Present: Robert Cartolano (President), Library Director Tracy Wright, Leslye Davidson, Astra Tudisco, Patrick Pilla, Rosetta McArdle, Lisa Sclavo, and Darlene Reda. The meeting convened at 6:38 pm. The minutes from the October 16, 2024 meeting were reviewed and unanimously approved.
President Cartolano discussed Hoopla Digital. On the plus side, it offers a wide range of books. The downside is that the more you use it, the more you pay. Over the next 5 years, libraries will likely see a decrease in desktop usage and an increase in use of laptops. There has been discussion about using Patron Point (run by Springhare) for online renewals of library cards.
The painting job of the interior and exterior is finished and looks fantastic. Director Wright promised to show the new bathrooms to the board members following the meeting. She has seen the inside of the elevator, which is due to be in working order within the next two weeks, at which time she hopes to have it inspected. The library now has two pumps; the water issue should be resolved.
Now on to new projects…Director Wright is considering redoing the flooring in the lobby. The Friends have agreed to purchase another TV for downstairs. Trustee Davidson suggested making the lobby renovations a “Giving Tuesday” project; Director Wright will speak with Maureen Tillman about it. The outside ramp was custom made for this job—Suburban has offered to let the library keep it. Discussion ensued over whether keeping the ramp makes sense. Money is left over from the projects; if it is not used, the money will go back into the fund balance. Director Wright would like to use the money before the end of the year.
The 2025 budget proposal is on the Town website. EPL was given all requested funding. Part-timers can now be given a raise, and there is extra money in the maintenance line. There will likely be a $10-12,000 surplus in the Building and Maintenance line; Director Wright would like to use this for the foyer project. The water budget was over by about $9000 due to a leak.
The Dessert Night fundraiser yielded about $4000.
There have been issues involving teenage girls and boys harassing others in the library. Director Wright is addressing these issues.
Action Item: Motion was made to approve the hiring of four part-time employees at the rates as set forth below: 1- Librarian Ellen McTyre at the rate of $25/hour; 2- Librarian Karen Rowley at the rate of $25/hour; 3- Library Assistant Alison Robles at the rate of $20/hour; and 4- Library Page Ayla Mir at the rate of $8.50/hour. The motion was unanimously approved.
The EPL Staff Holiday party will be held on December 13, 2024 at 5 pm. All Trustees are invited to attend.
Building Committee: See above regarding ongoing projects.
None.
None.
The following dates were set for 2025 EPL Board meetings: January 8, February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, August 13, September 10, October 8, and November 12. Meeting was adjourned at 8:13 pm. Next meeting is scheduled for January 8, 2025.
Respectfully submitted,
Darlene E. Reda