Glen Ridge Library Board Sets May 4 Grand Opening for Young Adult Space, Adopts New Study Room Rules

The Glen Ridge Public Library Board of Trustees met March 13, 2024, with the Library Construction Bond Act (LCBA) building grant dominating the financial discussion. The Director reported that of the $495,000 grant, $412,000 has now been encumbered — $297,000 already spent and $115,000 pending — leaving $83,000 that must be spent by the end of 2025, with plumbing and acoustics work likely to use up much of what's left. In a smaller but notable financial mix-up, the Treasurer noted that a $3,000 check meant to cover Selected Shorts program expenses was mistakenly made out to the library instead of the Friends of the Library group, and that amount was later debited back out of the library's account to correct the error.

On the renovation front, the library's Young Adult area is set for a grand opening on Saturday, May 4th. New furniture has arrived, though the tops of the curved shelving units were ordered in the wrong size and must be remade before the event; books are set to return to the space starting March 14, with a final shipment and shelving planned for late April. The Board also unanimously adopted a new Study Room Policy, described as a starting point that may be adjusted later, with signage planned to remind patrons of the rules. Trustees also unanimously approved changes to the library's Personnel Manual, clarifying pay for staff on emergency closing days and adding flexibility to bereavement leave.

Other business included the purchase of 10 pre-charged portable battery chargers and a charging station for patrons, costing $3,500; a reallocation of budget line items that kept the total library budget unchanged at $880,000; and the transfer of $114,700 in Building Fund money into the Cash Management Fund, with plans to keep moving state grant reimbursements and surplus funds there going forward. The Director also reported that the library's security cameras are now fully operational with improved views, though digitization of local history materials and a first-floor conference room flooring project remain unfunded. The Friends-sponsored Kenny Garrett concert sold 300 tickets and is expected to net about $7,000, to be split between the Friends and the Kiwanis Club to help fund new lockers. The Director's report also flagged a statewide bill, the Freedom to Read Act, which would set standards for handling book challenges and add protections for library staff.

The Board discussed remaining space on the library's Donor Wall and agreed the Director will research how other area libraries handle policies for removing or replacing previously donated, named items. Trustees also voted unanimously to move their May meeting from May 8th to May 15th to avoid conflicting with the Borough's Celebration of Volunteerism. In a procedural note, trustee Damein Phoenix abstained from the vote approving the February 13, 2024 meeting minutes, while the other eight trustees present voted in favor. No members of the public offered comment, and the meeting was adjourned at 9:09 p.m. on a motion by Tina Payne, seconded by Marilyn Law.

What to watch

• The Young Adult area's grand opening is planned for Saturday, May 4th, contingent on replacement shelving tops arriving in time.
• The Board's May meeting has been moved to May 15th.
• The Director is set to research Donor Wall and item-disposal policies at other area libraries ahead of a future decision.