Library Board Approves Revised Meeting Room Policy

Library Board · Meeting of June 8, 2026

Newington's Library Board approved a revised meeting room policy and tabled new bike and skateboard rules until September. The board voted unanimously to adopt changes allowing alcoholic beverages under section 3.5 of its Meeting Room Policy, while sending a companion Behavior Policy addressing e-bikes, scooters and skateboards near entrances back to committee. Treasurer LeeAnn Manke reported the town will contribute $10,000 toward the Churchill door restoration, cutting the library's net cost from $38,300 to $28,300 after a state preservation grant was denied.

Investment Committee's Jason Hipp said the Hooker Trust grew to $494,465.43 and the Hanel Endowment to $510,321.31. Trustees also recapped the May 17 5K Road Race, where Manke called the town's door funding "a huge save," and where an unresolved bib-number mix-up left Diane Stamm saying, "that's a mystery."

In the full story:

• Roll Call and Approval of Minutes
• Annual Activities Calendar and Fiscal Year-End
• Treasurer's Report and the Churchill Door
• Library Director and Assistant Director Reports
• Friends of the Library and Committee Reports
• Old Business: 5K Road Race Recap
• Old Business: Remaining Items
• New Business and Adjournment
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 2,344 words

Source: the Library Board meeting of June 8, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.

The Full Article

Roll Call and Approval of Minutes

The board's June 8 session opened with routine roll call and two minutes-approval items carried over administrative loose ends from prior meetings. Secretary George Bernocco gave no report. On approval of the May 11 minutes, Kris Riley flagged a wording ambiguity on page four describing "250th programs in June and August," which the board clarified should read "June through August." Maureen Lyons O'Connor moved to approve the May 11 minutes as amended; LeeAnn Manke seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

A second, previously tabled item concerned the April 13 minutes, which referenced town council "sending stuff to the name nominating committee" without specifying what "stuff" meant. Town Council Liaison A.J. Tiniakos told the board he believed the reference was to a council discussion about naming the town gymnasium after Bill DeMaio, though council had not yet formally taken up the matter. The board amended the minutes to read "sending recommendations" rather than "stuff." Kris Riley moved to approve the April minutes as amended; LeeAnn Manke seconded; the motion passed unanimously. Both votes were procedural but resolved outstanding clarity issues from two prior meetings.

Annual Activities Calendar and Fiscal Year-End

President Diane Stamm reviewed the board's near-term calendar: thank-you letters to 5K sponsors, distribution of committee-assignment forms, and preparation for the September annual meeting, which will include a 6 p.m. business session followed by a 7 p.m. annual meeting featuring the director's "state of the library" address and officer nominations. Stamm said there are no board meetings scheduled in July or August, though committees may meet as needed. Treasurer LeeAnn Manke reminded members that the library's fiscal year ends June 30 and asked that any outstanding reimbursement or payment requests be submitted before then to support preparation of the organization's IRS Form 990.

Treasurer's Report and the Churchill Door

The question before the board was simply an update on cash position and the status of ongoing restricted and unrestricted fund balances, plus a progress report on the Churchill door restoration, one of the library's larger capital projects this year. Manke's report, dated May 31, 2026, showed the TD Checking unrestricted account at $90,023.11, up from $87,307.18 the prior month, boosted by 5K race registration revenue of $5,514 and reduced by about $4,289.50 in May expenses including 5K supplies and a directors-and-officers insurance renewal. The TD Money Market restricted fund stood at $57,437.54; the Kingston Wealth Management non-investment money market at $453,147.95; the combined investment account at $511,129.05; the George Hanel Endowment at $510,321.31; and the Margaret Hooker Trust Endowment, the library's unrestricted-use fund, at $494,465.43. Restricted funds made up roughly 38 percent of total holdings of about $1.62 million.

Manke reported that the Ann Marino Living Trust bequest, naming the library a beneficiary, is in its final paperwork stage with the estate's attorney, with a first distribution expected within the next two months into the library's Kingston Wealth Management portfolio; those funds carry no restrictions.

On the Churchill door, Manke said the restoration, performed by a millwork contractor she referred to as Cronenberger, began the week of June 1 after repeated weather-related delays. The library's 1772 preservation grant application was denied; Manke noted that awarded grants that year went largely to buildings with more urgent structural problems, such as failing roofs. In better news, Facilities Director Joe Salamone confirmed the town would contribute $10,000 toward the project, reducing the library's net cost from an original quoted $38,300 to $28,300, with no change orders issued to date. The original 50 percent deposit of $19,150 had already been paid; the remaining balance is due on completion, estimated for July 31.

"How much money was that?" board member Maureen Lyons O'Connor asked regarding the town's contribution; Manke answered "potentially 10," before Facilities Director Joe Salamone's confirmation of the full $10,000 commitment moments later. Manke called the town's share "a huge save for our part."

