Library director previews summer reading, new programs and security camera upgrades

At the Feb. 17 meeting of the Veterans Memorial Library Board of Trustees in Wallington, Director Risa outlined upcoming programming and facility upgrades for 2026.

Risa told trustees that the Summer Reading Kickoff with Read and Bead is scheduled for June 24 and will feature Rizzo's Wildlife and the TJ Walker Band. She said the library is exploring peer tutoring and other youth opportunities, and plans to expand digital literacy assistance for seniors.

Operational changes include the installation of three new security cameras — one in the young-adult area and two in the adult section — which the director said provide full visual coverage of the facility. Staff meetings are held every two months on Fridays before opening, Risa said.

Spring programming noted in the director's report includes line-dancing classes, a six-week crocheting series and a "Bring Your Own Mug" candle-making event on April 1. The Friends of the Library will host a meet-and-greet on March 18 to discuss fundraising initiatives and future goals.

Risa was directed to circulate a procurement-card policy and two other policies for trustee consideration at the next meeting. Trustees also recorded a Patron Authorization Agreement item allowing another adult to pick up holds on a patron's behalf; the minutes record the motion but provide no further procedural detail about how the authorization will be processed.

These program and operational steps were presented as part of the director's report; the minutes do not include attendance or budgetary figures tied to individual events.