Library trustees adopt new entrance safety policy

Library Board · Meeting of September 14, 2026

Newington's library board adopted new entrance rules and reported a $1.47 million bequest at its annual meeting. Trustees unanimously approved behavior-policy changes barring bicycles, e-bikes, scooters and skateboarding from the entrance, ramp and stairs, after member Kristopher Riley proposed the language and President Diane Stamm added the ramp and stairs to restricted areas. Treasurer LeeAnn Manke reported the library received a $1,471,108.51 unrestricted bequest from the estate of longtime patron Ann Marino, calling it a gift that "gives the library board a lot of hope." Library Director Lisa Masten said circulation topped 307,000 items, a 14 percent increase, and visits rose to more than 117,000.

The board also reelected Stamm as president, Riley as vice president, George Bernocco as secretary and Manke as treasurer for 2026-27, and honored longtime board member Anna Eddy for 21 years of service.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,113 words

Source: the Library Board meeting of September 14, 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

Opening Remarks and the Library Expansion Project

Background and stakes: The Lucy Robbins Welles Library Board of Trustees has spent the past several years developing a conceptual design to renovate and expand the library's footprint on Garfield Street, working with the town's Library Additions and Renovations Committee, known informally as LARC. The board presented that conceptual design to the town council last year and has since been building public support for what President Diane Stamm described as a financially significant project.

The question before the body: Stamm used her opening remarks at the library's 87th annual meeting to update trustees and the public on outreach plans rather than to seek a vote.

Substantive content: Stamm said the design, shaped by staff, volunteer, patron and community-survey input, calls for a larger meeting room, dedicated teen space, additional maker space and computer labs, more room for the Friends of the Library, and more parking. The library currently has only 27 dedicated parking spots. Stamm said the board is working with its architect, construction managers and town Director of Facilities and Management Joe Salamone to find cost savings "without losing our much-needed square footage." She said the board gained more than 1,000 new library-card holders over the past year and plans to set up a booth beside the Friends of the Library at the town's Waterfall Festival on Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and to continue distributing information flyers and meeting with community groups.

The deliberation: This was a presentation rather than a debated agenda item; no trustee raised objections to the outreach plan during the portion of the meeting captured on the recording.

"You may have heard about a library renovation or expansion project," Stamm said, adding that the board has "presented a conceptual design of our reimagined library" and is "now reaching out to the community to share our findings and build community support."

Procedural steps and outcome: No vote was taken on the project itself. The board's online 5K race registration, its primary fundraiser for building needs, opens in January ahead of the race's 30th running on May 16, 2027.

Implications and what is next: The expansion remains in the community-outreach phase, with no construction timeline or budget figure presented at this meeting. The board's next formal update is expected as it continues collecting feedback through 2027.

Secretary's and Minutes Reports

Secretary George Bernocco reported no business. Trustees approved the minutes of the June 8, 2026, meeting as presented, on a motion by Bernocco seconded by LeeAnn Manke, passing unanimously. Both items were purely procedural and consumed only brief meeting time.

Treasurer's Report and the Ann Marino Bequest

Background and stakes: The library's fiscal year closed June 30, 2026. Treasurer LeeAnn Manke's report, included in the meeting packet, covers June, July and August 2026 account activity and flags a major one-time gift that changes the board's near-term financial planning.

The question before the body: Trustees were asked to receive the treasurer's report, which required no vote, but Stamm used the occasion to prompt members to consider funding priorities given the new money available.

Substantive content: Manke's report shows the library received a $1,471,108.51 unrestricted bequest from the living trust of Ann Marino, a longtime patron, deposited directly into the library's Kingston Wealth Management investment account in June. As of August 31, 2026, the library's accounts stood at: TD Checking (unrestricted) $75,319.66; TD Money Market (restricted) $58,099.98; Kingston Money Market non-investment (unrestricted) $460,449.24; George G. Hanel Endowment (restricted) $512,894.43; Kingston Investment Account (unrestricted and restricted) $2,020,066.99; and Margaret Hooker Trust endowment valuation $497,631.35. The report also detailed completion of the Churchill door facade restoration at a total cost of $38,300, split between $10,000 from the town facilities department's historical funding line and $28,300 from the library's own unrestricted donations, with coordination credited to town Director of Facilities and Management Joe Salamone. Manke's report separately noted the board last set its investment risk allocation at 45 percent conservative, 55 percent aggressive, and that the Investment Committee would meet with Kingston Wealth Management representative Dean Spada to discuss how to invest the Marino funds.