Library Director and Assistant Director Reports

Library Director Lisa Masten reported ongoing parking-lot drainage work near Garfield Street to address pooling water, expected to begin that week or the next. She described staff participation in the Memorial Day parade with a float themed to this year's "Plant a Seed" summer reading program, and outlined a slate of 250th-anniversary programs in June, including "Liberty's Gender: Women, Popular Culture and the American Revolution," a retirement-planning talk by former board member Dan Nahorny on June 22, and a children's cursive-writing program called "Learn to Write Like Thomas Jefferson." Summer reading kickoff events are set for adults on June 16 and children on June 26, the latter requiring an early 4 p.m. closing.

Assistant Library Director Jennifer Hebert reported the library's new Polaris integrated library system migrated successfully on Wednesday, June 3, with both staff and patron catalog interfaces now live. She described the transition as largely smooth, with patrons needing to reset their PINs and a planned companion mobile app still delayed by the vendor responsible for its rollout. Hebert said one piece of patron feedback described the new catalog as "very user-friendly," though a glitch was identified around placing holds on items not yet owned by the library.

Friends of the Library and Committee Reports

Friends of the Library liaison Sheila Rowell announced this was her final meeting in that role, as she is stepping down as the Friends' vice president after three years; Natalie Harnison will succeed her. Rowell said the Friends are planning their next book sale and a possible pop-up sale over the summer. The board thanked Rowell for her service. The Friends' annual meeting, featuring speaker Marty Gitlin on books adapted into films, was set for that Wednesday at 6 p.m.

In the PEP (Planning, Evaluation, Policy) Committee report, Maureen Lyons O'Connor presented two policies for board action: a revised Meeting Room Policy adding a provision under section 3.5 addressing alcoholic beverages, and a Behavior Policy update addressing prohibited activities near entrances. The meeting room policy was ready for a vote; the behavior policy was not. Kris Riley had proposed expanding an existing prohibition on roller skating and rollerblading near the building to include skateboards, e-bikes, bicycles and scooters. The board's substantive disagreement centered on specificity: members worried that broadly banning such items on library grounds could penalize people who use bikes or e-bikes as their only transportation, while the actual safety concern was items ridden across the lawn, through entrance steps, or left blocking doors. David Hourigan asked whether exterior signage exists to communicate any new rule; Masten said only general "no loitering" signage is posted and she would check with town hall. A.J. Tiniakos noted Newington has adopted the state's e-bike regulations governing licensing, helmet use and where such vehicles may operate.

"It might be the only means of transportation for some people, too," one trustee said during the debate, prompting discussion of whether the policy should instead specify prohibited areas — sidewalks, entrances and access points — rather than banning categories of equipment outright. The board declined to vote on the behavior policy language and instructed the PEP Committee to rework it and distribute the revision to members by email for a vote at the September 14 meeting.

MOTION: LeeAnn Manke moved to accept the revised Meeting Room Policy as presented; George Bernocco seconded; the motion passed unanimously, with no stated dissent.

Investment Committee member Jason Hipp reported the Hooker account rising from $459,549.19 to $494,465.43 over the reporting period, the Hanel endowment ending at $510,321.31, and the combined investment portfolio at $511,129.05, about 8.3 percent of it restricted. Hipp said he now has direct access to the accounts and will distribute reports monthly, and that the Ann Marino Trust proceeds will prompt a strategy discussion with Kingston Wealth Management's Dean Spada on short- and long-term investment options once funds arrive.

House Committee reporting fell to LeeAnn Manke, who described ongoing curtain restoration using salvaged forms and parallel Churchill door work. She said much of the door's facade and pilasters date to 1939, with some original old-growth wood no longer available, requiring custom replication; the State Historic Preservation Office approved substituting plywood, consistent with a prior unpermitted repair, for one structural piece, after initially resisting composite materials. The project is expected to take about seven weeks in total.

Facility and Site Committee reporter Kristopher Riley said the committee met with town council leadership on May 12 to present material on the library expansion project, with cost escalation cited as council's primary concern; council asked to revisit the matter with the Library committee in the fall. Subsequent committee meetings on May 21 and June 1 focused on a communications and fundraising campaign, confirming full committee membership, and seeking outside expertise, including examples from other successful library building projects. A survey is being finalized with help from Masten and Hebert.

Fund Development had no report; LeeAnn Manke suggested JoAnn Masi attend the Investment Committee's upcoming meeting with Dean Spada given Masi's prior fundraising experience, since "it's a sizable request."

Nominations Committee chair Maureen Lyons O'Connor distributed annual nomination forms, asking members to indicate committee preferences and, for corporate members, interest in officer positions. Diane Stamm noted the treasurer role carries bank signatory authority and is typically a multiyear commitment, and encouraged any town-appointee members interested in an officer track to raise their hand, since the board can shift members between corporate and town-appointed seats to accommodate officer transitions.

