Committee member urges marketing push ahead of Newington library expansion referendum

A member of Newington’s library committee said the group will refocus on communications and fundraising for a planned fall referendum, outlining plans to survey residents, distribute flyers with QR codes at local events and consult professional marketing and fundraising firms.

The unnamed committee member told colleagues the group is “trying to refocus on the communication and fundraising aspects of this task,” and said several firms have been suggested for discussion at upcoming grant-writing meetings. The member said they are working with the facility sign and communication committees and the library on a resident survey and quick flyer sketches to explain the library’s services and collect feedback.

The committee member said the flyers could be handed out at community events such as the Waterfall Festival and a trick-or-treat stroll to reach people who are not regular library patrons. They also said a Bloomfield library director, listed in the presentation of comparables the committee shared with town council leadership, had been helpful and that a Manchester library contact will be approached next.

Committee members agreed on the need to broaden outreach beyond social media videos and suggested engaging a professional marketing or fundraising firm to help target donors and guide campaign strategy. “They’re going to take the feedback from the library as far as what our goals are and where we could look for donations,” the committee member said.

The meeting also handled routine business. The committee moved and seconded approval of the prior meeting minutes; members voiced their approval but the transcript does not name a mover or seconder or provide a precise vote tally. The Chair asked staff whether any members of the public were on the line for public comment; staff member Scott replied there were none.

Members were reminded to confirm by email whether they wish to continue serving on the committee. The committee noted the recent resignation of Eric Hankley; a committee speaker clarified for the record that Hankley “was a member of the public” and not a library appointee or town council member.

A motion to adjourn was moved, seconded and approved by vocal assent, and the Chair closed a short meeting. The committee said it will follow up with prospective marketing and fundraising firms and continue work on the resident survey and promotional materials in advance of the fall referendum.