The Friends of the Library offered a substantial contribution, following a successful book sale that resulted in a $20,000 allocation for the library’s book budget. Additionally, an extra $30,000 was earmarked for various projects. Among the proposals discussed was the acquisition of 120 padded, stackable chairs, estimated to cost around $133,000. The board discussed color options, with black being considered for its practicality in maintenance. Concerns were raised about the disposal of the old chairs, originally from a local middle school and not purchased by the library. The library currently uses approximately 75 chairs regularly, with an additional 50 sourced from the school.

The discussion also included the potential installation of a new shed, intended to meet the library’s ongoing storage needs. The shed could facilitate outdoor storage and support the “Library of Things” initiative by freeing up space inside the library. The board considered seeking town assistance to level the area for the shed’s placement.

Switching focus, the board examined supplier issues, particularly with Ingram, which had led to delays in receiving new books. Concerns were voiced by a trustee regarding Ingram’s staffing challenges and the possibility of switching to another vendor, Baker and Taylor, if better discounts were offered.

Safety concerns also took center stage, as the board addressed water access issues following a Board of Health notice deeming certain water sources unusable due to contamination risks. A proposal was made to install a new waterline to support irrigation for outdoor areas, essential for completing the ADA walkway project.

The board also discussed a request from the Board of Health to install air quality sensors in the library as part of a grant initiative. Uncertainty surrounded the data’s implications and whether the sensors would monitor indoor or outdoor air quality. Due to issues with outdoor electrical outlets, a motion to reject the sensor installation proposal was made and unanimously agreed upon. The board raised concerns about the costs and responsibilities associated with the data collected by the sensors.

Attention then turned to a quote for improvements to the library’s HVAC system, which has been in use for 15 years. A new quote from Samco for an HVAC upgrade was $102,000, a notable increase from a previous estimate of $70,000. This project is part of a five-year capital improvement plan, with completion expected in fiscal year 2027. However, the board considered seeking immediate funding or grants to expedite the process, as concerns were raised about the system’s impact on air quality during humid months and its effect on the library’s collection.

The meeting also reviewed the library’s trust funds, including the Isabelle C. Boen Memorial Fund for fine arts-related purchases and the Arlene A. Gford Memorial Fund for large print books. The board emphasized the importance of proper funding and equipment maintenance, alongside making informed decisions for the library’s infrastructure and services.

The discussion extended to the Alice Dennet Trip Memorial Fund, which supports equipment and materials for seniors and children, and the Ronald A. and Randall A. Trip Library Trust for educational media on agriculture and sciences. The board examined interest accrued from these funds and the practicality of using or accumulating them based on library needs.

The Expansion Gift Account, with approximately $64,000 available, and the Lash Fund, dedicated to technology upgrades, were also discussed. The board acknowledged donor intentions, which require maintaining separate funds, and deliberated on the possibility of combining smaller accounts. A motion was made to accept the trust funds report, receiving unanimous approval.