Meriden library seeks new librarian supervisor; personnel committee approves position 2–1

The personnel committee voted to create a full‑time Librarian 3 supervisor position for the Meriden Public Library after a presentation from Library Director Alyssa Johnson.

Johnson said the library’s move to a new consortium saved about $43,000 and allowed budget room for staffing changes. She described the library as “the true community hub” and highlighted a new digital media lab, extensive outreach (3,405 people reached by youth outreach last year), and an active preservation program. On the staffing proposal she said the new Librarian 3 (salary shown in the proposal at about $84,000) would be filled internally, creating a vacancy that would be replaced by two part‑time Librarian 1 positions; Johnson said that approach would reduce per‑diem spending and improve supervision across adult services and cataloging.

“By breaking that up…cataloging and visitor services can share staff,” Johnson said, arguing the structure supports more adult programming and grant applications. Committee members asked for clearer written detail on net cost and savings; Finance staff said the change would be a net new cost of roughly $74,000 after per‑diem reductions, and Johnson said the structural change would enable more grant‑driven programming.

The committee approved the personnel resolution on the position, with the vote recorded as two in favor and one opposed; one councilor spoke against adding headcount while taxes are also increasing.

What happens next: The staffing change moves forward through the city’s budget process and, if funded, would be implemented through internal promotion and subsequent hiring of part‑time staff.