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Library reports $10,000 Giving Day haul and possible state funding boost for early-literacy program
Summary
Brandy announced Russell Library raised just over $10,000 on Giving Day; Ramona said an earmark from Representative Brandon Chaffee arrived and the Imagination Library may receive up to about $100,000 in state support, easing reliance on expiring ARPA funds.
Russell Library staff told the finance committee the library’s recent Giving Day raised just over $10,000 after fees, and that state funding has arrived to support the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program.
Brandy reported the Giving Day result, calling it the library’s second-highest total so far. Ramona said the library received a prior earmark from state Representative Brandon Chaffee via ACH today and that similar funding appears in the current state budget, which could amount to as much as roughly $100,000. She said the Imagination Library program — run through the Dollywood Foundation — costs the library about $2.50 per child per month; the program had been covered with American Rescue Plan Act funds that must be expended by Dec. 31 of this calendar year.
Ramona also updated the committee on the city budget vote that evening in Middletown: while most departments saw small reductions in the mayor’s adjustments, she said the library’s published budget had no proposed changes but still reflected a $40,000 shortfall in repairs and maintenance. She noted the infrastructure bond passed in November 2025 may be a future resource for larger repairs.
The committee did not take formal action on these funding items; staff said they will continue monitoring invoices, pending legal bills and year-end projections and expect to address repayment of a short-term $10,000 advance from the endowment before the end of the fiscal year.
