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Interim director reports new hire, children's programs and facility needs
Summary
Interim Director Sarah Welch announced a new assistant hire, proposed a biweekly story hour and a popcorn machine for children's programming, and flagged door maintenance, heating improvements and cleaning needs for follow‑up.
Interim Director Sarah Welch provided a wide‑ranging operations update at the Hinsdale Library Board meeting on Feb. 3, 2026, announcing a new assistant hire, programming plans, and several facility items that need follow‑up.
Welch said the library hired an assistant, Lelia Gillespie, and is planning a biweekly story hour; she said she hopes to secure a guest speaker for the children’s program. Welch also asked the board about acquiring a popcorn machine to support programming. On the food‑service side, she reported that the current food cart will continue for now and suggested shifting the focus of donated foods over the summer.
On facility matters, Welch reported that Marge Filkins brought in a heating expert and that a curtain on an interior door improved heating; Welch also said she would contact NE Door Closers for maintenance on the front door and asked the board about the building’s capacity. Trustees raised operational cost questions about propane and discussed whether to prepay or negotiate rates; Welch agreed to check with carpet cleaners about charges as they consider cleaning options.
Welch told the board she does not believe anyone is ready to assume the assistant director position at this time, flagging a staffing readiness concern that the board may address alongside budget and succession planning.
The minutes record these items as part of Welch's director's report; no formal votes or funding allocations for the programming or equipment requests were recorded in the minutes.
