Blackstone trustees approve FY26 budget, authorize $3,200 for National Library Week and adopt lost-and-found policy

The Blackstone Board of Library Trustees on Jan. 13 approved its updated FY26 budget, authorized spending from the library gift account for National Library Week events and adopted a lost‑and‑found policy.

The trustees approved a version‑4 budget totaling $684,930.8 that restores several part‑time hours and adds a new part‑time technology assistant position. Trustee Jean Alexandowitz said the revised budget would be submitted to the town administrator and accountant following the meeting. Lisa Cheever, the library director, told trustees the library was “right on target for spending” in the current fiscal year but that the technology line had only $3,389 remaining and “we may go over a little on that line.”

Why this matters: The trustees’ budget request will be included in town budget materials and forwarded to the town administrator and selectmen for review. The change increases personnel capacity at the library — the director has already posted the technology assistant position and reported five resumes — and trustees specifically instructed that existing part‑time positions be fully funded at their current hours rather than cut to make room for the new hire.

Details of the vote and immediate follow‑up: The board voted to accept the version‑4 FY26 budget; the motion was moved and seconded by trustees (mover and seconder recorded in the…