Goshen Library Board of Directors

7/22/2026 4:00 PM

Present: Anne Green, Henrietta Horvay, Rebecca Prause, Marianne Arancio Stilson

The Goshen Library Board held a special meeting with Vice President Rebecca Prause presiding in the absence of President Patricia Sanders.

The Board approved the minutes of the June 17 regular meeting and the July 8 special meeting, with minor corrections, on motions by Marianne Arancio Stilson and seconds by Anne Green.

Library Director Philip Armentrout reported that both the library's weeding and inventory projects were "going well." He also announced that the library's escape room has been renamed the puzzle room. Armentrout said he would like to "beef it up" by adding additional steps to increase participant engagement in other parts of the library before promoting it more widely.

Armentrout reported that the library is establishing a Teen Advisory Board, with five local teens currently participating. He also noted that the town is purchasing the air conditioner discussed at the previous meeting and reviewed upcoming library programs.

At the request of Henrietta Horvay, Armentrout said monthly circulation statistics will be included in future director's reports. The Director's Report was accepted on a motion by Arancio Stilson and a second by Horvay.

The Treasurer's Report was accepted on a motion by Arancio Stilson and a second by Green.

During discussion of library funds, Armentrout requested additional clarification regarding the use of the Harmon Fund and the Library Fund. Horvay explained the process governing the Harmon Fund. Arancio Stilson said that, "because of this whole dispute going on as to what it can be used for," the Library Fund would be discussed at an upcoming town meeting with a "proposal to change the Library Fund to . . . be for whatever we decide we want to use it for."

Horvay reviewed the history of the Library Fund and noted that "the town attorney has ruled that it has to be strictly used for books." Arancio Stilson added that if the proposed change is not approved at the town meeting, the Board could consider revising its budget to allocate those funds for book purchases.

During the President's Report, Prause announced that Patricia Sanders had resigned from the Board. Sanders had submitted her letter of resignation to First Selectman Seth Breakell, but the letter had not been shared with Board members. Prause also announced that the Board will hold an election for president and/or vice president at a future meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 4:26 p.m.