The deliberation: Stamm told the board to "think about any projects that need funding" given the size of the bequest. Manke said the gift's unrestricted status is valuable because it "gives the library board a lot of hope" and "a great deal of latitude as to how that is spent and invested."

"Because the gift is unrestricted, it gives the library board a lot of hope," Manke said.

Procedural steps and outcome: No vote accompanied the treasurer's report; it was presented for information. No motion to allocate the bequest was made at this meeting.

Implications and what is next: The roughly $1.47 million addition to unrestricted reserves gives the board new flexibility as it weighs funding needs for the library expansion project and other capital items, including aging signage and furniture replacement that Manke flagged as upcoming priorities. The Investment Committee's planned meeting with Dean Spada, typically held each September, will shape how the new funds are deployed.

Library Director's and Assistant Director's Reports

Background and stakes: Library Director Lisa Masten's annual report is the board's primary vehicle for tracking usage trends that inform both budget requests and the renovation project's case to the town council.

The question before the body: Trustees were asked to receive the director's report, covering fiscal year 2025-26 performance.

Substantive content: Masten said the library, open 323 days this year, logged more than 117,000 visits, up from 113,000 the prior year, and checked out more than 307,000 items, a 14 percent increase that she said was the first time circulation topped 300,000 in recent memory. The library offered 795 programs to more than 25,000 people and issued 1,100 new library cards, a 10 percent increase, bringing the town's total cardholder base above 10,000. Digital collection use rose 8 percent to more than 53,000 uses; interlibrary loan was used more than 23,000 times; staff answered more than 37,000 informational questions and more than 2,000 tech-related questions; the homebound "Books for You" delivery service grew 21 percent to nearly 2,000 books delivered; notary services rose 48 percent to almost 700 documents notarized; and meeting-room use rose 10 percent to more than 3,800 bookings. Masten also reported the library's consortium migrated to new catalog and patron-record software on June 3, a five-month project, and that the library received two grants, one funding Wi-Fi hotspot circulation for two years and expanding the circulating hotspot collection to ten, and another expanding large-print purchasing for the homebound delivery service. Separately, per the minutes, the library's Summer Reading program drew 710 adult participants who read more than 4,500 books, along with 154 teen participants and 415 child participants.

Masten detailed a chain of internal staffing changes she called "a domino effect since December": Assistant Director Karen Benner retired, triggering Jennifer Hebert's move from head of reference to assistant director; Hebert's former position was filled by Michelle Patnode, formerly the digital services librarian; Patnode's position was filled by Amanda Sestouli, formerly a part-time children's librarian; and business manager Karolyn McLain resigned at the end of July, with former circulation supervisor Katie Cornell hired to the role, starting September 8. Assistant Director Jennifer Hebert told the board separately that the library hired a new part-time teen librarian, Emma Johnson, and is recruiting substitutes across departments.

The deliberation: Masten and Stamm both emphasized that staff are being reassigned internally rather than lost. "We, the board, [are] very proud of our library staff and all of our volunteers," Stamm said, calling the turnover "a domino effect when we hire from within" rather than attrition.

Procedural steps and outcome: No vote was required; the reports were received.

Implications and what is next: The 14 percent circulation increase and double-digit growth in several services strengthen the board's ongoing argument to the town council that the current building, with only 27 parking spaces and limited space for collections, staff and programming, cannot keep pace with demand. The business manager position filled by Katie Cornell remains a transition point the director said she is still managing.

Committee Reports: Behavior Policy, Fund Development and Facility and Site

Background and stakes: The Planning, Evaluation, Policy (PEP) Committee, chaired by Maureen Lyons O'Connor, had been working on updates to the library's patron behavior policy, including language addressing congregating near the entrance and the use of bicycles, e-bikes and similar wheeled devices, an issue that had generated internal discussion about patron safety at the entrance.

The question before the body: Whether to formally adopt the PEP Committee's proposed changes to the behavior policy.

Substantive content: Per the minutes, member Kristopher Riley proposed policy language stating that, to ensure safety and security of people entering and exiting the building, people are not permitted to congregate on or near the entrance, and that roller skating, roller blading, skateboarding, scooters, bicycles and e-bikes are permitted only in designated outdoor areas and are not to be used inside the building, on the stairs leading to the entrance, or in front of the entrance. Stamm asked that the ramp and stairs leading to the entrance be explicitly added to the restricted areas.

