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RCS Community Library director and trustee candidates outline services, tax‑cap budget and new programs
Summary
Library trustees and director presented the RCS Community Library budget and candidates running for the library board described priorities including programs, digital collections and community services. The library reports a tax‑cap compliant levy increase of 2.63% and recent state construction grant help for a roof replacement.
Several candidates for the RCS Community Library board and the library director presented services and a budget summary at the Ravena‑Coeymans‑Selkirk board meeting.
Jessica O’Connor, who said she has served three years on the library board and as vice president, described the library as a “safe welcoming environment for everyone” and urged continued support. Patricia Visconti, Tiffany Moreno and Michelle Wagner — each running for library trustee — spoke about the Romp and Read program, outreach during COVID and programs for all ages. Lisa Newman, library director, said the board approved a tax‑cap‑compliant library budget that included a 2.63% levy increase and emphasized shifting some spending from physical materials to digital content.
Newman highlighted new services: an all‑access New York Times subscription accessible through the library website, expanded Vox audiobooks for children and a small lending collection of fishing poles provided by a partner. She said circulation, room use and program attendance are up and that the library will serve this summer as an official cooling center registered with the New York State Department of Health and Albany County. Newman also said the library obtained a New York State construction grant that paid to replace about one‑third of the library’s roof and that the library recently joined the Albany County Healthcare Cooperative to pursue lower health insurance costs.
Why it matters: The library is a locally funded public resource; a tax‑cap‑compliant levy governs the library’s property tax request to the town and affects the library’s fiscal plan. Newman described the library as delivering “a $3 return for every dollar spent.”
Discussion and next steps: Candidates introduced themselves and described priorities — community programs, digital growth and family outreach. Newman said the library is applying for additional grants and noted she would field questions from community members by phone or email.
Ending: The library presentation served as part of the evening’s public presentations; the board later moved to its regular business agenda.
