The Leach Library Board of Trustees used its May 19 special meeting to issue a formal apology to library staff, including Senior Library Technician Colleen Magdziarz, who last year had the police called on her during a contentious Trustee meeting.
“We are very sorry for the undue stress we caused you last year. We recognize that this past year was chaotic at best, and disrespectful at worst,” said Chair Nancy Hendricks. “We also recognize that the Board would not have been compliant in accurately documenting and reporting last year’s financial information had it not been your attention to detail, your diligence, and your dedication to this library.”
Hendricks, who began her term as Chair last March, pledged to rebuild trust with staff, many of whom were openly critical of the Board’s actions surrounding the resignation of former Library Director Erin Matlin.
“We have a really big goal in front of us this year. We must all work together as a team to reopen our library,” Hendricks said. “As your Chair, I am committed to conducting meetings that are respectful, productive, and that work toward a common goal of reopening.”
Other Trustees echoed the sentiment.
“I’m deeply ashamed and embarrassed that Leach staff had to endure what they endured last year,” said Vice-Chair Beth Marrocco. “Leach Library is the heart of our community. It’s a building, but it’s the people that make Leach our community center, and I’m grateful you’re so committed to that space.”
Magdziarz attended the meeting but declined to speak during public comment.
Following a brief presentation to the Town Council, Interim Library Director Donna Plante updated the Trustees on the latest phase of repairs to the main library building. Work hit another setback after the discovery of a new leak.
“ReArch found a leaking radiator when they opened the building to start working,” Plante said. “It was not the extensive damage we saw during the first go-around, but we probably lost another floor table. They just put the drywall in on Friday, and I’m not sure about the status of that drywall — if it needs to be replaced again. We’re going to figure that out. There will be another insurance claim filed for that.”
Despite the issue, the leak was addressed quickly. Plante reported that mold remediation was “nearly done” as of mid-May.
“Stay tuned — it’s a work in motion,” Hendricks added.
The next regular meeting of the Leach Library Board of Trustees is scheduled for Thursday, June 4, at 7 p.m. in the Moose Hill Council Chambers.