The deliberation: The committee discussion, recorded in the minutes rather than captured in the available recording, shows the specific wording was refined collaboratively between Riley and Stamm before being brought to a vote.

Procedural steps and outcome: LeeAnn Manke moved to adopt the revised behavior policy; JoAnn Masi seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Implications and what is next: The policy takes effect as adopted and governs patron conduct at the library entrance, ramp and stairs going forward, a change library staff can now enforce under written policy rather than informal practice.

Other committee notes were brief. The Investment Committee, through Jason Hipp, reported account balances were largely steady aside from the new Marino investment account and said it would meet with Kingston Wealth Management's Dean Spada on timing already discussed under the treasurer's report. The Facility and Site Committee, through Kristopher Riley, said it spent the summer preparing marketing materials, surveys and flyers for the Waterfall Festival promoting the "reimagined library" concept, and credited Michelle Patnode for help with publicity and social media. The Fund Development Committee discussion noted that Pamela Kiniry, a longtime organizer of the board's 5K race, "is unable to stay on the board" but offered to continue helping with Hanel Fine Arts Series events; Stamm said the committee needs volunteers to take over race-management duties Kiniry has handled with materials prepared by Anna Eddy.

Officer Nominations and Elections

Background and stakes: Board officer terms run on an annual cycle, with only officers required to hold corporate membership status.

The question before the body: Whether to elect the slate of officers nominated by the Nominations Committee for the 2026-27 term.

Substantive content: Nominations Committee chair Maureen Lyons O'Connor presented a single slate: Diane Stamm for president, Kristopher Riley for vice president, George Bernocco for secretary and LeeAnn Manke for treasurer. O'Connor also noted her own corporate membership term was up for renewal and that she had chosen to remain a member.

The deliberation: No competing nominations were offered from the floor.

Procedural steps and outcome: Stamm moved to submit a single ballot for the slate; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously, electing Stamm, Riley, Bernocco and Manke to their respective posts for 2026-27. A separate motion to accept O'Connor's renewal of her membership term, prompted by board secretary Elizabeth Rogers, also passed unanimously.

Implications and what is next: The officer roster for the coming year is now set, with Stamm continuing as president heading into the renovation project's public-outreach phase.

Recognition of Honorees and Legacy Inductees

Background and stakes: The annual meeting traditionally includes recognition of community donors, race sponsors and a retiring staff member or board member.

Substantive content: Trustees honored Masonic Care at Middlewoods of Newington, represented by Executive Director Lori Pisani and recreation manager Mariah, for 11 years of event support including baked goods for the Hanel Fine Arts Series and fresh fruit for the 5K race. Sam's Club of Newington was honored for more than 25 years of donations, represented by community outreach coordinator Nancy. Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine of Newington was honored for a decade as a 5K race sponsor, accepted by a representative identified in the recognition as a program sponsor since 2016. Library staffer Joann Cocola was named Outstanding Library Staff Person, with tributes read from head of children's services Bailey Francis and Director Lisa Masten. The board also recognized Anna Eddy, a board member for 21 years who served as president from 2011 to 2015 and helped create the library's Legacy Society giving programs, the Little Readers Sprint at the 5K race, and the Dining Partner Program. Finally, trustees posthumously inducted longtime Friends of the Library volunteer Ann Marino, who died in 2025, into the Legacy Society's planned-giving category, accepted by friends identified at the meeting as representing her extended community.

Procedural steps and outcome: These were ceremonial recognitions; no votes were taken.

Implications and what is next: Anna Eddy's departure after 21 years, alongside Pamela Kiniry's planned exit from active board duty, leaves the board recruiting volunteers to fill race-management and other committee roles heading into 2027.

Town Council Liaison Report

Background and stakes: The town council liaison position keeps the library board informed of municipal staffing and policy developments relevant to the library.

Substantive content: Per the minutes, Town Council Liaison A.J. Tiniakos told the board the town has a new town planner and will need a new town manager after the previous manager relocated to his hometown, with the town council beginning a replacement search. Tiniakos said the assistant town manager is handling town manager duties in the interim. Treasurer LeeAnn Manke asked whether the board should direct questions to the assistant town manager in the absence of a permanent town manager; Tiniakos confirmed that was appropriate.

Procedural steps and outcome: No vote was required.

Implications and what is next: The vacancy in the town manager's office could affect timing of town-level decisions tied to the library's capital project, including facilities coordination currently handled by Director of Facilities and Management Joe Salamone.

