Library Board Special Meeting
The Goshen Library Board of Directors held a special meeting on Wednesday, April 23, to consider changes to library aide hours and to review the status of new computer purchases.
At the request of First Selectman Todd Carusillo, the board approved a proposal to consolidate two part-time library aide positions—previously six and ten hours per week—into a single 18-hour position. Carusillo said the town had difficulty filling the six-hour role, stating, “Nobody wants to come here for a 6-hour position.”
While the consolidation results in a net increase of two hours, it follows a recent reduction in staff hours after the resignation of Kate Malanca, who had worked 22-hours. Library Director Linda Senkus Benedict supported the change, citing scheduling efficiency and stronger interest from qualified applicants during recent interviews. She said several candidates expressed preference for a longer part-time role.
The approved staffing change will bring the library’s team to three 18-hour library aides, an 18-hour children’s coordinator, and a 35-hour library director. A single 18-hour position will be advertised. Carusillo noted that current employees holding the two positions would be eligible to apply for the new 18-hour post. Board Chair Henrietta Horvay recommended updating the job description to reflect the revised work week
The board also discussed the ongoing process of purchasing new computers for the library. Carusillo reported that one vendor had incorrectly quoted touch screen models, which were not requested. He and Benedict reviewed the desired specifications, and Carusillo said the appropriate equipment could arrive soon. Horvay clarified that the order will include seven desktop computers and one laptop.
During the meeting, Horvay twice reminded attendees to limit discussion to items listed on the agenda. She halted a conversation about how the new aide position would be posted, and later, a discussion about a firewall purchase that had been ordered but had not yet arrived.
