Grafton Public Library

Library Updates

This week at GPL Kids March 18-23

Posted by mcneilj on

 

 

This week at GPL Kids

Have you checked out our playspace yet? While it’s not the Children’s Room we all know and love, it’s still lots of fun!

This week, Arts and Crafts returns.

Monday

Let’s kick off the week with a lot of fun and play. That’s right, it’s Library Babies time. This event starts at 10:30 am. Parents and caregivers can bring in their babies for a fun-filled time of songs, rhymes, and of course, lots of cuddles. This is a perfect opportunity for babies to develop their motor skills, and for parents to connect with other parents. Don’t forget to join us!

Open Play runs after storytime, 11:30am-7pm.

Tuesday

Drop in and unleash your creativity with seasonal art in this engaging program designed for Grades K-5! Craft materials will be at your fingertips from 5:30-7:00 pm.

Our Open Play starts from 11:30 am and goes till 5:00 pm. This is a great opportunity for the kids to interact and learn from each other. Open Play encourages independent play, social interaction, and is a fun way for your little ones to start the week.

Wednesday

 

On Wednesday, we have a variety of activities lined up that will keep your little ones busy. It’s Toddler Time at 10:30 am, this event is designed to keep toddlers engaged and stimulated. In the evening, at 5:30 pm, we have our Card Games event. This is a great time for kids to learn new games, develop strategic thinking, and of course, have a lot of fun!

Open Play runs after storytime, 11:30am-5pm.

Thursday

On Thursday mornings, we have our Preschool Storytime at 10:30 am. This is a wonderful opportunity for preschoolers to enjoy some delightful stories and develop a love for reading from a young age.

Open Play runs after storytime, 11:30am-5pm.

Drop in and unleash your creativity with seasonal art in this engaging program designed for Grades K-5! Craft materials will be at your fingertips from 5:30-7:00 pm.

Friday and Saturday

On Fridays and Saturdays, Open Play is available, but with a slightly different schedule. It starts from 11:30 am and ends at 2:00 pm. It’s a great way to wrap up the week with more fun and play.

Check out our online calendar for more information, and to register for Preschool Storytime.

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Children’s Programming resumes in March

Posted by mcneilj on

The Grafton Public Library is thrilled to announce the return of beloved children’s programs in March. Join us for three versions of storytime, arts and crafts, book clubs, and STEM programs. Check out our new event calendar here.

MONDAYS

MARCH 11TH, 18TH, 25TH 

 

Library Babies is 20-minute program tailored for our tiniest visitors, ages birth to walking. Every Monday at 10:30 am, join us for an engaging experience where we read stories, sing songs, recite familiar nursery rhymes, and interact with the little ones through bounces and finger plays. Parents and caregivers are not just spectators – they play a crucial role in creating a community of support and friendship. This drop-in program provides a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow parents, forge lifelong friendships, and witness the joy of early literacy together. No registration is required.

WEDNESDAYS

MARCH 12TH, 19TH, 26TH 

 

Toddler Time is a lively 30-minute program designed for our little ones aged walking to 3 years! Join us on Wednesdays at 10:30 as we share stories, sing and dance, and engage in fun movement activities. Beyond the enriching activities, Toddler Time is an opportunity for toddlers, parents, and caregivers to come together, fostering first friendships and creating a warm community.

 

THURSDAYS

MARCH 13TH, 20TH, 27TH 

 

Tailored for children aged 3-5, this 45-minute program offers a structured and engaging storytime experience. Join Ms. Sarah, and dive into a world of stories,catchy songs, interactive felt board fun, and movement activities. It’s not just a storytime – it’s a stepping stone to school readiness. Registration is required.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13TH@3:30pm

 

Join us for a special storytime, fun activities, and see a highlighted feature of the Willard House & Clock Museum.

 

This program is for preschoolers ages 3-5 and registration is required.

TUESDAYS @5:30-7:00PM

MARCH 12TH & 19TH

THURSDAYS @ 5:30-7:00PM

MARCH 14TH, 21ST, AND 28TH 

 

Drop in and unleash your creativity with seasonal art in this engaging program designed for Grades K-5! Craft materials will be at your fingertips from 5:30-7:00 pm, allowing you to explore your artistic talents and make something special.

