Building Improvements
Final bills for the additional work encountered during repairs of two HVAC units last summer have been paid, and submitted to our insurance company for potential reimbursement. Ric Taras reports that the units are now fully functional, and now we should be able to move on to additional needed maintenance.
As highlighted during these recent events, the aging automated building controls, which control climate, lighting, and some fire-control and security functions, will soon require significant upgrades in order to be kept up to date with computer and network security requirements. As we are exploring changes to use of space within the building, we are also gathering information about upgrades to the fire suppression system and its control panel, and enhancements to security systems such as updated proximity locks and door alarms to protect access to non-public areas of the building.
Saratoga Reads
Because “Books and Tea” the group I lead each third Thursday of the month, had discussed this year’s SaratogaREADS! selection, The Soul of an Octopus, in past (in June of 2022) I opted to for another octopus-inspired book during this SR! season, and we had a very well-attended and lively discussion of Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt on February 12.
I was happy to join Youth Services Librarian Kate Lambert at this year’s SaratogaREADS! Jr. wrap-up celebration on a snowy February 21 to present Dr. Catherine Golden with the board’s Resolution of Commendation for her service to the SaratogaREADS!, the Library, and the community.
The Friends’ SaratogaREADS! bus trip to the New England Aquarium in Boston - also planned for February 21 - was postponed because of the inclement weather, and has been rescheduled for July 13. Those who are interested and may not have been able to go in February, now have an extended window for purchasing tickets!
Free registration is likewise open for the season’s capstone event, featuring Soul of an Octopus author Sy Montgomery in person at Skidmore College on March 21. This event is being underwritten with a grant to the Friends from the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs, as part of its local giving program. The mobile library van was once again featured at the club’s annual major fundraising event, the Saratoga Home and Lifestyle Show on February 28 and March 1.
Public Library Association “Responding to ICE in the Library” Webinar
Several of the Library’s Leadership Team members and public service librarians joined together on February 24 to watch a webinar about responding to ICE in the library. As a result, we were reassured that our preparations for potential ICE encounters with members of the public were in line with our peers, but, based on the experiences of the Minneapolis Public Library, some enhancements to our preparation for potential encounters between ICE and library employees were in order. We have internally discussed potential accommodations in schedules, work assignments, and use of time away from work that might in order.
Farm2Library and Seed Library
Our participation in the Southern Adirondack Library (SALS)/Comfort Food Community Farm2Library partnership made its public debut on March 4, with the delivery of eggs, cheese, apples, sweet potatoes, beans, greens, celeriac, beets, garlic, and other produce, free to take. On this same day, our seed library made its seasonal debut. A ribbon cutting for the Farm2Library fridge & shelf, in the Henry Street foyer, is scheduled for 10:30am on March 17, and we hope to see many of you in attendance!
Photo Gallery
