The Simsbury Library’s director reported that the building is hosting early voting and that the day ran smoothly, with “just over 100” voters recorded. Director-level updates also included staffing changes, programming and community partnerships.

Staffing and operations: the director said the library is recruiting to fill several positions and is conducting interviews this week and next. The transcript records at least five open positions across adult services and circulation (two part-time adult services librarian positions, a children’s librarian vacancy, and library services assistant vacancies). The director and trustees said they are optimistic about filling those positions but did not set firm hiring dates.

Programming and partnerships: the director said she was elected chair of the Library Connection Consortium finance committee and that the library’s makerspace has demonstrated community value by helping nonprofits save money. The director said the head of children's services and the head of adult services are working with a resident to host a children’s resource expo for businesses, nonprofits and town departments on Nov. 8. The Friends of the Library reported a very successful book sale (their best by dollars) and that a bus trip fundraiser sold out quickly. The Friends’ president invited trustees to an investor-recognition event on Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Soma (lower level room).

Facilities and finance: trustees reviewed year-end 2024–25 figures and noted savings from prolonged vacancies in two full-time positions. The board also discussed a facilities maintenance line that remains over budget; the director said the town manager and finance department are aware and that the library expects to request year-end savings to replace an automatic door downstairs.

Why it matters: staffing levels, facilities maintenance and fundraising directly affect service levels—opening hours, program capacity and the pace of collection maintenance. Early voting hosted at the library increases foot traffic and briefly changes building logistics (extra handicap parking was added to support the voting period).

Next steps: staff will continue candidate interviews, follow up on facilities maintenance spending with the finance office, and finalize details for the Nov. 8 children’s resource expo and the Friends’ Nov. 12 recognition event.