 

Join us for a night of artistic expression and seasonal fun!

 

While creating masterpieces, please keep in mind the Library’s Unattended Child Policy: children aged 0-7 must always be accompanied by a parent/guardian; those aged 8-12 should have a parent/guardian in the Library; and those 13 and older may enjoy the program unaccompanied, provided they can use the Library independently and adhere to the Library’s Code of Conduct. 

 

W

WEDNESDAYS@ 5:30-7:00PM

MARCH 13TH, 20TH AND 27TH

 

Join us for an exciting adventure into the world of mathematics through the fun and engaging medium of card games! In this STEM program tailored for kids, we’ll delve into various mathematical concepts while enjoying classic and modern card games. From arithmetic to probability, participants will sharpen their critical thinking skills, develop strategic reasoning, and explore mathematical principles in action. Don’t miss out on this hands-on STEM adventure where learning meets fun with every shuffle and deal!

 

While creating masterpieces, please keep in mind the Library’s Unattended Child Policy: children aged 0-7 must always be accompanied by a parent/guardian; those aged 8-12 should have a parent/guardian in the Library; and those 13 and older may enjoy the program unaccompanied, provided they can use the Library independently and adhere to the Library’s Code of Conduct. 

TUESDAY, MARCH 26TH@4:15pm

 

Learn about the characteristics of comics/graphic novels and then try drawing or writing some of you own.

 

This program is for school aged children in grades 2-5.

 

While creating masterpieces, please keep in mind the Library’s Unattended Child Policy: children aged 0-7 must always be accompanied by a parent/guardian; those aged 8-12 should have a parent/guardian in the Library; and those 13 and older may enjoy the program unaccompanied, provided they can use the Library independently and adhere to the Library’s Code of Conduct. 

TUESDAY, MARCH 26TH@5:30pm

Embark on an exciting literary adventure with Ms. Kristin as she hosts a captivating book discussion tailored for our young readers in kindergarten through first grade! Immerse yourselves in the world of Fox and Chick: The Party and Other Stories. Fox is calm and thoughtful. Chick is hyperactive and flighty. They don’t always agree, but they are friends anyway.

 

TUESDAY, MARCH 26TH@6:15pm

 

Kids in grades 2 and 3!  This month we’ll be reading Bunnicula : the graphic novel. Ensure you don’t miss a beat – secure your own copy, conveniently available for pickup at the library.

 

 

TUESDAY, MARCH 26TH@7:00pm

 

Join Ms. Kristin for a book discussion for kids in grades 4 and 5. Copies of the book The Lightning Thief : the graphic novel by Rick Riordan will be available for pick-up at the library.

After learning that he is the son of a mortal woman and Poseidon, god of the sea, twelve-year-old Percy is sent to a summer camp for demigods like himself, and joins his new friends on a quest to prevent a war between the gods.

Please register below. If the event is full, you may still submit this form to be placed on the waiting list.

 

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Children’s Playspace Reopens in Community Room

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The Grafton Public Library is excited to share that the Children’s Room playspace is temporarily moving to the Library’s Community Room, marking a step towards normalcy, starting Monday, March 4th. Open play will be from 11:30am-7:00pm Monday through Thursday, and 11:30-2:00pm on Friday and Saturdays.
In the temporary location in the Community Room, children can enjoy various activities, including playing with toys, games, and AWE computers. There is ample space to play, meet friends, or read a story in our cozy seating and dedicated play areas.
Additionally, the Grafton Public Library is thrilled to announce the return of beloved children’s programs in March. Join us for three versions of storytime, arts and crafts, book clubs, and STEM programs.
For our inaugural program, join Ms. Stacie on Tuesday, March 5th for Dr. Seuss themed crafts. Celebrate Read Across America day by making truffula trees and wockets. Craft materials will be available starting at 5:30pm.
The library extends heartfelt gratitude to the community for their support, understanding, and cooperation during this challenging time. Although this temporary space may differ from the familiar Children’s Room, we aim to meet the community’s desire for a dedicated playspace and children’s programming. We eagerly anticipate welcoming families and children back to the temporary space and will provide further updates on the reopening of the permanent Children’s Room.
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New Library Calendar/Reservation System

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Starting on Tuesday, February 27, the library is transitioning to a new, more user-friendly computer program for patrons to reserve museum passes, book study rooms, and register for library events.

