The Paul Pratt Memorial Library Board of Trustees convened on December 10, 2025, making key decisions on the library's future operating hours and budget while also welcoming a new staff member. The board voted to adopt a new schedule that will have the library opening its doors earlier, a move intended to better serve residents after morning school drop-offs. The new hours, which will reduce the total operating time slightly to 55.5 hours per week, are slated to take effect around February 1. "I definitely agree with the earlier opening," said trustee Katherine Harvey, "because oftentimes there are people [waiting when the] library is not open." After a thorough discussion on balancing community needs and staff resources, the change was put to a vote. Motion Made by Katherine Harvey to reduce the library hours to 55.5 hours per week and change the daily hours of operation. Motion Passed 5-0.

The board also welcomed the library’s new Circulation Supervisor, Patty Vasquez, who joined in August after a 16-year career at the recently closed Eastern Nazarene College library. Vasquez shared her observations on the differences between an academic and public library environment. "It is so different... they didn't really want to talk to the librarians as much as the patrons do here," she noted, highlighting the vibrant community engagement at Pratt Library. Her insights into changing student research habits and the shift to digital resources provided valuable context for the library's role in the community. Trustee Ela Brewell praised the director's statistical report on library usage, which underscored its busy operations. "I thought it was really, really wonderful," Brewell commented.

Looking ahead, trustees reviewed and approved the library's Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal. The director explained that the budget was prepared with a request from the Town Manager to remain as level-funded as possible, though it includes modest increases for materials and a necessary 2.5% increase for personnel costs. Trustee Steve Brown questioned the details of library usage statistics, asking, "Does that usage breakdown to Cohasset people and out of town people?" After discussion, the board approved the financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year. Motion Made by Steve Brown to approve the budget for fiscal year 2027. Motion Passed 5-0. The board also unanimously approved the library's bills. Motion Made by Mary Lou Lawrence to approve the bills as presented. Motion Passed 5-0.

In a final point of discussion, the board expressed unified support for the library staff to have the day after Christmas off, a request that had been denied by town management. Trustee Carolyn Coffee pointed out the reason given, stating, "The reasoning was that the staffing at the dump has to work that day. So the library staff should have to work that." The trustees agreed to formally communicate their support for the closure to the Town Manager, with Mary Lou Lawrence noting, "I think it's great that you went into that detail" regarding the director's research on the topic. The meeting was adjourned following the conclusion of business.