Author: Amy Lannon

“What I Learned Today ….”

Please remember to report professional development activities using our “Staff Development Reporting Form.”  This information is important!  Even if you note sessions down in a monthly report, or discuss with your supervisor or colleagues, we still need you to submit the info using this form.

Not sure if you entered something? No problem, it’s OK if you submit something twice; we can fix that! Please see Amy, Michelle, Jamie, or Olivia if you have questions about what, when, where, and how to report PD.

Computer Use Tracking (again)

It’s that time again! Please track computer usage for all areas of the library.  There is a paper form at each desk, or you can use the Google Form: https://forms.gle/g2ZC9mAKVMvexZCu8

Instructions (June 15-June 28)

Reporting times are 11 AM, 3 PM, 7 PM (these are rough times; adjust as needed based on workflow). (It’s OK if working with a patron means you don’t check until 3:23 PM!). Desk and area assignments are below:

Thank you, thank you for doing this. We collect the information twice per year and report the average computer use in the statistical report we submit to the state (Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners).

hoopla Checkout Limits Changing

Due to increased costs, users will be limited to six (6) hoopla items per month. We understand that this reduction in monthly checkouts may be disappointing for some users. Thank you for listening to each patron and their concerns. Here are some facts you can refer to if you receive questions:

  • We agree that this is disappointing: Like everything else right now, we are seeing cost increases in physical materials and digital licensing.  This is a way to continue offering Hoopla, a popular service.
  • We are being fiscally responsible: We look very carefully at usage statistics for all our content, and work to balance the best “bang for our buck,” while also continuing to offer a broad diversity of content.
  • We have a broad diversity of content: Have you tried Biblio+, Overdrive, Kanopy? Plus we have specialized digital content for kids.
  • We love to hear thoughts from you: What do you use most in hoopla? Audiobooks, eBooks, comics, TV? What would you like to see more of for digital content?

Please remember to document feedback in Gimlet.

Politically Expressive Activities (Reminder)

With state elections and ballot measures coming up this fall, we are seeing a significant increase in the number of people collecting signatures in our area.  Please review these guidelines:
  1. As a public building, RPL may dictate the time, place, and manner of politically expressive activities. We may not encourage or discourage this expression based on content.
  2. Collecting signatures or any politically expressive activities are permitted in the lower lobby near the entrance of the building.  This is the designated area.
  3. These activities may not interfere with patron use of the building (no blocking the elevator, book sale room, or Hush Booth).
  4. These activities may not interfere with staff performing their duties
  5. For safety reasons, people may not collect signatures (any politically expressive activities) in the parking lot.
  6. For privacy reasons (lockers and book drop), people may not collect signatures (any political activities) outside the main entrance of the building.
  7. RPL purview does NOT include the public sidewalks on School Street, Middlesex Ave, or Deering Street.
  8. Employees are not permitted to add their signature or participate in politically expressive activities while on duty. To avoid the appearance of conflicts of interest and ethical violations, please do not add signatures to petitions, etc., on any town building property, even while off duty.

Staff Parking

For employees who are on shift for more than three hours

If you are physically able, please park on the street during peak times, such as mornings of February vacation or Saturdays. You are welcome to move your vehicle closer to the building later in the day.  This helps with the overall safety of those entering and exiting the building for shorter periods of time.

For context: 157 people entered the building yesterday (Tuesday, 2/17) betwen 9-10 am with another 101 coming in between 10-11 am. See below:

9:00-9:59 AM 157
10:00-10:59 AM 101
11:00-11:59 AM 65
12:00-12:59 PM 72
1:00-1:59 PM 63
2:00-2:59 PM 80
3:00-3:59 PM 62
4:00-4:59 PM 53
5:00-5:59 PM 39
6:00-6:59 PM 54
7:00-7:59 PM 21
8:00-8:59 PM 3

Sensory Inclusive Training

KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Training  (to be completed by January 31)

RPL is working towards being certified as a Sensory Inclusive institution with KultureCity.  KultureCity’s Sensory Inclusive program is designed to help guests with sensory needs like PTSD, autism, dementia, and strokes, just to name a few, feel welcomed.