We have created these video tutorials to help you get to know our new reservation system:

If you still need assistance, please contact the library at (508) 839-4649, extension 1820. Our library staff are eager to help you make use of the new reservation system.

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Temporary Hours of Operation – Winter 2024

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Due to staffing shortages, we are temporary reducing our hours of operation from January 2 to April 30th, 2024.

Our temporary hours of operation will be:

Monday – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

 

 

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2024 Library Closings Announced

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Monday, January 1 CLOSED – New Year’s Day
Monday, January 15 CLOSED – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Friday, January 19 DELAYED – Professional Development Day – open at 2 p.m.
Monday, February 19 CLOSED – President’s Day
Thu, March 7 CLOSED – Professional Development Day
Monday, April 15 CLOSED – Patriots’ Day
Saturday, May 25 CLOSED – Memorial Day weekend (unpaid)
Monday, May 27 CLOSED – Memorial Day

Wednesday, June 19 CLOSED – Juneteenth
Wednesday, July 3 EARLY CLOSING – Close at 5 p.m.
Thursday, July 4 CLOSED – Independence Day
Friday, August 16 DELAYED – Professional Development Day – open at 2 p.m.
Saturday, August 31 CLOSED – Labor Day weekend (unpaid)
Monday, September 2 CLOSED – Labor Day

Monday, October 14 CLOSED – Indigenous People’s Day
Thursday, October 17 CLOSED – Professional Development Day
Monday, November 11 CLOSED – Veterans’ Day Observance
Wednesday, November 27 EARLY CLOSING – Close at 5 p.m.
Thursday, November 28 CLOSED Thanksgiving Day
Friday November 29 CLOSED Thanksgiving (mandatory personal day)

Tuesday, December 24 CLOSED – Christmas
Wednesday, December 25 CLOSED – Christmas (observed)

Tuesday, December 31 EARLY CLOSING – Close at 5 p.m.
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 CLOSED New Year’s Day

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The Children’s Room is closed for construction.

Posted by mcneilj on

On Friday 8/18, portions of the Children’s Room, Children’s Workroom (where staff offices are located), and Community Rooms, as well as the entirety of the Children’s Program room flooded during a late summer storm. Construction began Monday, 9/25 to remove and replace damaged sections of walls and flooring in the above-mentioned areas.

A limited selection of children’s books is available in the lobby. No toys, games, or seating space is available in the lobby.  Please remember that the teen room is exclusively for teens in grades 6 and above.

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding.

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Seasonal Gardening Volunteers Needed!

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Do you enjoy gardening?  Do you have a few hours each week, or as your schedule allows, that you could help maintain the gardens at the Grafton Library? There are several plots around the building that need ongoing attention – weeding, deadheading etc.  Please consider “adopting” one of the gardens and caring for it when it fits your schedule.  Hand tools, gloves and garden debris bags will be provided.  We will connect you with the volunteer currently caring for the gardens to assist you in becoming familiar with the gardening process in place. Thank you for considering this request, we hope you join the gardening team!

Please complete a volunteer application to get started. A CORI is required for volunteers over age 18.

For more about our Library Gardens, please visit https://graftonlibrary.org/home/about/garden/

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Teen Room Rules and Procedure

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Teen Room Rules

  • Earbuds or headphones must be used. No sound coming from electronic devices.
  • Respectful language only. No profanity, disrespectful, or unsafe language.
  • Remain in the Teen Room. No in and out.
  • Noise must be kept at a conversational level.
  • Clean up your area before leaving, throwing trash away.

Three Strikes

  1. Verbal warning/strike
  2. Repeated warning — may be non-verbal
  3. You will be asked to leave library property within 2 minutes*

*Groups may be asked to leave if individual members of the group are not following the rules.

When You Can Return

If you are asked to leave for a minor violation, you may return the next day with a clean slate.

Repeated violations may result in a longer suspension from the library.

