Present: Library Director Tracy Wright, Robert Cartolano (President), Leslye Davidson, Rosetta McArdle, Patrick Pilla, Astra Tudisco, and Darlene Reda. Councilwoman Nicholson also attended the meeting.
Nancy O’Brien and Geri Parisi of the Friends also attended the meeting.
The meeting was called to order at 6:37 p.m. The minutes from the September 13, 2023 regular meeting and the October 11, 2023 emergency meeting were presented, reviewed and unanimously approved
President’s Report President Cartolano attended a recent WLS meeting; they will be increasing the budget for electronic resources and pay per use. A proposal was made to add another language—Mango.
The email transition is finished; all staff addresses are now eastchesterlibrary.org. A general email will be created for the public to contact the board.
Regarding the building, all land has been filled in, and the hole is finally gone. Contractor will now start pouring the floor; after it cures, they will pour the ceiling. As to elevator replacement, Otis contacted Lothrup with a bid for the job. The bid is $60,000 less than TK Elevators. Vince from Lothrup is waiting for his elevator consultant to give their approval. Vince is coming back on Monday regarding the new bathrooms—would like to go out to bid as of January. Director Wright is bringing Johnson in for the design element.
Director Wright met with Dawn Donovan regarding the budget. There is a new tech line in the budget; the book budget was cut but the ebook budget was increased, so it evened out. The Town Board will vote on the budget at their December 5, 2023 meeting.
A county program called Connect Westchester is offering free computer classes to underserved populations at the end of which every participant gets a Chrome book. Underserved populations include seniors. Damon Maher’s office reached out regarding another county program to provide funding for the library and have been emailing Tracy regarding the grant application. Parenting program held previously received great reviews despite a disappointing turnout. Director Wright would like to offer the program again.
The EPL website is still being worked on but not much progress is being made. Friends are looking for easier ways to donate to EPL—such as through venmo or newer apps.
See above.
The Winter Festival is scheduled for December 2. Midnight Run is collecting items for delivery to the homeless; donations are being collected at the library on Saturday between 11-2 or can be dropped off earlier.
None. Mark your calendars! 2024 Meeting Dates are as follows: January 17 July 10 February 21 August 7 March 20 September 25 April 24 October 16 May 29 November 20 *A December meeting will be held if needed. Meeting was adjourned at 7:32 pm. Next meeting is scheduled for January 17, 2024.
Respectfully submitted,
Darlene E. Reda