Mary Mastrianni Cullinan

The meeting covered several key operational and financial items. Discussions included approval of the consent agenda, which incorporated the minutes from the previous meeting and review of the operating check register. Specific inquiries were made regarding expenditures, such as annual subscriptions for periodicals and bank fees for debt service management. The payment of property taxes on vacant lots was also discussed. In committee reports, updates were given on the Friends and Foundation of Albany Public Library (FFAPL), including the appointment of a new board member and decisions regarding the DonorPerfect software tier implementation. A piano tuning schedule was established as a regular task. Furthermore, a report noted an incident of vandalism at the How Branch, involving shattered window panes, which was documented with a police report. Community engagement highlights included the successful opening of a new mural and positive feedback on the digitized museum pass system. An update on a Sesame Street partnership focused on early digital literacy programming at the Pine Hills branch. Upcoming activities mentioned included various trivia events and a Martin Luther King Junior story time.

The special budget session was convened to review the proposed 2026-2027 budget, which includes a 17% increase to the operating budget tax levy, exceeding the tax cap. This increase is proposed to protect existing branches and hours, balance the operating budget for the first time since before 2011, and establish a capital improvements and contingency line. Discussions included the library's budget history since 2011, noting chronic projected deficits and the minimal cumulative tax levy increases averaging 1.62% annually over the past 14 years. The breakdown of the operating budget expenses and revenue sources, including non-tax revenue streams like PILOT payments, was presented. The Audit and Finance Committee previously voted to recommend the proposed budget to the full board, with a final vote scheduled for the March 10th meeting. A motion was approved to initiate the election process to fill three vacancies on the Board of Trustees during the May 19th, 2026 annual school district meeting.

The primary discussion revolved around the process for selecting a new Executive Director, specifically the approach to obtaining quotes from consulting firms for the search. There was significant discussion concerning transparency regarding the suggested firms, as some committee members expressed concern about potential conflicts of interest or lack of full disclosure related to pre-existing relationships between committee members and the suggested firms. The committee confirmed the prior board decision to proceed with obtaining three quotes rather than issuing a formal Request for Proposal (RFP). Discussions also touched upon the necessity of interviewing prospective firms before final selection, and the overall coordination between different committees involved in related matters, such as personnel issues.

The meeting included a presentation by Lex Sagat from the Friends and Foundation of Albany Public Library, providing an overview of 2020 activities and 2021 updates following the merger that formed the organization in February 2020. Key 2020 achievements discussed were the Tui Library Equity Fellowship, which supports African-American students pursuing an MSIS degree; the Annual Appeal fundraising results and distribution for virtual programming; the Keep Albany Connected campaign focused on expanding Wi-Fi access; and the pivot of the Literary Legends fundraiser to a virtual event. Updates for 2021 included plans for resuming weekly book sales and the launch of the Branching Out program, supported by grants from the American Library Association and the Center for Law and Justice, which involves performances and a mural creation. The board also reviewed financial reports for April 2021, noting the completion of the 2020 pilot payment, slightly over-budget employee benefits due to HRA usage, and capital expenditures related to Pine Hills work. Trustees expressed appreciation for the foundation's successful pivot to virtual programming during the pandemic and discussed plans for summer food programs and upcoming events.

The meeting included the acceptance of the consent agenda, which covered minutes, operating check register, and capital fund check register. Financial discussions involved the treasurer's report presenting the library's fiscal year activity through December 31, 2025, noting that total support/revenues and expenditures were over the modified budget. Trustees discussed the under-spending in the programming and community engagement line item, which was attributed to expenses typically occurring closer to summer programs. Committee reports covered updates on the ad hoc strategic plan committee, which is planning a steering committee kickoff involving diverse community sectors, including non-library users. The executive committee discussed language changes for a letter of agreement and board evaluations. Updates from Upper Hudson included the successful rollout of a new web interface and the official closure on Juneteenth for the first time. The summer reading theme will focus on dinosaurs. FFAPL reported on budget approvals for Washington Avenue branch remodels and upcoming Tuesday book talks. Executive Director reports highlighted the library serving as a warming center during cold weather, participation in the Albany climate action committee, and successful community engagement events like a name change clinic and the start of tax preparation services, expanded to three days per week. Branch highlights included welcoming a new interim branch manager at Arbor Hill, hosting history sessions, and successful events like a puzzle swap and art craft supply swap. Collection management noted the success of the new Comics Plus digital service, with over a thousand titles borrowed in the first month. Statistics showed a slight dip in digital circulation due to ending Hoopla, counterbalanced by Comics Plus uptake, and increases in physical circulation at certain branches. The partnership Wi-Fi access program with the housing authority concluded in December.