Library Trustees Weigh Accessibility Upgrades, Eye Shift Back to Print Collections

DOUGLAS — April 28, 2026 — Douglas library trustees approved March minutes and debated a strategic shift toward print collections after a 10.82 percent total circulation drop in March. Library Director Justin presented a CW MARS comparison showing rural libraries down 6 to 12 percent system-wide and said Douglas's Libby digital hold queue had fallen from a typical 800 to 900 items to under 200, prompting his recommendation to redirect a "pretty significant" share of e-book purchasing into physical materials. The board also reviewed Massachusetts Architectural Access Board thresholds tied to the library's assessed building value of $572,800, with the key trigger points at $100,000 and $171,840 in cumulative three-year improvements. Life Song Church, a Route 146 congregation with hundreds of members, has committed to completing an accessible rear pad by June and may provide volunteer contractors for broader exterior work including a possible deck. The building donation fund is expected to cross $300,000 at the next meeting, having generated $4,067 in interest this fiscal year.