The Southborough Library Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a revised Safe Child policy during its March 13 meeting and discussed complementary security measures for staff and patrons.

The vote followed a staff-led review of a revised one-page policy the board had circulated after limited changes suggested by town counsel and Kim Reagan, who helped refine wording. The board approved the policy by roll call with all trustees voting in favor.

The policy vote came amid broader director’s-report discussion about building security. Library Director Ryan (last name not specified in the transcript) told trustees he has been in early discussions with the police department about a possible active-shooter/active-attacker refresher training that would include edged-weapon scenarios and familiarity with the library’s panic buttons. Ryan said the town police originally developed the training after “a stabbing incident that occurred in Winchester several years ago,” and that many library staff and some trustees have not taken the training.

Ryan said the police department had raised additional security concerns about the library’s physical layout, including windows in the stacks that do not open, and that staff are discussing whether to add a panic button in the team room and more cameras in the downstairs area. He told the board training would likely be scheduled on a weekday (most likely a Monday) and that the library might close for part of that day for staff training.

Trustee Janet emphasized alignment with school procedures for the safety of children who might be in the building, saying it would be “remiss” not to make library practice consistent with what children are trained to do in school. Ryan said trustees would be invited to attend the training alongside staff when it is scheduled so board members understand the procedures and decisions staff would make in an emergency.

Trustees and staff also discussed how to handle public disclosures about security. Mary (Friends liaison) and others raised concerns about broadcasting sensitive details—such as the location of panic buttons—during a public meeting. Ryan said he would be “thoughtful” about what is publicly posted and considered offering to distribute operational details to trustees and staff off the public record where appropriate.

The board approved the Safe Child policy after Kim Reagan, who reviewed the draft, told trustees she was “good with the final version of it.” The motion passed by roll call (see Actions). Trustee comments during discussion noted the need for clear, posted expectations for patrons while acknowledging that enforcement of conduct rules can be challenging.

Trustees directed staff to draft a broader code-of-conduct/patron-behavior policy in the coming months; Ryan said he would discuss early drafts with key staff (Kim and Mariana) before circulating to trustees.

The trustees also discussed logistics around offering training (timing, whether the library would temporarily close for training, and whether the police department can supply trainers) and the desire to ensure any public messaging about security balances transparency with not exposing vulnerabilities.

Ending: Ryan said he would provide updates to trustees as planning continues and would invite trustees to attend the police-run training. The board also agreed to post the Safe Child policy in public areas once the final version is distributed and to continue work on a code-of-conduct draft in coming months.