30:37A major topic of discussion was the need for lighting upgrades within the library, particularly in the youth services area. The board learned that the number of fluorescent lighting units in need of replacement had grown from 250 to 370, exacerbating the library’s lighting issues.

33:54Debate ensued over whether the library or the township should bear the financial responsibility for these upgrades. Some members argued that such improvements should be covered by the municipal appropriation, as the library does not pay rent for the building. Others countered that the library’s financial contributions should be acknowledged, with one participant stating, “If we’re going to pay for it, I want the township to know that we’re contributing something.” The lack of consensus on maintenance versus upgrades and the responsibilities involved prompted a call for a legal opinion to clarify the library’s obligations.

In addition to the lighting issues, the board discussed broader facility maintenance concerns, including the need for a prioritized list of urgent repairs to present to Mayor Debbie Walker. One board member expressed the urgency by stating, “working in the dark is stupid,” highlighting the need for immediate action.

03:14Personnel matters were also on the agenda, with the board approving the appointments of Shane Gellerman as the managing librarian for adult services and Julie Uselli as a full-time staff librarian for adult services. Gellerman’s appointment, with an annual salary of $74,312 pending a background check, was seen as beneficial due to his local roots and prior experience at the Boston Public Library, which may attract a younger demographic to the library. Uselli, to receive $64,694.27 annually, was praised for her strong candidacy, having been a finalist for other positions.

07:54Financial discussions included a review of the bill listing for May 14th, totaling $363,462. Questions arose regarding cleaning services and maintenance contracts, with some members expressing dissatisfaction with the current standards. The board noted the absence of finance committee representation at the meeting and the lack of a committee member list, which had been requested previously.

18:39The meeting also covered proposed changes to the library’s database offerings. The director announced plans to discontinue the library’s subscription to New York Times.com in favor of acquiring the New York Times Historic database and a historic New Jersey package. These resources aim to enhance research capabilities, especially for high school students, by providing access to historical newspapers like the Asbury Park Press dating back to 1887 and the Home News Tribune from 1903. This shift would not impact the library’s database budget, as funds previously allocated to Brainfuse and Universal Class would be reallocated.

In a bid to improve services for seniors, the board acknowledged the need for a directory of social services, similar to Highland Park’s newsletter. The goal is to collaborate with the senior center to avoid duplicating efforts and promote existing services effectively.

14:21The Library of Things initiative was highlighted, with the program now operational and the first item, a mending machine, checked out. The community’s excitement about the maker space and various borrowable items was noted, with RFID tagging, a self-check machine, and security gates in place.

Other facility maintenance issues were discussed, including the library’s electrical systems and the need for bathroom renovations. Preliminary drawings for these renovations, covering five bathrooms and creating a server closet, were received and will be presented at the next meeting. Maintenance of the library van, recent brake work, and challenges with the library garden were also mentioned.

25:44Concerns about the HVAC system led to discussions about switching contractors due to unresolved issues with the current provider, HG Clark. The board agreed on the importance of obtaining more estimates before making a decision.