Westchester Public Library

Key discussions included the approval of Financial and Statistical Reports for January and the Register of Claims and Warrants for the period covering January 9 through February 12, 2026. The board welcomed the new systemwide Facilities Manager, Michael Knoll. Updates were provided regarding the transition to Ingram Library Services as the new primary book vendor following the closure of Baker & Taylor, and the subsequent delay in the Library Annual Report submission. A legislative update detailed the Director's participation in Statehouse Day to oppose Senate Bill 8 regarding Library Budgets. Facility projects were reviewed, including planned renovations for the Circulation Desk at the Hageman Branch and the office layout at the Thomas Branch. Old Business centered on the Museum Renovation Update, including the Design Development budget increase and required variance submissions to the Board of Zoning Appeals. New Business featured the approval to rename the Westchester Township History Museum to "Duneland History Center" and updates regarding the upcoming Trustee appointments for Rondi Wightman and Will Scharp.

The regular meeting included the approval of financial and statistical reports for November, as well as the Register of Claims and Warrants for the period spanning November 12, 2025, through December 11, 2025. Key discussions focused on upcoming staff retirements for the Branch Manager and Maintenance Manager positions, the successful staff holiday party held on December 5, and the completion of year-end staff evaluations. An update on exterior brick and masonry repairs at the Thomas Branch and Baugher Center was provided, noting intermittent weather delays, and a change order for deteriorating brick pavers at the Baugher Center, approved on December 5. Progress on the Museum Renovation Update included the expected end of the Design Development phase and the upcoming construction document preparation period. The Board approved a Technology Sale hosted by the Friends of the Library to dispose of outdated IT equipment in January 2026. Finally, the 2026 Board Meeting Schedule and end-of-year transfers within the Operating Fund were adopted.

The regular meeting addressed financial matters, including the approval of Financial and Statistical Reports for December 2025 and January 1-15, 2026, as well as Registers of Claims and Warrants for the corresponding periods. Minor transfers were approved. Key discussions involved welcoming the new Hageman Branch Manager, Sidney Rinker; a legislative update concerning redistricting and Senate Bill 8; and a Patron Behavior Update detailing vandalism incidents and resulting teen bans. Infrastructure projects included updates on the tile work in the Board Room and delays in exterior renovations due to weather. The Board approved the Library of Things as a new collection initiative, shifting $90,000 to Overdrive for e-materials and approving Major Transfers Resolution. Further action items included approving the quarterly Public Library Access Card (PLAC) statement, certifying Internal Controls compliance, and transferring the maximum allowed amount ($374,598.42) to the Rainy Day Fund. During the subsequent Board of Finance session, the 2025 investment summary was reviewed, and the current Investment Policy was re-adopted.

Key discussions included the approval of Financial and Statistical Reports for November and the Register of Claims and Warrants for the period spanning November 12, 2025, through December 11, 2025. Operational updates covered upcoming staff retirements, including the Branch Manager and Maintenance Manager positions, and details regarding a well-received staff holiday party. Year-end evaluations were completed for managerial staff. Statistics for November were presented, showing visitation and program attendance figures. Old business focused on an update for exterior brick and masonry repairs at the Thomas Branch and Baugher Center, which necessitated an approved Change Order for deteriorating brick pavers at the Baugher Center. Progress on the Museum Renovation was noted, with the Design Development phase concluding soon. New business involved the approval of a Technology Sale hosted by the Friends of the Library to liquidate outdated IT equipment, and the adoption of the 2026 Board Meeting Schedule. End-of-Year Transfers within the Operating Fund were also approved.

The meeting included updates on exterior projects, such as brick and masonry repairs at the Thomas Branch and Baugher Center, and discussions on door and window replacements. There was also an update on the Museum renovation, including meetings with town engineers and school superintendents to share renderings of the proposed Museum. The board discussed the influx of meeting room requests from counseling services and therapists, and potential HIPAA issues. Additionally, the board discussed finding new book vendors following the closure of Baker & Taylor.