2022-07-13
TOWN OF BERLIN
BERLIN-PECK MEMORIAL LIBRARY BOARD
BOARD ROOM
WEDNESDAY JULY 13, 2022
6:30 PM
JULY 13, 2022
6:30 pm
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ATTENDANCE:
Members Present
Chairman Donna Moore, Vice Chairman Robert Lewis
Chris Fasciano, Elaine Borselle, Lillian Ulan, Karen Pagliaro
Staff Present
Kim McNally
Members Absent
Carol Welz, Gail Marino, Sharon Powell
Call to the Order
Chairman Moore called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
Audience of Citizens
None
Review of the Minutes
Karen Pagliaro moved to approve the minutes, June 8, 2022 seconded by Lillian Ulan, passed unanimously.
LIBRARIAN’S REPORT:
Director McNally reported summer reading is off to a great start. 198 adults signed up for summer reading.
The library has been full of children. There has been wonderful feedback about the programs.
The Juneteenth program was a success. The town was very supportive. 65 people attended. The food was
fantastic. The Berlin Equity Action Team and Amistad had great speakers.
The front patio has been fixed. Steven Wood, Public Grounds and his team did a great job.
There are two small changes in procedures. Claims return will be used for people that insisted they have
returned items. There will be a record kept on this. Also, replacement items will be accepted in leu of the re-
payment. The books can be purchased on Amazon, etc. These materials must be like for like. Covers and tape
will be used to reinforce the books.
Connecticut Library Consortium is considering negotiating contracts and making eBook vendors follow
procurement laws. This will help libraries with a pricing break.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Chairman Moore conformed that member have a complete copy of the library policy.
Helen (previous library director) has reached out and said hello to the board.
SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS:
- Policy and Personnel Committee – None
- Finance & Foundation Committee - None
- Outreach and Advocacy Committee - None
- Seed Library - None
NEW BUSINESS:
- Book Removal Colchester Public Library/ Book Challenges - The Colchester public library temporarily
pulled a children’s biography about LBTQIA+ icon, entertainer and drag queen RuPaul from a display after
First Selectman Andreas Bisbikos said a parent complained the book contains sexual imagery that is
inappropriate for young readers.
Director McNally passed out the Library Bill of Rights to the board. Making books available to everyone is
very important in the Berlin Peck Memorial Library. The bill is a set of guidelines on library services. The
library has a duty to challenge censorship. A person’s right to use the library should not be denied because of
origin, age, background or views. There are different interpretations to the Library Bill of Rights. The ALA
puts the responsibility on the parents of what their children are reading. The library staff is prepared to talk
about all topics. They are prepared to listen and help patrons understand book challenges. The library staff
must remain neutral. Books can be re-shelved to different sections but not removed.
ADJOURNMENT:
Vice Chairman Lewis made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:31pm, seconded by Elaine Borselle, passed
unanimously.
Marlo Matassa
The Recording Secretary