Listen to the full meeting
The Fall River Board of Library Trustees held its meeting on October 14, 2026, opening with the approval of prior meeting minutes before receiving the administrator’s report from Library Director Fellisha Desmarais. Desmarais reported on a busy August and September, which included covering responsibilities during the vacancy left by former assistant administrator Kayla King. Following deliberations with the mayor and an interview process, Jessica Rivas was appointed as the new assistant library administrator effective October 5. Rivas introduced herself to the board, highlighting her project management background and master’s degree in business administration. Desmarais also highlighted popular events, including State Representative Alan Silvia’s historical presentation ‘Mortal Remains,’ which drew approximately 157 attendees and had to be moved to the Government Center Atrium due to space limitations.
The board discussed building maintenance and unfinished construction projects, noting that parking lot renovations are expected to finish within weeks, while heating and air conditioning evaluations overseen by Director of City Operations Al Oliveira remain pending. Under new business, the trustees unanimously approved lowering VHS conversion fees from $15 to $5 for a single tape and from $35 to $20 for five tapes to make the service more accessible and increase community usage.
While beginning a discussion on municipal ordinances governing the role of trustees in staff hiring and interview procedures, trustee Ronald Caplain fell ill, experiencing severe shoulder pain and nausea. In response to the medical issue, the board abruptly concluded business and moved to adjourn early.
Topics discussed
- 0:47 · Minutes Approval
The board voted unanimously to approve the previous meeting’s minutes. - 0:57 · Approval of the previous meeting minutes — approved
Approval of the previous meeting minutes - 1:56 · Assistant Administrator Hiring and Introduction
Director Desmarais discussed the hiring process for the assistant administrator position and introduced newly hired Jessica Rivas to the board. - 5:05 · Library Programming and Space Constraints
The director reported on high attendance at recent library events, including a historical lecture by State Rep. Alan Silvia that required relocation to City Hall. - 5:39 · Board Role in Staff Hiring Procedures
Trustees and the director debated past hiring practices and whether trustees should participate on interview committees for administrative positions. - 10:39 · Facility Maintenance and Parking Lot Construction
Discussion regarding ongoing parking lot cleaning and paving, as well as outstanding assessments for the library’s heating and cooling systems with City Operations. - 12:38 · VHS Conversion Fee Adjustment
The board reviewed and approved reducing VHS conversion rates from $15 to $5 per tape and $35 to $20 for five tapes. - 13:41 · Approval of reduced VHS conversion fees ($5 per tape, or $20 for 5 tapes) — passed
Approval of reduced VHS conversion fees ($5 per tape, or $20 for 5 tapes) - 13:54 · Trustee Authority Ordinances and Early Adjournment
The board initiated review of municipal ordinances defining trustee authority, but halted proceedings to adjourn when trustee Ronald Caplain experienced sudden medical distress. - 16:12 · Motion to adjourn the meeting early due to medical issue — passed
Motion to adjourn the meeting early due to medical issue