Lakeville trustees adopt updated quiet-rooms policy; memorial-gifts rules revised for further vote

The Lakeville Library Board on Jan. 28 approved an update to the library’s quiet‑rooms policy to clarify that patrons should not open windows without checking with staff. Director Jennifer Jones said the change is intended to prevent damage and safety incidents; trustees discussed the presence of air purifiers and fans and agreed the new wording is protective.

On gift and memorial policy revisions, Jones presented draft guidelines specifying that memorial items — including bricks, benches, furnishings and plantings — "will be maintained by the library for their useful lifespan or up to 10 years, after which time the library reserves the right to alter, remove, or replace due to wear, space needs, or site redesign." The policy also states the library does not guarantee items against weather, vandalism or theft and that donors may discuss replacement options with the director and trustees.

Trustees discussed whether to set monetary thresholds for larger items (trustees referenced a $1,000 figure for benches in prior practice) versus object-based criteria and agreed to add language to make "every possible effort" to notify donors before altering or removing memorial items. The board agreed the revised gift policy will return to the February agenda for a formal vote.