Author: Amy Lannon

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.

Indoor Plant Care

Starting April 9, the large indoor planters will be receiving some TLC from Environgreenery.  In addition to sprucing up these planters (2 entry, 2 Borrower Services, 3 Reading Room, 1 Children’s Room), Envirogreenery will be in monthly to maintain the plants.

If you receive questions: We are excited to work with this company (Envirogreenery) to maintain our indoor plantings. These plants help the indoor air quality and are great for mental health. Additionally, we are fortunate to have some interesting specimens to help inspire visitors to add to their own indoor gardens.

Maintenance costs are paid through gifts and donations. No taxpayer funds are used.

Regarding IMLS Funding Cuts

Thank you to those who were able to attend the April 3 all-staff meeting. As I mentioned, the recent cuts to the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is deeply concerning and there are still a lot of unknowns.

This is a demoralizing issue. And RPL will continue to offer high quality and professional service to our community as we navigate this situation.

To that end, please read/print this memo. It’s important that we acknowledge these difficult times and also maintain a healthy work environment. The memo also includes information on how to respond to public inquiries on this issue.

As always, please feel free to speak to any member of the Leadership Team if you have more questions or concerns.

Rooted in Reading: Garden Improvements

Happening today! New plantings related to our Rooted in Reading grant (FKA “Dig In”). These include an example Sensory Garden and native plants that support pollinators and birds.

Rooted in reading focuses on nature, health, and sustainability. Part of the grantmust be used to add educational garden areas for community enjoyment. The grant will also pay for over 20 programs and provide funds to purchase related books, online resources, and items for our Library of Things collection.

Each service desk has a FAQ Sheet about this part of the grant.

CORRECTION: Monday Morning Update

One of the links in this today’s Monday Morning Update was incorrect:

Please use this link for the item below

What do you want to learn?

Albert Pless, Director of Equity and Social Justice, will lead our January 2025 training session.  Please let him know what DEIAB workshop/learning you would like best. You are also welcome to call or stop by Albert’s office to share other ideas on diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging in the workplace.

Cybersecurity Reminder

Please continue to work on (or start work on) your Cybersecurity Training. The platform is “KnowBe4” and doesn’t send reminders to your email.  There is an app available if that is easier for you. This is a shorter program (6 months instead of a year).

IT recently briefed us on the number and frequency of security issues, including scams. There are many bad actors out there, and their tactics are getting more sophisticated. IT can barricade the doors, but that doesn’t help if we (the users) go around opening all the windows.

Also – when you receive suspicious emails, please forward them to IT support.