Stony Point, NY — In a recent communication with residents, Amanda Pagan-Glass, President of the Board of Directors of the Rose Memorial Library addressed a variety of concerns regarding the library’s budget, leadership changes, and ongoing projects. Pagan-Glass assured the community that the library is continuing to serve its residents despite challenges and delays, and emphasized that the library’s doors are always open for public input.
Pagan-Glass acknowledged that while the residents had voted to approve a budget increase in November, the funding will not be available until 2026. While the delay in receiving the funds was not anticipated, the library is currently operating under its existing budget. “We do admit our naivety in not being aware that would be the case,” she said. Despite the lack of immediate funding, the library is not passing costs onto residents, and there has been no increase in fees or services.
Regarding recent changes in leadership, Pagan-Glass confirmed that the library’s Director resigned earlier this year for personal reasons. The Board has since appointed an Interim Director, someone well-qualified and familiar with the position. “The board has been focusing on that [leadership transition],” said Pagan-Glass, adding that the Interim Director has experience leading the library in the past.
Despite the financial constraints, the library staff has worked hard to expand programming and make noticeable improvements to the facility. “The programs are so well attended, the staff had to create a separate study section for tutors because of the lack of space,” said Pagan-Glass. Additionally, the former Director’s office is being repurposed into a new history room, a move that is sure to excite community members interested in preserving and learning about local history.
In terms of future building projects, Pagan-Glass emphasized that the plans for a new library building are still in the works, albeit with some delays. The previous Director had led the charge on these plans, but the library has since reestablished a capital projects committee to continue collaborating with architects and engineers. However, the lack of funding until 2026 means progress will be slower than anticipated. A letter had previously been sent to residents explaining the delay.
Pagan-Glass also addressed concerns about the library’s governance. While some residents had asked about the possibility of holding public elections for board members, Pagan-Glass clarified that as an association library, members are those who hold a library card. “All Town residents are eligible to become a member and therefore a trustee,” she said. New trustees are chosen through a process that includes gathering signatures from town residents and voting by existing board members. Additionally, the number of trustees has been reduced from seven to five due to difficulty in finding volunteers to serve on the board, though this change has been made with guidance from the Ramapo Catskill Library System.
In closing, Pagan-Glass encouraged residents to stay connected with the library, either through its Facebook page or email updates. “With some strategic budgeting, the staff has done their best to still increase services to the residents of the town,” she said. “As we move through the process and get ready to present to the planning board, we will be sure to keep residents informed.”
Pagan-Glass also reminded the public that the library board meetings are always open to the public and announced in advance, adhering to New York State’s open meeting laws. Residents are always welcome to voice their concerns or speak with someone at the library.