Board approves 2026 meeting dates; foundation to receive Carnegie grant and acting head installed

The Norwalk Public Library Board approved its calendar of meeting dates for 2026 and covered several administrative updates, including a Carnegie Corporation grant and a personnel change.

Members approved the proposed 2026 calendar (meetings typically the second Thursday of the month with dates presented orally). Board members discussed adding an August meeting date (Aug. 13) to allow flexibility and then voted to approve the presented schedule.

A board member told colleagues that the Carnegie Corporation is awarding $10,000 grants to qualifying Carnegie libraries and, because Norwalk maintains two Carnegie library buildings, the foundation is expected to receive $20,000. At the time of the meeting no restrictions on use had been identified; the foundation will determine how to accept and allocate the funds.

The board also noted staff changes: Cindy Leahy recently retired and Luis Ayala, a reference librarian since 2000 and holder of a master's degree from Pratt Institute, is serving as acting head. Members discussed his qualifications and said any permanent appointment will be considered in coming weeks. The board confirmed that Moina Noor and Patsy Brusho may sign on behalf of the library and the foundation to get a proposed bookstore program moving; Jamie has established a fund account for proceeds.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn and a transition to the foundation meeting.