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Gilford Public Library trustees approve three policies, accept minutes and review 2025 spending
Summary
At a Jan. 14 meeting, the Gilford Public Library Board of Trustees approved three amended policies, accepted prior meeting minutes, and reviewed circulation and budget reports showing roughly 90% of the 2025 budget spent and about $12,000 encumbered into 2026.
The Gilford Public Library Board of Trustees met Jan. 14, 2026, and approved three amended policies, accepted the minutes from the Dec. 10, 2025 meeting, and reviewed circulation, programming and budget reports ahead of 2026.
Chair Alexis Jackson called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and trustees moved quickly through routine business. Peter Ellis, Committee member, moved to accept the Dec. 10, 2025 meeting minutes "as written;" Mike Marshall, Committee member, seconded the motion and the board voted unanimously to approve the minutes.
In reports, library staff told trustees that physical circulation remains down compared with the prior year while digital circulation is rising: staff reported 24 new library cards last month (up from 17 the previous year), 373 unique digital users checked out 1,950 digital items, and new and updated children’s kits produced a 76% increase in kit checkouts to 225. Staff also reported processing 13 passports, recording 159 technology-help questions, and executing eight notarizations.
On finances, trustees were told the library spent approximately 90% of its 2025 appropriated budget. The library begins 2026 with roughly $12,000 encumbered from 2025, consisting primarily of unspent purchase orders including Caroselli Painting, Johnson and Jordan, and ENE for computer setup. The board was also informed that Amazon’s new Library Division has become an additional procurement source.
Volunteer reporting noted Dorothy Piquado continues to process new-item records with information from the New Hampshire State Library. The trustees were told 31 volunteers contributed 189 hours, with additional help from the Friends of the Library for recent seasonal events.
Under old business, the Friends are creating an annual events calendar and reported that donations during the Candlelight Stroll and Gingerbread House decorating were strong. The board was informed that the new propane HVAC system is not operating properly; a replacement part has been ordered and the geothermal system is serving as a backup. Parks and Recreation will take the lead on next year’s Candlelight Stroll.
Under new business, the board discussed three policies (Collection Development; Reconsideration of Material; Emergencies). Mike Marshall moved to accept the three policies as amended; Diane Tinkham, Secretary, seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Katherine Dormody, Committee member, shared the draft of the library’s annual report prepared for the Town. On personnel, members were told Jolene Wernig will return to the schedule to help cover duties during Arielle’s maternity leave and Patty’s planned winter time off; Katherine Dormody, Jill (staff member), and Rachael (staff member) will cover many specific responsibilities during the absences.
Peter Ellis moved to adjourn; Mike Marshall seconded and the board voted to adjourn. Chair Alexis Jackson adjourned the meeting at 9:44 a.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
