Category: Uncategorized

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)

After 40 years of public service, Chumley has graciously and deservedly retired to Florida.

Our new gerbil named Pepper arrived last week. He’s four months old and very active. Come say hi!

Patron donated 4 passes to the New Bedford Whaling Museum – no dates on them.  They are at the Borrower’s Service Desk.  Enjoy to whoever would like them!!!

Mid-cycle reports to MBLC for the Rooted in Reading grant have been submitted. What does this mean and what’s next? Find out more here with an update! Questions or ideas? See Sara or Amy 🙂

We are looking for someone from R&R or Collection Services to lead TikToks downstairs for other departments.

We want to make the library as a whole seem fun, approachable, and easygoing. This is a part of the Communications rebranding where we focus on the more human side of the library.

Will this add to your workload? Only a little! Filming, editing, and posting only takes about an hour out of my week. You would be in charge of coming up with the video idea, gathering volunteers, directing, editing, and posting. If you like the internet and laughter, it is actually a really fun part of the job.

There’s also no pressure to this. You can be as silly and goofy as you want.

I’ll set up a training with anyone who is interested.

Here’s some examples:

–This is an idea that we came up with (not a trend)

–This a trend that we did before it was overdone

–Lip sync videos are always really popular and can be related to library things

Last Day of School & 2025–2026 School Year Calendar: The Reading School Committee officially voted to set the last day of school as Monday, June 16, 2025 as this will be the 180th day of school, as required by DESE. Looking ahead? In case you missed it, the 2025–2026 school calendar is now available on the district website—be sure to check it out here.

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.

Some of you might already know about this, so apologies for being five years late to the game! If you’re annoyed with Goodreads and want to try something new and exciting, I am really enjoying StoryGraph, which came highly reviewed from other librarians. You can download your entire Goodreads library to the app so it has all your info, and then it keeps statistics for you on your genres, how fast you read, your various author preferences, etc.

They listen to feedback and are working on setting up a widget to add to email signatures and adding a social media feature to share titles that way, too.

A few helpful resources to read and share regarding wildfires, smoke, air quality, and health impacts:

Stay Current:

• AirNow.gov – U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI) – Monitor current air quality in your area
  • Fire and Smoke Map
• Town of Reading Public Health Department
• Sign up for Town of Reading Community Alerts (CodeRed App) about emergencies and other important town-wide notices.

Understanding Health Impacts:

•  How Wildfire Smoke Can Affect Your Body – CDC.gov
• Climate Fact Sheet: Wildfire Smoke Events – Mass HHS
• Measuring Air Quality Index for Children and Youth and outdoor activities – WA State Dept of Health – (check AirNow.gov first to get the AQI)

Managing and minimizing risk:

• Smoke Ready Toolbox – get risk factors, tips on protecting yourself, others, pets indoors. Includes links to several resources and helpful videos – US EPA
• Create Cleaner Air at Home to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Understand Wildfire Risk in Your Community and How to Reduce It and Prepare – US Dept of Agriculture and US Forest Service

 

Patron was very complimentary for our restrooms. She liked all the items pertaining to women, phone number to call and the posting for “don’t flush” sign on paper towel holder. She rated us above a ten – and also said she would expect nothing less from this library!!