Fitchburg Public Library Board Meeting – March 18, 2026

The Fitchburg Public Library Board met on March 18, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The board reviewed financial reports, approved several library policies, accepted the annual DPI report, and discussed upcoming events and system migration. All agenda items were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from February 2026 meeting – Approved without corrections.
• December 2025 Financial Register and Overview – Approved unanimously. The financial report highlighted overspending in account 240 (work done by others) due to a solar inverter and a furnace repair bill, requiring a $5,000 budget amendment from multiple accounts. A donation-funded purchase of puzzles for people with memory issues was noted. Overall, year-end revenue exceeded expenses by $69,880, which will be added to fund balance.

Public Comments & Testimony

• None were offered.

Discussion Items

• Policy Reviews (presented by Lisa, Digital Services Librarian): The board reviewed and approved five policies:
  • Computer Internet Use Policy – Minor change: removed reference to the former technology center (now a living room); food allowed at computer stations.
  • Wireless Access Policy – No changes; updated date only.
  • Social Media Policy – Retained one-way communication model (no public commenting) to avoid creating an open forum, per insurance advice.
  • 3D Printer Policy – Updated to reflect a single printer (replacing two retired MakerBots); clarified that patrons submit digital files for staff to print.
  • Meeting Room Policy – No changes; praised for clarity, including review/appeal section. Collaboration with other city meeting spaces was discussed.
• Annual DPI (Department of Public Instruction) Report (presented by Library Director Ken): The report had already been submitted to South Central Library System and DPI. Key statistics: 109,000 items in collection; 290,000 physical circulations (down 0.7%); 16,000 registered users; library visits 140,000 (first full year with accurate people counters); 32 public computers. Wireless session data showed unexplained increases. The director noted the report confirms the library board has exclusive control of library fund expenditures. The board voted to approve the report.
• Library Director’s Report:
  • Friends of the Library “Books and Brews” Birthday Bash – Scheduled for June 27, 2026 (Saturday evening) to celebrate the library’s 15th anniversary.
  • Statistics – Wireless sessions in January and February were unusually high (87,000 and 100,000), likely due to vendor counting changes; no cause identified.
  • Children’s Library Redesign – Survey results compiled; small group meetings (staff, board/city, friends) will be scheduled.
  • LinkCat System Migration – The library will be closed April 14, 2026, for staff training. The new system goes live April 16 or 17. During April 13–15, only offline circulation will be available (no new cards, fines, or catalog lookups). The public is being asked to return or keep items during the outage.
• Nominating Committee for Officer Slate – Three board members (Patrick, Mariah, Logan) volunteered to serve on the nominating committee to propose a president, vice president, and treasurer for the May 2026 annual meeting. The slate may be presented at the next meeting, but voting will occur in May.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approval of the December financial register and overview.
• Unanimous approval of all five reviewed policies (computer/internet, wireless, social media, 3D printer, meeting rooms).
• Unanimous approval of the annual DPI report.
• Nominating committee formed with Patrick, Mariah, and Logan.
• Next regular board meeting scheduled for April 15, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the library.
• Meeting adjourned.