The evening of 2024-07-01 was a meeting of the Mendon Public Library Board of Trustee.
Biggest conversation point was also the last: What will become of the grassy area in front of the Library when the former Critics is sold. Long story short, the Village purchased it with the intent of expanding the Fire Department, but that plan isn’t happening. So now they are selling it to recoup their costs. Which means, in theory, someone could buy it and develop such that the Library is more or less hidden.
This does highlight how ownership has it’s privileges. After all, if the Library owned the grass, they would have final say on how it was developed (or not). Which leaves the question now as to whether they can find a way to acquire the part of the property they care about. Or will they bemoan the lose of the park-like region in the future. Or is this all a bunch of ‘catastrophizing‘, and all will be well. As ever, time will tell.
Besides that, the Library also approved a budget to send to the Town as they start up their budget process. I expect there will be some revisions before the Town adopts the final version towards the end of the year. One comment pointed out how this year there isn’t a Town finance person to look to for assistance. It will be interesting how that change plays out in the Town’s budget process. Perhaps next years budget will include filling that position once again.
There was also talk about the new teen corner. While I personally think it’s a silly idea, I’m also not a teen. Nothing wrong with reaching out to kids and if they enjoy it, all the better. Part of that project has also involved other furniture changes. Of note, a number of tables are being refinished. So if your favorite table is missing, it might well be back in a week or two. With a shiny new coat on it. But if your favorite chair is missing… it’s probably not coming back.
And those are my Observations From Audience Land for the July 01, 2024 meeting of the Mendon Public Library Board of Trustees.
Link to agenda on Library website until they update it, losing the past.