Larchmont Public Library

Board of Trustees

Minutes of Meeting

September 11, 2024

The Larchmont Public Library Board of Trustees met on September 11, 2024, attended by Library Board Chair Lauren Gottfried (LG), Library Trustees Jill Brennick (JB), Galit Lopatin Bordereau (GLB), Barbara Flickinger (BF), Barbara Liptack (BL), Celeste Sharpe (CS), and Linnet Tse (LT), Village of Larchmont Liaison Dana Post (DP), Friends of Larchmont Library Director Ellie Berlin (EB), Library Director Laura Eckley (LE), Head of Reference Paul Doherty (PD), and Library Staff Assistant Janet Regan (JR). Town of Mamaroneck Liaison Sabrina Fiddelman, was absent.

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

Minutes

The Board unanimously approved the minutes for the 7/10/24 Library Board Meeting.

Friends

EB reported on the success of the FOL’s annual Emedia campaign and on the receipt of a $100k unrestricted donation to the FOL.

Committee Reports

Finance

Schedule of Bills and Performance Report: The Board unanimously approved the schedules of bills and the additional lists of bills dated 8/12/24 and 9/11/24.

The Board unanimously voted to approve the Library’s grant application to the NYS Library Construction Program for $82,500 to offset the cost of window replacement in the main building.

Facilities

LE reported on repairs to the building including cleanup following flooding on the lower level in August, leaking from the 1995 section of the roof, and a number of condensation leaks from the HVAC system over the summer. LE further reported that additional repairs were made to the Main Level water fountain and the dehumidifier in Local History and that the annual window washing was completed.

Following discussion the Board unanimously approved proposals for $5,600 from Andreu Remodeling to repair damaged sections of the ceiling, for $3,486 from Atlantic Westchester for boiler repairs and for $4,635 from Atlantic Westchester for repairs to piping related to the heating system.

Centennial Committee

Committee Chair JB reported on the creation of a committee to help plan and execute events for the Library’s centennial in 2026. JB further reported on an expected timeline of events and a number of possible activities.

Director’s Report

Upon the recommendation of LE the Library Board unanimously approved the promotion of Librarian Caroline Cunningham to Librarian II effective 10/1/2024 at an annual salary of $74,726.

LE reported on the success of the Library’s Summer Reading Games for all ages, a NY Blood Bank drive, and a decluttering program. LE reported that a new pass to the 9/11 Museum will be added to the Library’s Museum Pass Program this month. LE further reported on upcoming events including a fall book preview program, an upcoming library card registration event at the farmer’s market and another jigsaw puzzle swap.

Additional Items

The Board unanimously approved the 2025 Service Level Agreement between the Larchmont Public Library and the Westchester Library System.

Meeting adjourned at 7:44pm. The next scheduled Board Meeting will be held on 10/9/24 at 6:30pm.

Respectfully Submitted,
Laura Eckley
Library Director