Immediate Removal

You will be asked to leave IMMEDIATELY if any of the following occurs:

  • Picking up, hitting, kicking, chasing another person or taking another person’s property
  • Entering a staff area, cabinets, or drawers without permission; misuse of supplies
  • Unsafe or destructive behaviors such as vandalism or damage to equipment, furniture, walls, or other library property
  • Disrespect to library staff

When You Can Return

If you are asked to leave immediately for unsafe or disrespectful behavior, you may return:

  • 1st removal — the next day
  • 2nd removal — one week
  • 3rd removal — one month

A meeting with the Library Director or manager, and/or a parent meeting may be required to return.

If you return and are on Library property, the Grafton Police Department will be notified and you will be served with a No Trespass Order.

Teen Room Behavior Contract

Beginning 10/11/22, all teens requesting use of the teen room will be asked to sign the Teen Room Behavior Contract, which outlines the rules of the Teen Room and consequences for not following them. This will only need to be completed once and a note will be added on your library card account.

Teen Room Sign In Procedure (updated Friday October 14)

In order to ensure a safe, positive and inclusive space for all tween and teens we are limiting the number of patrons visiting the Teen Room to 22 people. Rooms further are limited by number of chairs (no more than 16 in the gaming room, 16 in the maker space, or 19 in perimeter seating at any one time). There is no congregating in ways that block doors or emergency exits, access to stacks, or life/safety equipment.

Visitors ages 13-17 must sign into the Teen Room to use the space, including the Gaming Room, Maker Space and open seating and browsing. Tutoring Rooms may be reserved on EK Rooms.

Name, grades, address, and phone/email are required to sign in.

Unattended Child Policy

Please note that all tweens and teens must also comply with the Library’s Unattended Child Policy:

  • 0-7 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times;
  • 8-12 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian remaining in the Library;
  • 13+ may be unaccompanied, provided child is able to use Library independently and follow the Library’s Code of Conduct.
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Need Help Fast? GPL cares!

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red heartWe’ve compiled a list of resources for mental health support, safety and domestic violence and abuse. Call or text these organizations for  support. They are all free and confidential, and most are available to you 24/7. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

red heartIndicates available 24/7

American Red Cross of Massachusetts
(781) 410-3670

Grafton Food Bank
(508) 277-4535

red heartMassachusetts 2-1-1
2-1-1

red heartMassachusetts Substance Use Helpline
(800) 327-5050

red heartNational Domestic Violence Helpline
(800) 799-SAFE (7233)

red heartNational Runaway Safeline
(800) RUNAWAY (786-2929)

red heartNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline
988

red heartParents Helping Parents of MA
(800) 632-8188

Planned Parenthood League of MA Sexual Health Counseling & Referral Hotline
(800) 258-4448, option #3

red heartRape, Abuse & Incest National Network
(RAINN)
(800) 632-8188

Riverside Community Care: Mental Health & Substance Use Evaluations
(800) 294-4665

red heartTrevor Project: LGBTQ Support
(866) 488-7386 or text START to 678-678

Westborough District Court: File for a Restraining Order
(508) 366-8266
If courts are closed, please visit or call the Grafton Police Station at (508) 839-2858. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

red heartTrans Lifeline
(877) 565-8860

red heartUnited Way of Tri-County Call2Talk
(508) 532-2255 or text C2T to 741741

red heartVeterans Crisis Line
(800) 273-8255 or text 838255

red heartIndicates available 24/7

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Library CLOSED for Professional Development – March 7, 2024

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The Grafton Public Library will be CLOSED for Professional Development on Thursday, March 7, 2024. No items are due this day. The Library will reopen on Friday, March 8, 2024.

Please pick up museum passes for Thursday before the Library closes at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

Please visit our online digital branch 24/7 at www.graftonlibrary.org – you can even get a digital card if you do not have a library card.

For a complete calendar of 2024 Library closings, please visit https://graftonlibrary.org/2024-library-closings/

 

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Weekly Report – February 11 to 17, 2024

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This week we circulated 1,703 items, received 443 items in transit, and sent 570 items. We requested 412 items and fulfilled 355 hold requests; registered 16 patrons for library cards; and added 67 new items. The most popular book for several weeks in a row has been The Lioness of Boston by Emily Franklin.

