Library Director Ryan told the Town of Southborough Library trustees on Feb. 19 that the library was not selected for the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) grant and that the $100,000 town authorization tied to the application will be released back to the town.

Ryan said trustees should consider whether the library should reapply when the program opens again but cautioned against committing the board on reapplication without further discussion. “I don't wanna misrepresent what the board would like me to do,” he said, adding that he planned to prepare a short presentation for town meeting and circulate a draft slide to trustees.

The director highlighted several spring events and programs he intends to promote at town meeting and through library communications. He described Art in Bloom (April 10), noting the reception is scheduled for 5 p.m. and that floral exhibits and student artwork will be displayed through the weekend; organizers will temporarily remove some main-floor seating to accommodate exhibits. He said the Ramadan exhibit will return in March and that staff are coordinating with community educators and neighboring libraries.

Ryan also briefed trustees on recurring programming and partnerships: a library speaker consortium, planned Friends fundraising, a four-part “Gorgeous Gardens” series, and monthly afterschool gaming. He noted that food-truck nights will produce heavier parking demand and staff will avoid scheduling conflicting weekly programs on those evenings.

On community outreach and materials, Ryan recommended a handout for town meeting showcasing library statistics (database use, programming counts) and proposed making Friends fundraising materials available at the town meeting. He said a draft presentation and handout would be ready for trustee review at a future meeting.

Ryan concluded by asking trustees whether they wanted the library to plan a candidates’ night for the May election; he suggested May 8 as a likely date if trustees chose to host one, and discussed logistics such as timing to avoid conflicts with other town meetings.

Next steps: Ryan will prepare a short presentation and handout for town meeting, circulate drafts to trustees, and return with proposed language if the board chooses to reapply for the MPLCP grant in the future.