Library Trustees approve January minutes, set weather closure policy
Hopedale library trustees approve weather policy, report strong year-over-year gains. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the January minutes and accepted Director Keely Bethel-Penny's report detailing January 2026 visitor and circulation increases: adult visitors up 2 percent, children's
Bancroft Memorial Library _ Board of Trustees · Meeting of February 3, 2026
Hopedale library trustees approve weather policy, report strong year-over-year gains. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the January minutes and accepted Director Keely Bethel-Penny's report detailing January 2026 visitor and circulation increases: adult visitors up 2 percent, children's visits up 5 percent, and items checked out up 12 percent, with children's audiobooks surging 119 percent and learning kits jumping 264 percent. The library will close when schools close and open on delayed-opening days only if town staff clear paths and sidewalks.
Facility upgrades include new contractor Kary Cleaning and pet-friendly salt melt for front steps. The Girl Scout Gold Award program "STEM Opportunities," beginning March 6, will feature six sessions exploring career fields for grades 5 through 12, while the library will participate in Memorial School's "Wee Deliver" postal program in March.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 350 words
Source: the Bancroft Memorial Library _ Board of Trustees meeting of February 3, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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