Glen Ridge Library Board Reviews Finances, HVAC Fixes and New Outreach Efforts at March 12 Meeting

The Glen Ridge Public Library Board of Trustees met on March 12, 2025, opening with a correction to the December 2024 minutes clarifying that the estate of Jonathan Dodd donated $200,000 to the Friends of the Library, a revision the board approved unanimously. Trustees also approved the February 12, 2025 meeting minutes, though members Damein Phoenix and Jeanna Velechko both abstained from that vote.

Several building issues were discussed. The library's HVAC unit was switched off overnight, and Director Doody was asked to let the neighboring property know about the change to address noise concerns; separately, the Borough hired Northeast Construction to install sound-deadening material inside the HVAC enclosure, which along with a new pump and a fix to a scheduling glitch that had the system running around the clock, is expected to make it quieter and more efficient. The library's network continues to have intermittent outages despite the BCCLS library consortium replacing the backup battery system, and BCCLS also swapped out a broken monitor and cable on a Children's area computer. Cold weather was blamed for locker doors that weren't opening fully; function returned as temperatures rose, though a permanent fix is still being explored. A cracked whiteboard in Room 3 is slated for replacement with a laminate board, with the director awaiting a price quote and checking on possible warranty coverage; the architect and contractor working on the Young Adult area have recommended a specific laminate product. Separately, the Building & Grounds Committee plans to meet on solutions for mezzanine acoustics, a project expected to require competitive bidding since costs are likely to exceed the threshold allowed for a single vendor in a year.

On finances, board treasurer David Lefkovits reported dividend income running 6.5% ahead of budget, though he cautioned that could slip later if market volatility pushes investors toward safer holdings. Year-to-date figures showed total revenue of $208,344.44 against a $265,339.50 budget (78.52%) and expenditures of $200,961.94 against a $260,964.00 budget (77.01%), leaving net operating revenue of $7,382.50, ahead of a budgeted $4,375.50. Appropriation revenue for the January–March quarter came in at $197,140.08 against a budgeted $253,683.25, with several categories, including benefits, payroll taxes, monthly disbursements, salaries and telephone, showing no recorded activity for the second through fourth quarters, leaving year-to-date totals well under the $892,710.96 annual budget. February bills totaled $69,218.04, including a $50,649.51 appropriation payment to the Borough of Glen Ridge and $50,435.87 in salaries and wages. The library also renewed its Library Speakers Consortium membership for $2,500 and its Wall Street Journal digital subscription for $1,365, spent $1,422.77 on branded sweatshirts and caps for outreach, and paid $1,428.10 for a conference camera setup, of which $1,236.83 was reimbursed by the Friends of the Glen Ridge Public Library. The 2024 financial audit, being handled for the first time by a new firm, is largely complete, with a meeting to discuss the final report expected before the June meeting.

The library upgraded its checkout equipment, integrating a credit card reader into its Square point-of-sale system and connecting the cash drawer directly for more accurate accounting; the old equipment was repurposed for catalog lookups in the Young Adult area. Outreach efforts expanded as well: Director Doody met with faculty at Glen Ridge High School and Ridgewood Avenue School, signing up 28 teachers for library cards, and High School Principal Lawlor agreed to send a monthly Google Classroom blast promoting library events to middle and high school students. The library is also working with the high school on an "Option 2" internship program launching in the Fall, and the director attended the Environmental Advisory Committee's Repair Cafe at the train station to promote the Library of Things. A new Plant Swap Cart, run with the Environmental Advisory Committee, was set up on the second floor near the Seed Library. Helen Beckert reported meeting with the High School History Club and town historian Sally Meyer on a project seeking historical designation for the town's Gas Lamps. The Strategic Planning Committee reviewed a SWOT analysis and key findings, and plans to reconvene to begin setting goals.

Bernice Clark-Bonnett announced Director Doody will be honored by the Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce on March 27, 2025. Edward Kastenmeier reported the Friends of the Library are hiring a new tax accountant and investment adviser for their endowment, and Mr. Leavitt said the Friends are reviewing paperwork on the Raymond Fund to ensure it's properly managed. The Friends also scheduled a Spring Shredding Day for April 19, are seeking sponsors for a September 27, 2025 yard sale, and are planning an Eco Fair for May 17. Summer storytime sessions at Freeman Gardens were set for July 3, July 31 and August 31. Separately, BCCLS is auditing an imbalance among member libraries that use shared e-content but don't contribute their own collections, and the library confirmed its 2024 State Report and State Aid Application were submitted, signed by Clark-Bonnett and Doody. The Personnel Manual was sent to the Personnel Committee for review.

What to watch

• The Building & Grounds Committee's meeting on mezzanine acoustics solutions, which is expected to lead to a competitive bidding process.
• The 2024 audit's final report, expected to be presented before the June meeting.
• The Strategic Planning Committee's next session, where it plans to begin creating formal goals from its SWOT findings.