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Wellesley Free Library director outlines programs, funding requests and a vandalism incident
Summary
Library Director Jamie Jurgensen updated trustees on recent programs and partnerships (Edible Book Festival, AI class, Health Department drop-ins), reported vandalism at the High School Room, and reviewed FY27 private branch budget needs and an annual Foundation request.
At the March 30 meeting, Library Director Jamie Jurgensen gave trustees a broad update on staffing, programs, projects and building issues and reviewed funding requests ahead of FY27.
Jamie said the Friends of the WFL Board unanimously approved the library’s FY27 funding request for $69,170 to support programs and services. She highlighted recent programming including the second annual Edible Book Festival and an upcoming "AI for Beginners" session on March 31 in the Wakelin Room. Jamie also said the library is partnering with NRC for a movie screening and biodiversity workshop on April 4 and with the League of Women Voters for an April 29 program titled “From Awareness to Action: Addressing Domestic Abuse in our Community.”
Jamie reported that Joyce Saret from the Health Department, a social worker, will hold drop-in hours at the library so community members can make appointments or drop in for support. She also notified trustees of vandalism two weeks earlier in the High School Room that damaged furniture and required the room to be closed for a week; staff monitoring of the room will be increased going forward.
On facilities and fundraising, Jamie said Michelle Techler and the Foundation are planning an opening celebration for the outdoor patio on May 30. Trustees reviewed the draft FY27 private portion of the Branch Budget; Marla Robinson explained the private funding need totals $14,603, with $4,000 to be requested from the Foundation and the balance to be covered by unspent FY26 grant funds. Trustees also reviewed the WFL Foundation annual request for FY27 of $78,000 and discussed three additional special funding requests for Hills renovation, a Hills bathroom, and a Charlie Cart.
No votes on the annual Foundation request or the branch budget are recorded in the minutes; the meeting record does show unanimous approval of the Hills mural funding request to the Foundation (see votes).
