Present: Library Director Tracy Wright, Robert Cartolano (President), Rosetta McArdle, Patrick Pilla, Astra Tudisco, Leslye Davidson, and Darlene Reda. Town Councilman Anthony Giacobbe also attended the meeting. Nala the therapy dog was also in attendance.
The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m.
Minutes from the March 12, 2025 meeting were reviewed and unanimously approved.
President Cartolano stated that there is still activity at NYS including Operating Aid and Construction Aid that EPL uses for funding. He is hoping the Chair of the Library Committee will take on the issue of licensing reform; if not, the hope is that Shelley Mayer will take it. Federal IMLS funding of $8 million supports NYS libraries and grants. NYS is likely to cover the federal funding gap between now and September; after that, the status of funding remains uncertain.
Director Wright is finally ready to file the NYS Annual report. EPL’s numbers went up this year, including e-materials. Adult circulation was also up; children’s circulation decreased slightly. The Summer Reading Games theme is “Color Our World;” EPL already has planned activities to align with this theme.
An event to honor Marjorie Fox is in the planning stages. Memorial Day parade will be held on May 18; the Board members are invited to march with EPL. The Friends’ annual book sale will be held May 2-May 5; donations will be accepted from 4/23 through 4/30.
Action Item: A motion was made to approve submission of NYSPL Annual Report for 2024. After discussion, the motion was unanimously approved.
Action Item: A motion was made to approve the hiring of Mark Williams at a rate of $27.50/hour as part-time, weekend custodian, effective April 13, 2025. After discussion, the motion was unanimously approved.
Building Update: All final bills have been submitted. NYS Construction money came in; the $250,000 from Amy Paulin still has not come through. Elevator is functioning fairly well.
EPL will close at 1 pm on Good Friday and will be closed on Easter Sunday and Mother’s Day. May 18th will be the last Sunday that the library is open until the fall.
See above.
The Board discussed the following issues:
(1) Federal legislation on accessibility
(2) AI literacy
(3) WLS Mobile workstation (which is a computer, not a van!)
None.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:26 pm. Next meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2025.
Respectfully submitted,
Darlene E. Reda