There will be no need to account for costs relating to new library staff at the proposed new Lynnfield library building, according to Lynnfield Public Library Director Abigail Porter.
At a recent Library Board of Trustees meeting, members spoke about the possible costs that might come up if the proposed new Lynnfield library building is approved.
“I have created a spreadsheet showing how much staff we currently have, the hours they work, how much time they’re in the building,” Porter said. “I’ve also created a sample desk schedule, and it can very easily be done.”
Porter said that the problem at the current library is that most of its programming is done off-site, so it takes longer to plan. With the new proposed building, she said, there there are plans for bigger and more programming spaces, so this problem will not exist.
“If we had programs at MarketStreet, for example, we always want people there to sort of help set up, keep an eye on things, make sure the staff, patrons, and children are safe,” Porter said. “So in the new building, we wouldn’t have to have those two people out of the building, it wouldn’t take staff time to plan who the extra person is going to be when finding coverage. We’d be able to set up chairs the night before for things — just a lot of the logistical things that take a lot longer than people realize will be eliminated.”
Library Board of Trustees member Faith Honer-Coakley also added that the proposed new building will have improved sightlines in its design.
“It will make it far easier for our staff to supervise the patrons that are in the library, be it teenagers, be it young children,” Honer-Coakley said. “These improved sightlines will make a big difference for us.”
Trustee Russell Boekenkroeger echoed the about Lynnfield not needing new library staff.
“The town’s domain expert on staffing and operating a public library is Abby Porter, it’s nobody else,” Boekenkroeger said. “And the questions have come from people that are reacting with their own opinions of what it takes to staff and operate a library. And we’re supporting our director.”
A potential staff addition, however, will be for janitorial staff, which will be handled by the Department of Public Works.