Due to staff shortages, Winter Hours are in effect from January 2 to March 4, 2024. The library is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Responses from a patron survey regarding library opening hours are being tabulated, and new opening hours reflecting patron preferences will take effect in early March.

Due to the start of Winter Hours last week, the Teen Room is unavailable for after-school use on Fridays through March 1. We apologize for the inconvenience. Staff continue to program plan, create amazing displays, and build relationships with teens after school.

The library welcomed three new temporary employees, Ramona Barton, Bridget O’Leary, and Meghan Spargo, to our team. The temporary employees help to fill gaps in desk coverage in the event that a regular staff member is ill, out on leave, or when other scheduling issues arise. If you see a new face at the desk, please say hello!

Mary Murtland is quickly settling into her role as the new Head of Borrower Services and has already had a positive impact to the team. The Borrower Services staff is preparing for the changes being made by CWMARS to the library catalog. Our staff has been attending CWMARS sessions to become familiar with the new catalog program called Aspen and the new features and functionality that this new program will provide to all users. The new program is set to be implemented on March 4, 2024.

The Borrower Services staff has also been learning how to make use of a new, user-friendly platform that the Grafton Library and its patrons will be using to reserve museum passes and make room reservations. The library will be transitioning from Eventkeeper to LibCal at the end of the month.

Reference staff hosted a “Not Just for Young Adults” Book Group and discussed How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow. Staff also updated nonfiction budget tracking and trained new temp employees.

Reference staff are also preparing to launch the 2024 Seed Library in mid-March. Similar to previous years, patrons and members of the public will be able to drop in and take free seed packets for their home use. New this year is an expanded native plant seed collection! Stay tuned for more information on seed offerings.

Staff in the Teen Room continue to program plan for drop-in programming for February break as well as every Monday-Friday beginning in March. We will be teaming up with the Children’s Room for Spin Art during February break and continue to supervise and build relationships with teens after school. Sarah Slocum has also been busy planning community gardens with Trustee Dana Wilson.

Technical Services staff have been working on replacements for damaged Children’s Books, placing orders and cataloging items, and continuing to work on the adult fiction series list.

Carpet has been ordered for the Community Room and is scheduled to be installed this month. The Children’s Room carpet is in the process of being ordered. Although a timeline for completion of the Children’s Room is not yet available, the staff hope to utilize the Community Room for programming and a temporary play space.

Children’s Room staff continued to plan February school vacation week activities around their less than ideal circumstances, discussed layout for the Community Rooms so it could be used for a temporary Children’s Room, met with Willard House to finalize a summer programming outline, reviewed and tested LibCal as a replacement for EventKeeper, and explored options for updating the library’s website.

We are excited to report that the search is underway for a new director, and several applications have been received. A Library Director Screening Subcommittee under the Board of Library Trustees was created to evaluate applicants. In the meantime, staff members from the Library and the Town of Grafton are working in cooperation to keep things running smoothly and provide the same level of service to patrons.

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February Vacation Programs

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Tuesday-Thursday:
Drop by the Children’s Room temporary space to pick up a take-home kit during school vacation week. Kits are for grades K-5 and must be completed at home. These kits will be a single activity and may include sticker painting, paper crafts, or fortune tellers. Limit one per child. While supplies last.

Friday:
Join us this vacation week to create some Diamond Art.
Please note: Room capacity is extremely limited, so please register every person that will be attending. Children under 8 must have a parent/guardian in the room at all times. Children over 8 may be left alone in the room, but the parent/guardian must remain in the Library building.

Register here for one of 5 sessions.

Saturday:
Kids, Tweens, and Teens! Join us in the Teen Maker Space for Spin Art. Never done Spin Art before? No problem! We’ll guide you through the process step by step.
Drop into the Teen Room Maker Space between 10:30am-12:00 noon OR 1:00pm-2:00pm

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Library CLOSED in observance of Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 19, 2024

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The Grafton Public Library will be CLOSED in observance of Presidents’ Day, on Monday, February 19, 2024. No items are due this day. The Library will reopen at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

Please pick up museum passes for Monday before the Library closes at 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 17th.