Public Participation and Adjournment

There was no public participation at either opportunity offered during the meeting. LeeAnn Manke moved to adjourn; George Bernocco seconded; the motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m. The next Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for October 19, 2026, at 7 p.m.

WHO WAS THERE

Diane Stamm, President, presided over the meeting. Kristopher Riley, Member, elected Vice President for 2026-27. George Bernocco, Member, elected Secretary for 2026-27; gave secretary's report (no report). LeeAnn Manke, Member, elected Treasurer for 2026-27; gave treasurer's report. Maureen Lyons O'Connor, Member, chaired Nominations and PEP committees; renewed her membership term. (Roster lists her as Vice President as of October 18, 2026; at this meeting she was not elected to that office — see REVIEW.) Jason Hipp, Member, reported for Investment Committee. David Hourigan, Member, read a recognition for Masonic Care at Middlewoods. Pamela Kiniry, Member, discussed stepping back from 5K race management duties. Pauline Kruk, Member, read a recognition for Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine. David Nagel, Member, listed in attendance. Christine Shooshan, Member, absent, per minutes. JoAnn Masi, listed as a board member in attendance per minutes; not found on the supplied roster. Melissa Haseley, listed as a board member in attendance per minutes; not found on the supplied roster. Anna Eddy, honored for 21 years of board service; not listed among board members in attendance in the minutes for this meeting. A.J. Tiniakos, Town Council Liaison, gave the council liaison report. Lisa Masten, Library Director, gave the director's report. Jennifer Hebert, Assistant Library Director, gave the assistant director's report. Elizabeth Rogers, Secretary for the Board (staff), took the roll and prompted a membership-renewal motion. Natalie Harbeson, Friends of the Library, introduced during the meeting (no detailed Friends report captured in the available recording). Lori Pisani, Executive Director, Masonic Care at Middlewoods, accepted a recognition. Mariah, recreation manager, Masonic Care at Middlewoods, attended the recognition. Nancy, community outreach coordinator, Sam's Club of Newington, named in the Sam's Club recognition. Joann Cocola, library staff member, honored as Outstanding Library Staff Person. Bailey Francis, head of children's services (library staff), authored part of the staff tribute. Karen Benner, former assistant library director, referenced as having retired. Karolyn McLain, former business manager, referenced as having resigned. Katie Cornell, new business manager (formerly circulation supervisor), referenced as hired September 8, 2026. Michelle Patnode, library staff, referenced in staffing changes and Facility and Site Committee thanks. Amanda Sestouli, library staff, referenced in staffing changes. Michelle Royer, head of community services (library staff), credited for senior-outreach and "Take a Duck" programs. Joe Salamone, Town Director of Facilities and Management, credited for coordinating Churchill door restoration. Jay, attended to accept the posthumous Ann Marino induction on behalf of her community of friends. Beth, spoke on behalf of Ann Marino's circle of friends during her induction. Bill Rogers, former Newington resident and marathon champion, referenced running in the 5K race. Bill Harrison, 5K race manager, referenced during Anna Eddy's tribute.

ORGANIZATIONS AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCED

Kingston Wealth Management — the library's investment manager, holding the bulk of restricted and unrestricted funds discussed in the treasurer's report, including the new Marino bequest. Library Additions and Renovations Committee (LARC) — town committee working with the board on the conceptual design for the library expansion project. Friends of the Library — fundraising partner organization funding roughly 95 percent of library programming, per the director's report; membership drive runs September 1 through October 23, 2026. Masonic Care at Middlewoods of Newington — honored donor and event partner, 11-year relationship with the library. Sam's Club of Newington — honored donor, more than 25 years of in-kind and gift-card support. Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine of Newington — honored 5K race sponsor since 2016. Ann Marino Living Trust — source of the $1,471,108.51 unrestricted bequest reported by the treasurer. Town of Newington Facilities Department — contributed $10,000 toward the $38,300 Churchill door restoration from its historical funding line. George G. Hanel Fine Arts Series and John and Adele Sleva Young People's Literary Series — library-funded endowed cultural programs referenced in the director's report. Treasurer's Report, June-August 2026 (packet document) — cited for all account balances, the Marino bequest amount and Churchill door cost breakdown. Library Behavior Policy, PEP Committee draft — cited for the exact restricted-conduct language adopted by vote at this meeting. June 8, 2026, meeting minutes — approved as presented at this meeting.