Library board clears minutes backlog, welcomes director
Library Board · Meeting of August 11, 2026
Newbury Library Trustees welcome new director, start centennial planning. Trustees Melissa Mashburn, Terry Litterst, Alexander Burke and Richard Bassieri unanimously approved three backlogged sets of minutes, including from the July 1 special meeting that hired the library's new director, identified only as Isla and now in her second week. Assistant Director Catherine reported a new public printer, a self-checkout repair and a new foot-traffic counter are all arriving within the week, calling accurate visitor stats "a top priority" after months without data.
The board is planning a September 19 centennial celebration, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a cake, a resealed time capsule and a historical timeline. Trustees also opened debate on lending books to patrons of decertified libraries, with one member arguing, "Obviously, borrow a book. Just bring it back.
We know where you live," while another called that approach "simplistic." No written policy exists yet; the board has about a year before its next strategic-plan update to decide. The next meeting moves to September 15 at 5 p.m.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 1,920 words
Source: the Library Board meeting of August 11, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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