Combining training by professionals, sensory bags, and signage, the a Sensory Inclusive institution creates a space where all guests are accepted and included. Let’s create the best guest experience for those with sensory needs, ensuring that everyone can attend and have fun.

Kulture City Video (learn more)

Database Info and Important Changes (long, but please read)

Our patrons access three types of database resources through our website and via library computers.

  1. Reading Public Library subscriptions: RPL pays for these separately using our municipal operating budget (Reading taxpayer dollars). These are intended for use by the Reading community. Most of these resources require you to log in with your Reading library card or create an account using your Reading library card. They check your eligibility by the zip code or library card prefix (21995). Some allow anyone to use the library computers to access the resources (in-library use only).
  2. NOBLE content: NOBLE gets “bulk” pricing for consortium members. A portion of our annual NOBLE membership fee pays for these, and cardholders from any NOBLE library have access to them.
  3. State-wide databases: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts receives federal funds (over $2M) to provide resources to all residents. Federal library funding goes to all states via the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which has been shut down and may be entirely defunded. Please read more about how these funding cuts impact statewide datbases.

RPL Changes

Each year, we review the use and cost of database services that RPL pays for. This year, we are discontinuing Financial Fit and Home Improvement Sources, which will not be available after July 1, 2025.  As a reminder, we add new resources as well!  This year, we are excited to subscribe to Craft & Hobby.  If you love this new resource – or any of our existing subscriptions – be sure to talk it up! Low usage is the primary reason we cancel subscriptions.

State Database Changes (MBLC/IMLS)

Starting July 1, MBLC is eliminating a number of statewide databases due to federal funding cuts. The team at MBLC carefully reviewed usage and cost to determine which resources to cut. They also ensured that the remaining database served all ages and was as inclusive as possible. This is a very tight and delicate balancing act. RPL is reviewing this list to see what we can add to our subscriptions to compensate for the loss of these databases.

Here is a list of CANCELED resources.

  • Boston Globe Article Archive
  • Britannica Moderna
  • Gale Academic OneFile Select
  • Gale General OneFile
  • Gale Health and Wellness
  • Gale in Context: Biography
  • Gale in Context: Elementary
  • Gale in Context: Environmental Studies
  • Gale in Context: Global Issues
  • Gale in Context: Middle School Gale in Context: Science
  • Gale in Context: US History
  • Gale in Context: World History
  • Gale Interactive Science Gale LegalForms
  • Gale Literature Resource Center
  • HeritageQuest Online
  • Peterson’s Career Prep
  • Peterson’s Test Prep Science Database (ProQuest)
  • Transparent Language Online

Internet issues continue

We continue to have issues with our NOBLE/Comcast internet connection. This affects the service desks, public computers, and Wifi. The cause is being investigated (NOBLE, Comcast, Town IT) – it’s a complicated one.

Saturday/Sunday/Monday/Tuesday: If it goes down. Use a cell phone or laptop w/ a hotspot to send an email to

  1. support@noblenet.org
  2. itsupport@readingma.gov
  3. Michelle
  4. Amy (only through the end of MLA)

Subject: Library internet down  / Content: Date, time, your name, and extension. They will need to contact someone in the building to check on the status.

Again, there is an issue, but we don’t know the cause yet. Smart people are working to solve the problem, but it is complicated.

We greatly appreciate everyone’s patience during this inconvenience.

Busy Bees Volunteers Info

We have a few helpers who will be helping us maintain the exterior native and sensory garden areas – weeding and watering as they can. Please see Amy if yo you have questions or if you they need assistance.

Our Busy Bees Volunteers will be stopping by the Borrower Services desk to sign in and pick up the watering cans (2 blue ones), their gardening apron which signals they are a volunteer, and tools (if they don’t bring their own). Everything (except the watering cans) is in the green Busy Bees Bucket located near the blue watering cans.

Updated Emergency Response Guide

The updated Emergency Response Guide – updated as of April 2025 – is now available on the intranet. We will discuss several key points at the upcoming staff meeting.

FOR THURSDAY

Please have a printed copy at every service desk. Employees should read through this document carefully.

We do not have time to review the entire guide at the May 1 meeting, but still expect you all to be familiar with how to handle emergencies.