Westbrook library pauses some adult weeding, expands collections and programs; policies and Homebound Delivery under development

At the July 7 meeting the Westbrook Public Library’s director reported a suite of collection and program changes and outlined several policy and service actions in development.

Michelle Centore said adult weeding has been temporarily paused while staff prioritize deleting permanently lost items; Reba created a "Save Me from the Chopping Block" display inviting patrons to check out DVDs they want preserved. The YA collection has been weeded and shifted to improve discoverability, and staff plan to launch a World Languages collection. Children’s non‑fiction 700s weeding is complete and Tricia will revisit other children’s sections after summer reading. Centore also said Wonder Book chapter books, Tonie Box collections and refreshed AV kits are being introduced.

Centore presented statistics showing a roughly 6% drop in adult physical circulation compared with FY24‑25 while digital borrowing rose (about a 15% increase in audiobook borrowing and 6% increases for e‑books and e‑magazines). She reported in‑library patron counts increased from roughly 13,511 previously to about 16,270 (an almost 20% increase), computer usage rose 19%, and program attendance for adults has more than doubled. Summer reading participation to date: 89 adults, 19 young adults and 42 children picked up bingo cards; staff also distributed 250 cards at Daisy School.

On services and policy, Centore said the Homebound Delivery Program continues to move forward but staff are waiting to hear from the Town about whether volunteers would be reimbursed for motor vehicle damage in the event of an accident; staff are also researching suitable delivery bags. An AI/Collection Development policy is being drafted with input from other libraries and staff; Centore expects to present a proposed policy before the end of the summer. The board was told the Photography/Videography Policy has been reviewed by the Town attorney and will be available for trustee review prior to the August meeting.

Trustee Elizabeth Fabrizi suggested more program tie‑ins to library collections for craft programs; Centore said she would share the suggestion with staff to integrate collections with programming where possible.

What happens next: Centore will continue working with the Town Attorney on the Child Safety Policy and the Photography/Videography Policy and will prepare a bid package for a Community Room kitchen as time allows. The board will review the photography policy at the August meeting; no votes on policy adoption occurred at the July meeting.