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Friends donate $55,000 to Garden City Public Library; architects present lower‑level finishes
Summary
The board accepted a $55,000 donation from the Friends of the Garden City Library to support lower‑level renovation work and heard H2M architects present preliminary material finishes; trustees also approved a $20,000 grant application request to create a Library of Things and several routine fiscal and personnel items.
The Garden City Public Library Board of Trustees accepted a $55,000 donation from the Friends of the Garden City Library on June 8 to help pay for the library’s lower‑level renovation and heard H2M architects + engineers present preliminary material finishes for that project.
Chair Colleen Foley formally recognized longtime volunteer Steve Tobias and presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation for nearly 15 years as host of the Monday Movie Matinees. H2M representatives Katie Stone, Amanda Seidel and Marsha‑Ann Cadougan completed an overview of proposed finishes for the renovated lower level; the presentation was described as an update on preliminary material choices rather than a final design decision.
Village Trustee Jessica Tai reported that the library parking lot paving is finished and new lighting has been installed. Tai said the Department of Public Works Superintendent John Borroni is securing quotes for a new elevator service contract after recurring operating issues.
Friends representative Rena Kuhl announced the Friends’ annual meeting on June 17 marking their 75th anniversary; Garden City High School musicians will perform. The board acknowledged the Friends’ $55,000 donation, which the minutes show is designated to the lower‑level renovation.
Trustees also approved a motion to allow Library Director Marianne Malagon and Operations Director Courtney Rutt Rosenblatt to apply for a $20,000 grant through State Assemblyman Ed Ra to establish a ‘Library of Things,’ an item‑lending collection the board described as a pilot program proposal. The board approved other routine items on the consent calendar, including approval of the Abstract of Claims List No. 26‑06 for $353,742.34, a $2,200 transfer from Public Relations to Part‑time Help, an amendment to the CSEA rank & file step date for Michael Flynn, and adoption of a two‑tier part‑time hourly rate schedule effective May 31, 2026.
The board approved travel for staff members Laura Giunta and Barbara Grace to attend the New York Library Association conference Nov. 4–7, 2026, and accepted Friends donations totaling $6,100 for FY2027 to cover museum pass renewals, movie licensing/stream access, and summer reading prizes. Chair Foley removed the Swank Movie Licensing contract (funded by the Friends) from the consent calendar for separate consideration; the board approved remaining operating agreements for Emerald Managed Print Services (estimated $3,060 annually) and Intelli‑tec Fire Alarm Monitoring ($1,500).
The meeting moved into an executive session to discuss personnel matters and adjourned at 9:08 p.m. The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for July 13, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
