Grafton Public Library

Weekly Report: Feb 7-12, 2022

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The Library had 1,386 visitors, issued 26 new library cards, circulated 2,914 items, added 305 new books, placed 443 hold requests and fulfilled 307 holds – the most requested item was Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty.

After discussion with the Board of Library Trustee Chair, the Library will resume offering programs and meeting room use as follows. All dates are targets and dependent on diminishing COVID-19 case numbers in the Town of Grafton.

Please note the Library and all municipal buildings are still under a mask mandate as directed August 6, 2021 by Evan Brassard, Town Administrator, until further notice, including meeting rooms and programs, to be assessed by TA at the end of February.

Monday February 14

  • Meeting rooms for under 10 people – group study, proctoring, tutoring of youth over age 5 (rooms 117, 124, 125, 202, & 229

Monday February 28

  • Library-sponsored programs for adults & teens, and meeting space for 10 people or more.
  • Rooms 219 and the Community Room

Monday April 4

  • Library-sponsored programs for school-age children ages 5 & up,
  • Wall manipulatives and children’s room computers available.


Monday May 2

  • Library-sponsored programs for all ages, adding in children ages 0-4.

Dates to be aware of:

  • 2/18 Board of Health rescinding mask mandate for non-municipal buildings
  • 2/28 DESE rescinding mask mandate for MA public schools and leaving it up to districts to decide.

We have opened the Book Drop for Friends Donations only! Library materials must be returned in the automated materials handler, which has an exterior intake and one inside the library. Please comply with posted signage. Library items returned to the bin may not be recognized by volunteers, and could make it into the book sale. Fines or fees may accrue for items not returned to the proper location.

The Friends take donations of most books and media in saleable condition: materials that are yellowed or aged, brittle, damaged, written in, moldy, wet, or smelly cannot be accepted. Textbooks, magazines, toys, games, puzzles, clothing, records, or VHS or cassette tape are not accepted.

The Library staff offer their condolences to the family of Tom Mara, beloved husband of former library trustee Bev Mara. The family has requested memorial donations in lieu of flowers to be directed to the Senior Center and Library.

CTA had a construction specialist on site to address bubbling paint in the Historic Reading Room. DMH Electrical was on site to install additional electrical outlets and a clock in the New Book/Large Print room. Bibliotheca had a technician on site to address gate issues and install additional 2D barcode scanners on the AMH intakes. Study room doors are shipping at the end of February. Donor wall and plaques are in process and may be completed by the end of the month.

We began interviewing for library vacancies this week. Beth attended a construction meeting and the Friends meeting, and a webinar on grassroots activism titled: Troublemaker Training: Banned Books edition. She also attended A Conversation with Art Spiegelman, Author of Maus, hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga. The recording is available online.

Beth updated the Town’s grant list with Library grants, and signed a quote to order ADA hardware. We will be receiving a variety of magnifiers for people with low vision. Beth also worked on press releases, website updates, security camera and door lock instructions, and annual report financials for the Library Planning and Building Committee and Board of Library Trustees.

Sarah brainstormed upcoming programming, contacted Mr. Kim and Apple Tree Arts, attended the MASSYAC Youth Services Community Chat, worked on collection development, planned and implemented a virtual school visit for SGES preschool classes, communicated with NSES about an upcoming spring tour, and discussed programming and masking guidelines with Beth.

Sarah prepped the “And Then…” collaborative book collection, wrote a summary of Feb programs for staff, updated EventKeeper, scheduled social media posts for February, and updated the website.

Cyndi worked on the CR library of things, gave tours to prospective Reference candidates, coordinated with volunteers, and assisted patrons. She also attended a webinar on Copyright for Librarians: What you need to Know by NICHE Academy Sara R. Benson, presenter. Mare coordinated with volunteers and assisted patrons, and met with Beth to review her Paralibrarian III application.

Erin  recommends https://www.whatshouldireadnext.com for anyone who wants a random read – sort of like Blind Date with a Book year-round! She also demonstrated origami hearts for a tween patron.

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