Library Board of Trustees Meeting
Board approved the FY25 Amesbury Public Library budget at the MAR totaling $904,856 (including $1,500 added to Library Training and $500 to Dues & Memberships). City Council will join the board on March 13 to appoint three new trustees.
The Board of Trustees reviewed regular reports and operational issues and focused on budget and staffing planning for FY25. Director Aimie Westphal presented facilities and director reports: key facilities concerns included unresolved water infiltration and gutter issues (drying equipment is in use), a staff door/alarm account problem with the alarm company, completion of a climate control project for special collections, and identification of a potential conservator for the front doors and circulation desk. Eight firms applied for the Facilities Master Plan (FMP). The Friends of the Library February meeting was cancelled due to weather and a board member departure was noted.
On substantive actions, the Board voted unanimously to approve the FY25 library budget at the MAR, adding $1,500 to the Library Training line and $500 to Dues & Memberships for a total of $904,856. The Board agreed that City Council will join the March 13 meeting to appoint three new trustees, the finance subcommittee will meet the Mayor on March 12, Laurie will continue as interim secretary, and Q2 statistics will be made public. A discussion item asked trustees to consider replacing the city cleaning contractor with an in-house custodial position when the current contract expires due to performance concerns.