Larchmont Public Library

Board of Trustees

Minutes of Meeting

June 12, 2024

The Larchmont Public Library Board of Trustees met on June 12, 2024, attended by Library Board Chair Lauren Gottfried (LG), Library Trustees Jill Brennick (JB), Barbara Flickinger (BF),
Barbara Liptack (BL), Celeste Sharpe (CS) and Linnet Tse (LT), Town of Mamaroneck Liaison Sabrina Fiddelman, Friends of Larchmont Library Director Aron Scheier (AS), Library Director Laura Eckley (LE), and Library Staff Assistant Janet Regan (JR). Library Trustee Galit Lopatin Bordereau (GLB) and Village of Larchmont Liaison Dana Post (DP),were absent.

Library Board Chair LG called the meeting to order at 6:32pm.

Minutes

The Board unanimously approved the minutes for the 5/8/24 Library Board Meeting.

Friends

AS reported on the FOL Annual Meeting in May including the addition of several new Directors on the FOL Board and the new executive committee. AS further reported that the FOL’s annual Emedia campaign would kick off shortly. LG thanked the FOL for their dedication to the Library.

Committee Reports

Finance

Schedule of Bills and Performance Report: The Board unanimously approved the schedule of bills and the additional lists of bills dated 6/12/24.

Following discussion the Board unanimously approved a proposal from LAN architects for $10,100 to undertake a building survey and create a report to assist in the completion of the Library’s Capital Plan. Following further discussion the Board unanimously approved a proposal for $6,000 from Catizone Engineering for investigative work and a comprehensive report on exterior foundation water issues as well as the provision of up to $5,000 for camera work in the exterior drains surrounding the Library.

Facilities

LE reported on facility issues including a repair made to the Library’s Lower Level compressor approved at the May Library Board Meeting and a repair to the lawn sprinkler system. LE further reported on misc seasonal building maintenance tasks items including carpet cleaning, exterior bench care, roof maintenance, water filter replacement and upcoming window washing.

Director’s Report

LE reported that Library Head of Reference Liam Hegarty will retire on 7/30/24. LE commented on Liam’s exceptional career at LPL and that his professionalism, dedication to public service and humor would be missed by all. LG thanked Liam for his service to LPL and extended the Board’s congratulations on his retirement.

Upon the recommendation of LE the Board unanimously approved the hire of Evgenia Nikolopolou as a Librarian I, with an annual salary of $67,867 effective July 1, 2024.

LE reported on the success of recent programs including a recent puzzle swap, the celebrity bios popup book group series and a library card registration event at the Larchmont Farmer’s Market. LE further reported that a new pass to DIA Beacon will be added to the Library’s Museum Pass Program this month. LE highlighted the June exhibit in the Oresman Gallery featuring the 50th annual Senior Center Art Show. LE mentioned that the MHS Interns completed their internship and helped the staff with many tasks including creating an animated video to promote the teen summer reading game. LE reported on upcoming programs including a mini art fair in the Children’s Room this summer and summer reading programs for all ages.

Meeting adjourned at 7:34pm. The next scheduled Board Meeting will be held on 7/10/24 at 6:30pm.

Respectfully Submitted,
Laura Eckley
Library Director