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Bentley Memorial Library budget unfrozen after sixth referendum; director reports program growth and federal funding risks
Summary
At the Sept. 9 meeting, Library Director Liz Thornton said the library's budget had been frozen since June after six failed referendums but was finally unfrozen after the sixth referendum passed; the library reported high digital use, no material orders since June, and concerns about federal funding changes.
Bentley Memorial Library Director Liz Thornton told the board at its Sept. 9, 2025 meeting in Bolton that the library's municipal budget had been frozen since June after six failed referendums and that no book, supply, or material orders had been placed during that freeze. Funding was "finally unfrozen" after the sixth referendum passed, Thornton said, and purchase orders and invoices submitted to the town finance department have been paid.
Thornton said downloadables have increased and are now the library's highest-ever usage category, and that donations of books and materials "have been helpful" while purchasing was limited. She reported summer programming drew more than 500 participants and that parents in town provided positive feedback on offerings.
On procurement and operations, Thornton told the board the library needs a new copier; a quote has been received and staff expect a new contract to reduce costs. She said the library has been paying for necessities only while the budget was frozen.
Thornton also discussed funding at the state and federal level. She said federal funding cuts "will not affect Bibliomation" but added that the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) "is being canceled at the Federal level," and that federal funding cuts "may affect CT State Library employees." These remarks were presented as her report to the board; the meeting record does not include additional documentation or a board response to those federal funding statements.
The director's report included administrative notes: a Letter of Agreement has been signed and sent to the Connecticut State Library, and a "Freedom To View" statement endorsed by the American Library Association is slated to be added as an addendum to the policy book, with a board vote to follow at a future meeting.
Next procedural steps noted at the meeting included follow-up on the copier quote and continued monitoring of state and federal funding developments. The board's next regular meeting was announced for Nov. 18, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
