The BPL Trustees held a meeting on March 21, 2023.  A discussion with Roosevelt Weeks, Director of the Austin Public Library, had been on the agenda for this meeting but had to be rescheduled. 

 President’s Report

BPL President David Leonard opened the meeting informing the Trustees that he has submitted both operating and capital budgets to the City for approval, which he expects to receive by April 12th.    

Leonard noted that the BPL’s biggest challenge remains staffing, both in terms of external hiring and internal movement.  The number of open jobs stands at 50, representing all types and levels of positions.  Many of the open jobs are in the interviewing and selection stages and it is hoped that the number can soon be reduced to 30 (a more typical level resulting from everyday moves, retirements, promotions, etc.). 

Leonard reported that the Lowell Lecture Series has been announced, with four conversations related to the environment.  Black History and Women’s History month celebrations are reflected in displays and events throughout the library.

Updated Photography, Filming, and Digital Recording Policy 

Sarah Zaphiris, Chief of Staff and Strategy, shared a proposed change to the library’s policy on filming of staff and patrons.  The current policy forbids filming inside any BPL library.  After consulting with the City’s law department, a new policy has been drafted that follows case law (based primarily on policing cases) allowing filming of public employees, as long as it does not interfere with staff duties or patrons.  It would remain impermissible to record Children under the age of 18. This change would align the BPL policy with those of national, Seattle, and Chicago libraries.  Cambridge Library has decided to continue its no filming policy, pending further review. 

A lively discussion ensued, with the Trustees expressing concern for patron privacy and safety.  It was suggested that prior consent to be filmed should be sought.

Sarah reported that the subject had been discussed at library staff meetings and the consensus among staff is that filming should not be permitted.  Both unions have asked for a formal discussion of the policy.  Leonard reported that BPL has asked the City’s law department to conduct further review and to report back at the May Trustees meeting.

Current Capital Projects Status

The capital budget/project list is not expected to change significantly in the upcoming capital budget process.

There are capacity issues in both the BPL project management and City facilities departments.  Usually a team of three, BPL’s project management department is down to one, but expecting a new person to start soon.

Leonard and Alison Ford, Major Projects Manager, reported on the following key projects:

Faneuil – A fall opening is anticipated.

Fields Corner – In mid-design phase, with two years of construction expected to follow (intended to be the first net zero building, producing more energy than it uses)

McKim Fire Alarm – In the design phase with construction expected later this year (some disruption anticipated as it affects the whole building)

Chinatown – A new 17K square foot library space within a building of 110 housing units is planned.

Uphams Corner – A new branch within a housing development is planned.  The developer is about to be selected and notified.

West End – A new building within a housing development is planned.  The Request for Proposal will go out in the next few weeks followed by a Programming Study with community meetings.  It is expected to be a one to two-story library with housing above.

South End – Our branch continues to be closed.  The Request for Proposal is out to architectural firms.  It is hoped that a firm with library experience will be engaged and the project can enter an accelerated, combined Programming and Design Study phase.

Egleston – A stand-alone branch is planned, and it is about to go into the design phase.

McKim Master Plan and Collection Storage – An update can be expected at the May meeting.

Finance and Audit Committee Report

Last week the Finance and Audit Committee met with BPL’s investment advisor, NEPC, who recommended the addition of corporate grade investment bonds of about $2 million (3% of the portfolio) to diversify and manage the risk/return balance BPL wants to maintain. 

Strategic Planning Committee

The Strategic Planning Committee held its first meeting, which was animated and robust.  The Committee is focused on timing, content, stakeholders, and what is doable.  A more detailed report will be provided at a future meeting.  These meetings are public and can be accessed through the BPL’s website. 

New Business

The BPL Fund report is out and describes many new initiatives.

There is a great exhibit in the Leventhal Map Center.  If you download the Atlas app, you can see what Boston looked like at different times and places in its history.

The Literary Lights Gala is coming up, invitations are out to Trustees and staff; Jill Lepore will be the keynote speaker.

Joe Masso and WBUR celebrated 48 years of !Con Salsa!

Public Comments

Several BPL staff/union members offered public comments as follows:

Six people expressed concerned that appropriate Diversity/Equity/Inclusion vocabulary was not being utilized in staff interviews and that interviewers were not recognizing candidates’ life skills and certificates in lieu of college degrees.

Eleven individuals expressed concern about the potential change to the filming policy and its safety impact.

A suggestion was made to extend the time for public comment in Trustees’ meetings beyond the 9AM deadline to allow comment on the meeting content.

The meeting was adjourned shortly after 10AM.  The next meeting is scheduled for May 23rd.