Goshen Library Board Meeting
6/18/2025
In attendance were Board members; Library Director Linda Senkus Benedict; and three members of the Goshen Board of Finance, Edward (Ned) Bixler, Patrick Reilly, and Paul Collins.
Ned Bixler presented research regarding the Library Fund, previously discussed during the Board's May meeting. He described the Library Fund as a source of revenue, emphasizing that, “there was no limit to the amount of money that could be put into the fund.” Board Chair Henrietta Horvay responded with surprise, saying, “Really? All I remember seeing it was always going down,” following Bixler's note that deposits had indeed been made over the years. Bixler further explained that funds could be allocated during the budget-building process or, during the fiscal year, by making a request to the Board of Finance.
The discussion then turned to other potential revenue sources for the Library Fund. It was agreed that fees collected for lost books or photocopies could not be redirected to the fund, since the original items had been purchased with town funds. Ideas to supplement the fund included an art show; Director Benedict proposed subscribing to Wowbrary, a service that could generate funds through Amazon purchases. Treasurer Lynette Miller clarified that while individuals could donate directly to the Library Fund, such contributions might not receive the same tax benefits as those made to the Friends of the Library, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Director Benedict presented highlights from her written report. She shared that a recent Story Time session drew 15 children and 8 adults on a rainy Wednesday morning. Technology updates were also noted, including installation of a firewall, transition of the website host, and new staff computers. Benedict requested approval to subscribe to Wowbrary, which would integrate with the catalog system to email monthly updates to users about new materials, reducing workload for staff who had been sending out email to users. The Board approved the subscription after discussing the need to increase the Library reach online.
Under Old Business, Board members discussed the library's physical maintenance needs. Areas identified for attention included repainting, carpet cleaning, securing a metal grate in the Children's Area, and reducing tripping hazards by wirelessly connecting computers. The discussion about installing an access ramp continued from May, with Benedict noting the need for a blueprint before pursuing grant funding. The Board approved a motion to purchase new computers with wireless capability in response to concerns about wires being a tripping hazard.
Miller raised a question about how Benedict's conference expenses would be handled. Concerns emerged when it was discovered that the professional development account lacked sufficient funds. Miller remarked that Benedict should not have to "be our bank" and asked her to consult the Friends of the Library for possible support. A motion was passed to cover mileage expenses from the travel account, but no motion was made regarding hotel costs.
During public comment, Patrick Reilly noted that carpet cleaning had last occurred “a long time ago” and was previously coordinated with broader cleaning of the Town Hall and Library complex.