Please visit our online digital branch 24/7 at www.graftonlibrary.org – you can even get a digital card if you do not have a library card.

For a complete calendar of 2024 Library closings, please visit https://graftonlibrary.org/2024-library-closings/

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Director’s Report for December 2023

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Director’s Report – December 2023

The library was open 24 days in December and had 4,680 visitors. The library closed early on December 15, 2023, for the municipal staff holiday party and GPL staff holiday celebration. The library was closed on Saturday, December 23, 2023, and on Monday, December 25, 2023 in observance of the Christmas holiday.

We offered 27 programs for over 894 attendees, including Grafton Celebrates the Holidays on December 3rd and New Years at Noon. We had 169 meeting room reservations for over 321 participants. We hosted an additional 30 meeting room uses for staff use (meetings, interviews, programs, etc.) Five incident reports were filed, including disruptive teen behavior, foreign objects caught on the materials handling equipment, a minor staff injury, a disruptive patron, and a locked front door during opening hours.

ADMINISTRATION
Director Beth Schreiber tendered her resignation in December 2023, and the search for a new director is underway. We would like to thank Beth for her years of service to the Grafton Public Library and the Town of Grafton. We wish her well in all of her future endeavors.

Debby Jackson transitioned to her new position as Head of Teen Services. Shannon Phelan has taken over the role of Administrative Assistant for the library. Eileen maintained the collection of periodicals, took care of incoming mail, and prepared bills.

Staffing
Kara Dzindolet accepted a position at another library and resigned as Head of Borrower Services in December 2023. In the interim, Susan Leto has graciously volunteered to reprise her former role managing the Borrower Services department until a replacement can be found.

We recorded at least 28 low coverage instances (others may not have been documented due to short staffing) attributable to scheduled, earned leave of benefited staff, chronic understaffing in the Teen department, staff out on leave, and staff resignations.

Budget
At the end of December, we were at 58% of our budget for the 2024 fiscal year. Most of those expenses are contracted services billed annually at the beginning of the fiscal year such as Bibliotecha and CWMars.

Building
Assistant Town Administrator William Blake is overseeing building issues and has been coordinating with various contractors regarding general maintenance, door locking issues, and ongoing flood remediation.

Construction Update
Replacement carpet has been ordered for the Children’s Room and Community Room. No definitive timeline has been provided for completion of construction activities.

IT Update
Staff developed procedures for laptop in-library use and will work to roll out the laptops in January 2024.

Volunteers, Outreach and Partnerships
Crescent Manor BookWagon had 5 participants, 21 check-outs and renewals, and 4 requests.

We delivered 7 items to Homebound patrons. We had seven volunteers who put in 8 hours of work.

Social Media
We have 1,100 followers on TikTok, 2,200 followers on Facebook, 827 on Instagram, 113 on YouTube, 429 on Pinterest, and 8 on Flickr.

CHILDREN’S SERVICES
The Children’s Room continued to take up residence in the Friends Café during the month of December. The Children’s Room drywall repair has been completed and we were excited to see the project move forward with the installation of the flooring in the Children’s Program Room and the Children’s Work Room.

We opened our doors to the community on Sunday, December 3rd as part of the Grafton Celebrates the Holidays festivities. We hosted the Girl Scouts for their annual gingerbread decorating contest for the second year running, and we welcomed Diane Edgecomb back to the library for two performances of her storytelling program, Once Upon a Wintertime.

We continue to provide outreach programming to North Grafton Elementary School, South Grafton Elementary School, Busy Bee Academy, Silver Spruce, and the Willard House & Clock Museum. Through our outreach programming, we presented 15 storytimes for 233 children and teachers.
We rang in the new year with 58 very special guests as we brought back a perennial favorite program, New Years at Noon.

TEEN SERVICES
Debby Jackson took over as Head of Teen Services and spent time moving into the office, getting acclimated, and beautifully decorating the entire space with holiday lights.

Staff supervised teens using the space and met as a group to discuss future plans. Staff also hosted a Teen Gaming afternoon with open play of Mario Kart and Supersmash Bros video games.

