Glen Ridge library board approves inclusive services statement, tightens book-challenge policy
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Trustees approved a new Inclusive Services Statement and a revised Materials Selection Policy, the latter tightened so that only Glen Ridge residents — not outside patrons — may file a formal challenge against library materials. The board also voted to begin publishing meeting agendas and approved minutes on the library's website starting with the October materials, while the Marketing Committee separately rejected a proposal to post video recordings of meetings.
On finance, September 2022 bills and the Treasurer's Report were approved unanimously; the standout expense was attorney's fees tied to a civil-rights complaint over the library's pandemic-era mask policy in the Children's Room. The Treasurer flagged phone bills running far over budget (under review by the borough) and reported state aid had come in $700 above expectations. Early 2023 budget planning anticipated a roughly 24% jump in medical benefit costs and a boost in required funding tied to an 11% rise in Glen Ridge's equalized property valuation. Separately, the personnel committee finished a combined full-time/part-time personnel manual, headed to the board for a November vote.
On buildings and grounds, the locker/kiosk construction project continued at a slower-than-hoped pace but with brickwork, electrical conduit and the sidewalk completed; camera installation was pushed back to accommodate the construction schedule, with lockers expected to go live a few weeks after installation.
In the vote to approve the September 14 meeting minutes, trustee Deanna Pagano abstained (7 ayes, 1 abstention); every other vote that night, including the inclusive services statement and materials selection policy, passed unanimously. Trustee David Lefkovits was absent for the entire meeting.
What to watch
- Combined personnel manual due back to the board for approval in November
- Draft 2023 budget expected in November, with a final vote planned for December
- Locker project nearing completion, with BCCLS integration, staff training and camera installation still pending