The Leach Library Board of Trustees convened a special meeting on March 17 to formally reorganize following the March 10 town election, welcoming two new members and selecting officers for the year ahead. The tone of the meeting reflected both optimism and a clear understanding that the Board faces a demanding year as the library remains closed for remediation.
“Thank you again for all of the people who volunteered for our election process. It went really well,” Trustee Beth Marrocco said as the meeting opened. “It was a very long day, and it was very exciting to see that the voter turnout is increasing year after year.”
The Board congratulated Erica Laue and Azra Palo on their election victories before turning to what Marrocco described as the annual “reorganization” of the Trustees. Each year after the election, the Board selects its officers, a process Marrocco said helps distribute responsibilities and ensure that no single member carries the same duties indefinitely. “The hope is that each year, more people will volunteer or accept the nomination to take on different responsibilities so it’s not always falling on the same people,” she said. “It makes everybody responsible to learn the ropes for everything that needs to happen to make a successful Board.”
Incumbent Trustee Nancy Hendricks was unanimously nominated and approved as Chair, a role she accepted with a nod to the challenges ahead. “Thank you,” she said. “It’s no secret we’ve had a bumpy year, and we have a lot of work to do this year.”
The Board then unanimously selected Beth Marrocco as Vice Chair for 2026, Erica Laue as Secretary, and Azra Palo as Treasurer. Each accepted their new responsibilities, completing the Board’s annual reorganization. “Welcome all to your new roles,” Hendricks said. “It’s going to be a busy year.”
Town Council Liaison Dan Bouchard offered his congratulations to the newly elected members and officers, praising Interim Director Donna Plante for her consistent communication with the Town Council. “The progress at the library is phenomenal, and I think it’s great how Donna has been keeping us, everyone on the Council, in the loop, telling us every week the progress that’s being made,” Bouchard said. “If you have anything you need, feel free to reach out, you know how to get ahold of me.”
Resident David Gintz also addressed the Board, expressing hope that the new leadership team would continue rebuilding trust with the community. With the library expected to remain closed until at least next spring, he urged the Trustees to prioritize respectful engagement. “I hope the new Board will treat all who come before it, including library patrons, staff, and interested townspeople, with the respect they deserve,” Gintz said. He referenced past tensions and encouraged simple gestures, like looking at speakers rather than at phones or computers, as meaningful signs of respect. “I trust that you will all work together to make the library what we want it to be. Congratulations and good luck to all.”