Glen Ridge library board adopts 2023 budget, names "IKE the Book Bike" amid ongoing appeal fight
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Following a 100-minute executive session, the board opened its public meeting by honoring retiring trustee Linda Seyffarth with a formal resolution and observing a moment of silence for Bob Hayes, who had led fundraising for the library's 1992 addition. The board also noted that the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights had found no probable cause on the mask-policy complaint filed against the library, closing that matter pending a possible appeal window.
Trustees approved the 2023 budget as presented, built around an expected 4% borough-wide salary increase and absorbing a roughly 24% jump in health benefits and a 10% pension increase; November bills and the Treasurer's Report were also approved. The board adopted the 2023 holiday calendar as amended, restoring Columbus Day (in place of Veterans Day) and adding a half-day Halloween closure, while leaving the day after Thanksgiving as a non-paid, reduced-hours day. Trustees also approved minor updates to the board's bylaws and revisions in progress to the Materials Selection Policy, including a proposed 15-business-day window for filing appeals and a one-year bar on re-litigating a previously reviewed title — changes to be finalized and reviewed at a future meeting. The library's new book bike was formally named "IKE the Book Bike" after board and public input.
Public comment again focused heavily on the six previously challenged library books, with residents including Mary Ellen Cusumano, Fran Deacon, Lorraine Reagan and Dr. Frances Mielach pressing the board on its appeal process and the Director's authority to review complaints before they reach trustees; Director Tina Marie Doody and Board President Carol Harpster reiterated that initial review is the Director's responsibility, with the board weighing in only on formal appeals. The board also updated its trustee search process, setting a December 19 application deadline and naming an ad hoc nominating committee (Jeanna Velechko, Deanna Pagano and Linda Seyffarth) to present a 2023 officer slate in January.
Every vote taken at this meeting passed unanimously (8 ayes each); no trustee dissented, abstained, or recused. Trustee Matthew Murphy was absent for the full meeting.
What to watch
- Formal appeals of the six challenged library books expected at the January board meeting
- Ad hoc nominating committee to present a 2023 trustee officer slate in January
- Materials Selection Policy revisions to return for board review and approval
- Trustee search applications due December 19