BORROWER SERVICES

Museum Passes
There were 57 reservations; 49 were picked up and there were 8 “No Shows.”

Circulation
We registered 64 new borrowers and corrected four accounts for Grafton patrons.

Evergreen
Front-line staff and administration are scheduled to participate in training for Aspen, the new public catalog that will be debuting in March 2024.

ILL
We made two out of network requests; none were unfillable. We sent out two items to certified libraries.

Overdrive/Libby App
The total checkouts for December were 4,496. Of those, 1,429 were audiobooks, 3,049 were books, and 18 were comic books.

Displays
Our main display for December was Holiday fiction. The 4 smaller displays were: Tis the Season to be Freezin; Cozy Fiction; By the Fireside Mysteries; and National Short Story Day.

Programs
Sandhya hosted one daytime “Unplug with Art” program for adults: 5 people attended. She also organized and hosted “Holiday Luminaries” for adults: 9 people attended. We had one department staff meeting.

Seed Library
The seed packets program has been closed for the season and is expected to relaunch at the end of February.

Passports
We are still not accepting appointments for Passports.

REFERENCE SERVICES
We recorded the following statistics for database uses: Gale 747, PebbleGo 3, Peterson’s 2, Transparent Language 1, Novelist 2, Ancestry 97, ComicsPLUS 18, Pronounciator, BookFlix 8, and Teachables 4. We had 64 adults record public computer use. WiFi statistics were unavailable. Staff placed 409 holds for library materials.

Heidi assisted with tech and reference questions as well as circulation and room reservations / check-ins and museum passes. She also hosted book groups, worked on collection development, program planning and public relations. Heidi also attended professional development, assisted at Grafton Celebrates the Holidays, collected monthly statistics, and did outreach at Crescent Manor.

Eric assisted patrons with technology, reference, museum passes, room requests / check-ins and circulation questions. Eric finished reviewing the lost non-fiction reports, put out new materials, put out new bookends, and worked on book display ideas. Eric also updated the adult non-fiction budget spreadsheet, ordered new adult non-fiction materials, and reported monthly reference statistics.

Displays
Eric made a “Make Something New” staircase display. Heidi made an “In Memoriam” end cap display for Sandra Day O’Connor and Norman Lear.
Programs

We held the following in-person book discussion groups:
• “Not Just for Young Adults” Book Discussion Group: So, This is Christmas by Tracy Andreen,
• Daytimers Book Group: Winter People by Jennifer McMahon,
• GPL Mystery Book Group: The Bone Orchard by Paul Doiron,
• “Reads Well with Others” Adult Book Discussion Group: Elevation: a Novel by Stephen King, and
• The “Inspirational Book Club” and Guided Meditation: Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life by Nhá̂t Hạnh Thích and Lilian W. Y. Cheung. (Ended up being discussed on 1/2/24.)

Saturday Afternoon Knitting was canceled this month (Saturday, December 16; 2pm-4pm).

TECHNICAL SERVICES
During the month of December, 589 new items were added, and 317 items were deleted. Allison Cusher celebrated her first official month as the Head of Tech Services. In addition to her regular duties of ordering and processing new items and repairing items as needed, she worked on the following special projects:
• created options for new spine label stickers to discuss with Children’s Services and other department heads,
• started a list of adult fiction series titles. Once the list is complete, she will go through our collection and update the spine labels to include this information,
• created a new section for teens: light novels, which now live at the beginning of the manga collection, and
• created lists for department heads of item records that should be deleted from the system. These include items that have been missing for 2+ years and items that are lost (not returned) for 2+ years (the item is still on the patrons account). She has been going through our holdings and deleting records that we no longer need.

FRIENDS OF THE GRAFTON PUBLIC LIBRARY (FRIENDS)
The Friends book sale remains on hold as the Children’s Room continues to use the Friends’ Corner as their temporary collection location. The Friends offered book bundles and other gifts for sale over the holidays. The next Friends meeting will be posted to the Friends Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GPLFriends

The Friends had a total of 50 volunteer hours for the month of December, which included meetings and planning and prepping for Grafton Celebrates the Holidays (e.g., making book bundles, attending the event itself).

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