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Bloomfield library asks trustees to back two full‑time hires and restoration of part‑time funding to expand hours
Summary
Director Elizabeth asked trustees to advocate for FY2027 funding requests that include two full‑time staff (a librarian and a library assistant), restoration of a prior ~$116,000 part‑time cut, and capital requests for a bookmobile and vehicle to support services across four locations.
Trustees were asked to support budget requests aimed at expanding hours and stabilizing staff workloads at Bloomfield Public Library. Elizabeth described the library's FY2027 operating and capital priorities and urged board advocacy ahead of town budget hearings.
The library requested two new full‑time positions—a librarian and a library assistant—and asked that the board press for restoration of an earlier cut to part‑time funding (discussed in the meeting as about $116,000). Elizabeth said losing that part‑time budget had forced service reductions, including cuts to Sunday hours and reduced evening coverage.
Capital requests include a bookmobile and a library vehicle to support staff and material transport across the system's multiple sites. Elizabeth said the town manager will include the library's requests in his formal budget ask to the council and encouraged trustees to attend council and finance committee meetings to plant the seed for support ahead of the formal presentation.
Trustees and staff discussed how two full‑time hires could improve scheduling flexibility, reduce burnout and enable expanded weekend and evening hours. Allison and other staff flagged that adding staff typically allows the library to increase programs and services, which may itself raise demand for further capacity.
Board members asked for concise talking points and comparative data (visits, programs and FTE comparisons with peer towns) to use in presentations to the finance committee and council; Elizabeth agreed to prepare those metrics and suggested focusing on January–June trends that show rising usage. The town manager's overview of department budgets to council was noted as March 23 in the meeting packet; trustees set a special meeting for April 8 to continue budget discussion.
If approved, Elizabeth said the hires would help the library restore weekend hours (including fuller Saturday service and a short Sunday day), improve coverage during staff absences and allow staff to focus more time on school outreach and program planning. The board agreed to coordinate advocacy and provide requested bullet points ahead of public hearings.
