01/11/2022 BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES Minutes

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The Library Director noted that currently services are being provided through the Coalition for Children grant in small registered groups in the Event Room with ample social distancing. The free AARP tax preparation service will begin in February by appointment only. The Library will be partnering with Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and Capabilities to bring a Mobile Farmers Market to the Library beginning in February or March. It will be located outside the building. The Town's EDIC committee has been trying to organize a job fair to help local businesses in their search for staff, but that is currently on hold. The question of staffmg was raised, and the Library Director indicated it is an on-going process. Positions are posted and interviews are on-going. Janet G. Gow.Be nest Janet G. Gow was a long time devoted library supporter who passed away in 2020 and left a bequest to the Library in her will. The process of accepting and receiving the gift was lengthy due to the probate and tax processes, which were delayed due to COVID-19. The total distribution to the Library is approximately $135,000. The gift was unrestricted with no direction or guidance other than that the funds be used for what was needed to benefit the library. The check has been received by the Town of Mashpee, and is being held in a special account. It can remain in the Town account or upon a vote of the Board of Library Trustees, moved to the Friends of the Library endowment fund where it will be invested in keeping with other funds and gifts and the principle can be increased. After discussion and questions,the consensus was to consult with the Friends of the Library Investment Advisory Committee to allow all of the members of the Board to learn more about the endowment account before making a decision. Ann Macdonald volunteered to coordinate that process and gather materials for a discussion at the next meeting. DiyerAq..andMMInclusion Initiatives The Library Director shared information about the practice of adopting a Land Acknowledgment statement for the Library. The Massachusetts Library System has begun presenting a statement at the beginning of Zoom meetings and webinars that recognizes the origins of the land they occupy. The Mashpee Public Schools have adopted a Land Acknowledgment statement that recognizes the Wampanoag Tribe as the original inhabitants of the land that is now the Town of Mashpee. The consensus of the discussion was to form a sub-committee of the Board to research the practice and process and report back to the members. Joan Lyons and Sandra Lahart volunteered to do research, and the Library Director offered her assistance as well. Next Meeting...Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.