Bentley Memorial Library board accepts $4,527 grant; director flags museum-pass online issue

The Bentley Memorial Library Board met March 11, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the library, approved minutes from the Nov. 19, 2024 meeting and heard a director's report that included a $4,527.63 grant award and an operational issue with museum passes.

Chair Rebecca Holliman opened the regular meeting and recorded that Board Members Kelly Goldsnider, Loni Hryn, Dot Neil and Brook Nowak and Library Director Liz Thornton were present; Claire Fazzina was absent with notice. Ms. Holliman moved to approve the Nov. 19 minutes; Ms. Hryn seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

In her director's report, Liz Thornton said library programs "were very well attended," that personal technology assistance for patrons continues and has been well received, and that the library received a Greater Together Community Fund grant award of $4,527.63. Thornton also reported the Association of Connecticut Library Boards membership was renewed and staff met with Bibliomation in February to discuss services.

Thornton told the board that Friends of the Library volunteers set up a coffee bar in the library and staff continue to weed books from the collection; she thanked Mr. Allman for dropping weeded books to the donation book drop. She said supervisor meetings will be held quarterly to share department information. Thornton also reported that museum passes are no longer available online and that she is researching options to restore or replace online access.

Under old business, the minutes record that Claire Fazzina emailed information about interest in a fine-free policy to the Selectmen's Office; no formal action on that item was recorded. Ms. Holliman moved to adjourn at 4:50 p.m.; Ms. Goldsnider seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The board scheduled its next regular meeting for May 13, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.