:00 PM, StoryWalk, Saturday, March 20, 1:00 PM
- March 16th, Zoom taping for Ch. 22 News – Kathy contacted by Librarian Nicole Daviau of Blandford who put her in touch with Susan E.
- School outreach- Susan will be contacting Supt./Principal Tom Nandoly with recommendations for faculty members who are willing to peruse books.
- New Business
- Working with Otis Historical Commission – Celeste wants the library to coordinate with the Historical Commission, and the FRRSD to explore Otis History. The group would like to facilitate a Historical Club that meets monthly afterschool, in-person at the library. COVID Constraints and bussing were listed as possible deterrents at our library but Diane suggested that the library at the school could be used. Celeste also noted that the group is looking for a history facilitator for the club.
- Inventory and assessment of Museum contents – Diane talked to Eve Kummel, former trustee who had looked into this four years ago. Eve found that the professional inventory would cost more than the contents of the museum are worth.
- Vaccination Update: Can we meet “in-person” in April? May? -Not all of us will be fully vaccinated by our April meeting. This meeting will be conducted via Zoom.
- The Board voted unanimously to hire John Charrow for four hours at $40 a hour to prepare the library to host Zoom Meetings.
- Other – Jim Adams has filed paperwork to be on the ballot for the upcoming caucus as an elected library trustee.
- The Fair was brought up as a possible fundraiser in the fall rather than the summer.
- The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Ebitz, Recording Secretary
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Circulation & Attendance Approximately 10-12 transaction
Delivery 3 bins weekly
Acquisitions added 40 items: Recent Releases will be sent to patrons, posted on website & copies will be made upon request
Museum Passes : most have been renewed discontinued Smith, Trustees Reservations, The Zoo at Forest Park, and Amelia Park skate Arena ( Rec. Com.) Picked Up Berkshire Botanical, Hancock Shaker Village, and waiting on a decision on Magic Wings.
Putting rooms back together for opening: March 22 & March 23
News
MA Elementary Schools to open April , Vaccines administered to teachers beginning March 11, 2021
School Vacation APRIL 19 -April 23
Camera Articulation and Integration and training for Video/Remote Programming…Town Technology/ Matthew Fillio / Jonathan Charow
New Sign & Flags will be ordered
LIBRARY STATUS: PROPOSAL
RE-OPENING THE OTIS LIBRARY !!
We are excited to announce the safe and limited opening of the Otis Library on
Thursday April 1, 2021
The Otis Library hours: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday closed
Wednesday 11-5; Thursday 11-5; Friday 11-5
Saturday curbside pick up only
The socially distant capacity of the Library will be 10 people. Therefore, admittance to the Library will be by appointment only. Please call 413-269-0109, you can leave a message, or email kbort@otislibraryma.org.
- Patrons may use the Library for computer use. While continuing to maintain safe, strict social distancing the Library will allow 3 Library computer appointments and 2 computer appointments using private devices. Face masks & gloves are required. Appointment duration will be determined by the Library staff.
- Patrons may come to the Library to browse and select materials. Face masks and gloves must be worn, and strict social distancing will be maintained. The Circulation, Roosevelt, and Non-Fiction Rooms will be opened for browsing.
- Curbside Services will continue. Call the library to make requests or email requests to kbort@otislibraryma.org.
- Librarians will work with members of the public on an appointment basis using appropriate distancing procedures and personal protective equipment. Librarian services include preparing patron request for pick up, copying, scanning, sending faxes, providing technology assistance, research and reference.
- Returned Materials must be placed in the outside book depository. Librarians empty the book depository wearing gloves and masks. Returned items are place in quarantine for 72 hours before being processed for return and subsequent circulation.
Reopening policies and procedures
- Librarians are available to help patrons learn how to access digital services.
- Patrons are encouraged to continue to use online services and resources.
- All items borrowed are fine free.
- Librarians can obtain materials, prepare patron requests for pick up, and potentially work with members of the public on an appointment basis using appropriate distancing procedures and personal protective equipment.
Next Meeting: April 8
Future Meetings: May 13, June 10, 2020
* Meeting was conducted in accordance with the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law