Communications Committee reporter George Bernocco described social-media promotion plans, including "Fun Facts Friday" posts highlighting cost savings from library services such as notary and Wi-Fi access, along with plans for the town's Waterfall Festival (the third Saturday of September) and the Trick-or-Treat Stroll in October. The committee is exploring tote bags with promotional materials for use at both events and at Karma's Closet craft fairs, where member Kris Riley had secured a table through contact Deanna.

Old Business: 5K Road Race Recap

The race recap served as both a celebration and an after-action review. Pam Kiniry will send sponsor thank-you letters; Manke will issue final financial figures once outstanding fees clear. Masten relayed a suggestion, attributed to a volunteer identified only as Kevin, to add a third check-in staffer to verify bib numbers against participant names, after unspecified mix-ups affected prize eligibility. Stamm called bib-number accuracy critical since it ties to a runner's name, age group and time. Riley said he would double-check in advance that power is run to the bus garage after a mid-race discovery it had not been, despite assurances a week prior. Maureen Lyons O'Connor described an incident in which an ice cream truck crossed the closed road and onto the Little Readers Sprint course; Masten said Parks and Recreation should be notified of road closures in the future. Masten noted the women's overall race winner broke the course record, finishing in under 18 minutes. LeeAnn Manke credited Jennifer Hebert for managing the event's Square payment reader. JoAnn Masi will continue as liaison to race partner Bill Rodgers for future events. A parent's suggestion to move the Little Readers Sprint ahead of the main race, to accommodate parents who missed it while walking the 5K, was discussed but not adopted, with Stamm citing registration and parking logistics as obstacles.

Old Business: Remaining Items

Trustees thanked TJ's restaurant, and specifically an employee identified only as Tim, for accommodating the staff appreciation dinner. Christine Shooshan announced two Hanel-funded programs for Saturday, October 3: a mythology workshop for second- through fifth-graders at 1:30 p.m. and an improv workshop for sixth- through twelfth-graders at 3 p.m., together costing $600, within budget. Stamm reported no movement on the long-discussed "Newington Afghans" fundraiser concept. The board noted it has two open corporate board positions.

New Business and Adjournment

There was no new business and no public participation at the close of the meeting. Melissa Haseley moved to adjourn; David Nagel seconded; the motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. The next Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for September 14, 2026, preceded by a 6 p.m. business session.

WHO WAS THERE

• Diane Stamm: President, presided over the meeting.
• George Bernocco: Secretary at this meeting (current roster lists a different Secretary; see review note).
• LeeAnn Manke: Treasurer, gave the treasurer's report.
• Maureen Lyons O'Connor: board member, led PEP and Nominations committee reports.
• Jason Hipp: board member, Investment Committee reporter.
• David Hourigan: board member.
• Pamela Kiniry: board member.
• JoAnn Masi: board member (not listed on current roster).
• Melissa Haseley: board member (not listed on current roster).
• David Nagel: board member.
• Kristopher Riley: board member, Facility and Site Committee reporter.
• Christine Shooshan: board member.
• Pauline Kruk: board member, absent.
• Lisa Masten: Library Director.
• Jennifer Hebert: Assistant Library Director.
• Elizabeth Rogers: Secretary for the Board/meeting transcriptionist.
• Sheila Rowell: Friends of the Library liaison, outgoing.
• Kelly deHaas: Town Council Liaison.
• A.J. Tiniakos: Town Council Liaison.

ORGANIZATIONS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCED

• Kingston Wealth Management: manages the library's investment, Hanel Endowment, and Hooker Trust accounts; Dean Spada named as the committee's contact there.
• Friends of the Lucy Robbins Welles Library: nonprofit support group holding book sales; vice presidency transitioning from Sheila Rowell to Natalie Harnison.
• Newington town facilities department: Facilities Director Joe Salamone confirmed the town's $10,000 Churchill door contribution and assisted with curtain and door restoration work.
• State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO): approved materials substitutions for the Churchill door restoration given the library's location in Newington's historic district.
• Cronenberger (millwork contractor, as named in the transcript): performing the Churchill door restoration.
• Ann Marino Living Trust: bequest naming the library a beneficiary, pending final distribution.
• Meeting Room Policy: revised and adopted this meeting, adding an alcohol-related provision under section 3.5.
• Behavior Policy: under revision regarding e-bikes, scooters, skateboards and bicycles; vote postponed to September 14, 2026.
• Newington Library 5K Road Race (May 17, 2026): recapped for financial results, logistics and bib-number discrepancies.
• Karma's Closet: craft fair operator that offered the library a promotional table.