Present: Robert Cartolano (President), Library Director Tracy Wright, Astra Tudisco, Rosetta McArdle, Lisa Sclavo, Patrick Pilla, and Darlene Reda. Councilman Anthony Giacobbe was also in attendance. The meeting convened at 6:33 pm.
The minutes from the August 13, 2025 meeting were reviewed and unanimously approved with one change noted.
President Cartolano informed the Board that the Institute of Music and Library Services has been funded at the Congressional level; some of these funds support WLS.
Civil service is undergoing a much-needed transformation; changes will likely go into effect in July 2026.
Director Wright has not received a budget update yet. She emphasized the need for a weekend custodian and a second librarian on Sundays.
ACTION ITEM: A motion was made to retroactively approve the hiring of Thomas Vanadia to work as a part-time cleaner at $20/hour for about 12 hours/week. After discussion, the motion was unanimously approved.
NYS Construction Grant application was submitted to obtain funding for heating in the lobbies. HVAC system that controls Rashkoff Room and staff bathroom need repairs. Elevator is still not working. Jazz Fest will be held on September 27th; it may have to be held outside due to
inaccessibility. 70 tickets have already been distributed.
Access to the NY Times and Wall Street Journal is now available through EPL! Summer programs were a huge success. The Friends are supporting programming through year-end; EPL’s programming funds have been depleted for 2025, partly due to increased cost of programs.
Battle of the Books is drawing a lot of interest; EPL will have to have “play-offs” to determine who will make the team.
Building Committee: See above regarding ongoing projects.
None
Trustee Pilla inquired about outreach to elementary schools; Director Wright stated that it is hard for them to get the kids here. However, EPL librarians go to the schools (elementary, middle and high school). They also host a table at Open House night. Discussion was held about going to PTA meetings and putting in a plug for EPL.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:14 pm.
Next meeting is scheduled for October 8, 2025.
Respectfully submitted,
Darlene E. Reda