Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Library Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Groton RTM approves $2.37 million library budget and funding for statewide lending program
Summary
The RTM unanimously approved the Groton Public Library operating budget of $2,373,738 and a $48,000 BorrowIT CT allocation to support a new server and archivist position; members praised library programs and asked staff about staffing and book-sourcing challenges.
The Groton Representative Town Meeting unanimously approved the Groton Public Library’s $2,373,738 operating request and a $48,000 allocation for the BorrowIT Connecticut reimbursement program.
Committee chair Andrew Pereella presented the account and noted contractual and personnel cost increases related to union agreements and state minimum-wage adjustments. Library staff clarified staffing as 17 full‑time and 23 part‑time employees (40 total) and described popular community programs including an annual trunk-or-treat “Bumpers & Books” event and the summer reading program.
Library committee members said the library is a highly used regional facility. Representative Weaver told the meeting: “the GR Public Library is always a safe adventure from home… it's currently a warming and cooling center for homeless people or people in need,” praising staff and programming.
Committee members also discussed the BorrowIT Connecticut funding formula, which is distributed by state reimbursement to net lenders; the library expects to use the $48,000 this year for a replacement server and to continue a part‑time grant-funded archivist to digitize local-history materials. The BorrowIT funds are restricted to library uses and are typically used for technology purchases rather than general fund items.
The RTM also approved a multi‑year AV upgrade plan for the town meeting room (CIP7G) with a $50,000 allocation this year to begin phased equipment replacement. All motions passed by unanimous voice vote.
