If you’ve ever seen up close one of the metal halide light fixtures that hang in the Sloatsburg Public Library rafters, they look like some crazy miniature space ship. Now, all twelve lights shine anew, showering the library’s steeple room with luminous light. The library recently underwent an energy efficiency audit, resulting in the replacing of the old halide bulbs and some retrofitting of other fixtures. The result is lots and lots of light.
Everything from the energy audit to fixing fences and the library director’s annual report was discussed at the recent lengthy Sloatsburg Public Library Board meeting that took place earlier this week. Board members covered their bases, discussing everything from on-going projects still in the planning stages, such as painting the exterior of the building, to evaluating the costs of buying a new copier machine vs. leasing and the continuing growth of digital materials.
Board President Jane Thompson led the meeting, while trustee, board treasurer and general budget hawk Stephen Hoefer answered every practical and nuanced question the board had regarding library finances. Hoefer’s daytime job is Manager of Operations and Finance for the Nyack Library, which gives him finance wiz status. Other board members present included Vice President Joy O’Leary, Secretary Christine Goldman, and trustee George O’Dell, along with Director Mary Blake.
The lighting upgrade is part of the continuing effort by the board to keep the building in workable condition. In recent years, the building’s roof, flashing and gutters were replaced. The computer center was upgraded with four new HP desktop computers and 22″ NEC monitors. The next big project is new exterior paint and boiler replacement. The Village of Sloatsburg owns the library building itself and is responsible for all maintenance and upkeep, while the independent library board manages the building and oversees the library. The village and library boards work in tandem to tackle costs, expenses and other budgetary items.
Highlights of the meeting include:
→ Discussion of the library’s 2013, which is scheduled to be voted on by Sloatsburg residents on March 27.
→ Review of the director’s annual report, which featured a roundup of 2011 library operations and expenses. Once again, the library came in under budget due to management decisions and invested board oversight.
→ Library donations — a Piermont resident recently donated $500 to the library and the Masonic Guild donated $1000 as well.
→ Boiler replacement — the library will be replacing its aging boiler which will provide an upgrade in the heating system of the building. The board will help pay for the new boiler with grant money.
→ Energy audit and library lighting upgrade throughout the building.
→ New color copier for the library was discussed. Additional research and cost analysis will take place before a purchase.
→ PLA Virtual Conference — library staff will participate in a two-day online Public Library Association conference in mid-March that will cover topics libraries face, such as the evolving digital demand by patrons and how to build up teen patrons.
→ Discussion of culling library onsite reference material and enhancing the library’s online database to feature the discarded material.
→ Fixing fences — the board reported on the elusiveness of fixing a simple fence bordering the library property.
→ Nearly a notary — Director Mary Blake reported that she’s awaiting the results of her notary exam and may soon be an official stamp.
