Goshen Library Board
7/16/2025
Present:Chair, Henrietta Horvay, Josephine Jones, Patricia Sanders, Johanna Kimball, Lynette Miller, Anne Green
Library Director Linda Senkus Benedict noted that adult circulation statistics appeared to have increased, but further analysis revealed many adults were borrowing materials for their children. She shared positive feedback regarding the recent reorganization of the library’s interior, which was echoed by two board members. Benedict also noted growing interest in the “Babies and Board Books” program, which is drawing patrons from outside Goshen.
Treasurer Lynette Miller reported account balances of $5,603 in the operating account and $8,929 in the Library Fund.
Board Chair Henrietta Horvay reported that the Library By-Laws are due to be reviewed in 2026. Benedict informed the Board of several new policy requirements issued by the state.
The Board discussed a concern by a town resident that it had improperly “ceded [its] authority in hiring and firing to the First Selectman.” Miller described her understanding of the concern as causing an “uproar brought up every week” at Board of Selectmen meetings “about our letter and our decisions.” She agreed to draft a new letter to the Selectmen and clarified that the by-laws do not “provide any authority to the Board president to have any supervisory authority over personnel.” The board collectively affirmed that they weren’t “giving anything to [the First Selectman] that he didn’t already have.”
The board also agreed to send a letter to the Selectmen regarding the library facilities review, first discussed in May. Benedict reported that three new computers had been installed, and that she had spoken to First Selectman Todd Carusillo about the remaining computers, who, “with the way he buys it” was “hoping to purchase two computers by the end of July and two computers sometime in August.” Horvay clarified that these expenses would come out of the previous year’s capital spending.
Miller raised concerns about the Board’s handling of correspondence and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requirements. She stated that she didn’t feel the board was receiving communications in a timely fashion or as part of official agendas.
Johanna Kimball agreed, stating, “After we’ve adjourned you will say ‘oh here’s something I want you guys to have.’ I think we should have it before the meeting starts.” Miller added, “It has to be part of the public meeting.”
Miller emphasized that correspondence addressed to the Board or Chair must be shared by the chair. “It is incumbent on the Chairman to share that correspondence with the Board even if it’s addressed directly to the Chairman,” she said. “Your job is to facilitate the meeting. You have no more authority than any one of us.”
Miller insisted that materials “can’t be attached to the public agenda” without proper board review. “This is a real FOIA issue,” she warned. “It’s illegal for us to discuss it after the meeting.”
Miller also addressed Horvay directly: “I expect my phone calls to be returned some time, hopefully within a day or two, or ever, or a reply to my correspondence. I’ve never seen a chair who doesn’t reply to board members.”
Horvay responded, “I will reply as requested.”
Miller also requested the creation of a subcommittee to plan upcoming art exhibitions. She will serve on the committee alongside Green and Jones.
Benedict reported that the current library automation software may soon be discontinued and recommended the board begin exploring new software options in January. She also proposed forming a subcommittee to review a museum pass program.
During public comment, Marianne Arancio Stilson noted difficulties accessing the Zoom meeting, explaining that the link on the town website opened an outdated session. The town will be apprised of the problem. She also requested more adult programming. Benedict thanked her and invited her to bring any ideas directly.
The board corrected the date of the next meeting to August 20.
