Goshen Library Board Rescinds Program Pre-Approval Requirement
6/17/2026
Present: Kristen Durso, Anne Green, Henrietta Horvay, Rebecca Prause, Patricia Sanders, Marianne Arancio Stilson.
To start the meeting, Marianne Arancio Stilson requested two additions to the agenda: distribution of a new member packet, and discussion of the town's Plan of Conservation and Development. Both additions were approved unanimously. The Board then approved the minutes of its May 20 meeting with minor spelling corrections.
Library Director Phillip Armentrout reported that work continues on a collection inventory project comparing catalog records to books on library shelves. Ongoing efforts also include weeding the collection and improving accessibility to materials in the Children's Room. Armentrout reviewed the library's process for removing materials from the collection, noting that out-of-print status alone is not a reason to retain a book.
Armentrout also reported that a trial escape room program developed with students from Lakeview High School's game club was successful and is ready for public promotion.
Following discussion, the Board approved revised summer hours that will allow the library to remain open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
The Board also discussed the need for a new air-conditioning unit in the Children's Room. Armentrout said he hoped to avoid continued use of the current unit because of concerns about the library's newly installed windows. Treasurer Henrietta Horvay described the purchase as a capital expense, noting that no capital funds were budgeted this year. She said the project would require a bidding process and subsequent review by the Board of Finance.
Armentrout reported that while some fiscal year 2026 budget lines were over budget and others under budget, total spending remained within the library's approved appropriation. The Board accepted the director's report on a motion by Stilson.
Horvay presented the Treasurer's Report, including information on the Harmon Fund and the Library Fund. Discussion focused on permissible uses of the Library Fund. Horvay maintained that the fund could only be used for book purchases, while Stilson cited Connecticut General Statute 11-27 as granting the Board discretion over the use of those funds. The Treasurer's Report was received by unanimous vote.
As part of the discussion of the Harmon and Library Funds, Armentrout reported that some funds could be used to purchase large-print books, though patron demand for those materials has declined. The Board also discussed e-book availability, with Kristen Durso asking whether additional licenses could be obtained. Armentrout agreed to investigate associated costs.
Under new business, Armentrout outlined plans to cover Children's Coordinator Courtney Murray's maternity leave, which may require additional staff hours. The Board also discussed meeting times but took no action after Stilson suggested maintaining the current schedule. Stilson distributed a new board member packet she had assembled.
Under old business, Stilson introduced a motion to rescind a previous requirement that the Board approve all programs proposed by the Library Director. She noted that the Board had not been approving individual programs. The Board unanimously approved a replacement provision requiring the Library Director to notify members of upcoming programs.
Stilson also reported on her review of the Board's responses to requests for information related to the towns' Plan of Conservation and Development. Discussion was tabled until the next meeting.
