Library board asks Salem to restore $40,000 request, seeks part‑time librarian for after‑school program

Supervisor Evera Sue Clary convened the Salem Town Board’s special budget workshop on Oct. 9, where Rachael Armstrong, speaking for the Library Board, reported a notable rise in after‑school use and urged restored funding for direct library services.

"There are more children using the library from 2:30-4:30 from 3rd-9th Grades than have been in the past. Approximately 25-30 children/day using computers, reading/checking out books," Armstrong said, and asked the Town to consider restoring the library’s original $40,000 request and to approve hiring a part‑time, dedicated librarian to create an after‑school program.

Armstrong and board members Ki and Rebecca (as referenced in the meeting text) told the board current staffing is insufficient to serve the increased after‑school usage alongside regular patrons. The transcript records the board leaving Library contractual expense at $38,900 pending consideration to restore the original $40,000 figure.

If the board restores the full request and authorizes a part‑time librarian, the library intends that staff would run structured activities and supervision for grades 3–9 during the 2:30–4:30 p.m. period; specific job description and salary figures were not specified at the workshop.

The request will be considered as part of the board’s continued line‑by‑line review of the 2025 Preliminary Budget; a public hearing on the preliminary budget is scheduled for Oct. 29, 2024.