The need for environmental testing funding was highlighted due to potential lead paint concerns that require immediate attention. The board expressed optimism that their application for funding, submitted alongside a significant estimate for painting the downstairs area, would be well-received by the finance committee. Should the request be denied, the library would face challenges in addressing these issues.

Budgetary challenges were also a point of discussion, with the board acknowledging a notable increase in the overall budget request for FY 26. Rising electricity costs were highlighted as a concern, with a board member noting a 21% decrease in electricity usage compared to the previous year, yet the bill had reached $700 due to delivery and transmission fees. The board’s request for FY 26 amounted to $93,900, reflecting a $4,000 increase from the previous year, to accommodate these rising costs.

In addition to environmental testing and budgetary issues, the board discussed the installation of a fire alarm pull station on the first floor, while noting ongoing issues with the basement station due to a weak Wi-Fi signal. This necessitates further investigation, with the fire chief recommending a wired system to ensure reliability. Funding for the installation was sourced from remaining ARPA safety electrical upgrade funds, and the board acknowledged that any future decisions regarding a wired pull station would require additional funding.

The meeting also addressed a perceived disconnect in the roles and responsibilities of the Friends of the Library, library staff, and trustees. Members noted the need for the Friends to feel a sense of ownership over library activities rather than focusing solely on fundraising. A cohesive approach was deemed necessary for effective collaboration, and the potential formation of a subcommittee to explore this disconnect was proposed. This subcommittee could align the board’s shared goals and explore strategies for reinvigorating the Friends Group, with members expressing the importance of someone with fundraising and organizational experience to lead these efforts.

In new business, the board reviewed the need to digitize deteriorating blueprints of the library dating back to the 1940s. A contractor had previously recommended this, and while some town documents had been digitized, the library’s blueprints were also in need of preservation. The board agreed that findings on the digitization process would be presented in future meetings.

Other topics included a review of a recent holiday gathering, which saw about 20 fewer attendees compared to the previous year. The board speculated on factors contributing to the decline, such as the event’s timing relative to Thanksgiving, and suggested potential adjustments for future gatherings. Additionally, the board discussed maintenance concerns, focusing on the use of safer materials for cleaning and the potential for tapping the maple trees in front of the library to produce syrup for an upcoming anniversary event.