Troy library director reports HVAC upgrade, grants and union talks

Tim Fergle, executive director of the Troy Public Library, gave the forum’s first presentation and thanked voters for approving the library’s budget increase this past September. "We are very grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve the community," Fergle said, noting the library recently finished a $1.9 million HVAC improvement project that will allow more flexible hours and air conditioning in the 130‑year‑old building.

Fergle told the council the library plans a community survey and focus groups as part of a six‑month long‑range plan update and said bargaining with the library’s first union—Workers United—is progressing. "Both sides are pleased with the progress and we're looking forward to finalizing our first contract hopefully in the spring," he said.

He also outlined grant awards and solicitations: a $275,000 New York State Library construction grant to address the roof at the Lancingberg branch, and approximately $95,000 in state library construction funding to renovate the branch’s children's room. Fergle said formal bid solicitation for the roof work will start in coming months and that repairs respond to flood damage from 2023.

Ria Dale, president of the library’s board of trustees, later urged continued council support and thanked the council for backing the library at the ballot. The library’s stated near‑term priorities are completing the Lancingberg repairs, returning the branch to regular service, and expanding public programming as staffing stabilizes.

Next steps: Fergle invited council members and residents to participate in outreach for the strategic plan and to follow procurement steps for the Lancingberg roof work.