he Leach Library Board of Trustees held a special meeting on April 15 to discuss filling a vacancy in their ranks. Trustee Chair Nancy Hendricks stated that the Board had three residents interested in the role.
“We do want to thank all of these individuals who stepped forward to volunteer,” said Hendricks.
Beth Marrocco, Vice-Chair, emphasized that she was appreciative of everyone who applied, favoring applicant Maryam Mallick for her experience working in other libraries.
“She can kind of understand the perspective of what a library is needing, and she can look at it from our roles as custodians with the funds, and to help us make responsible choice with how things are recorded, positioned, or itemized,” argued Marrocco. “I feel she has some good insight in that sense.”
Hendricks stated that Russell Lagueux had valuable construction experience that could be relevant for Leach Library as it looks to reopen its main building, although she added that such a concern was a short-term issue with repairs well underway.
“We need construction expertise for sure, and I appreciate that about Russell for sure. I also think that since we are rebuilding our library, and we’re in a period of redefining and redeveloping our relationship to the community, I mean it’s no secret we’ve been fractured in the last year, and the more library experience we have, the better,” said Hendricks. “I’m drawn to either Linda or Merium for that reason.”
Several members noted that the third applicant, Linda Lampkin, also seemed to have library experience and greater availability compared to the other two candidates at a time when the Board of Trustees was meeting two to three times per month.
While some members agreed with the Chair and Vice-Chair, that stance was not universal, as Jan McLaughlin argued that LeGault was a better fit.
“It’s not just that he’s done construction. He’s served on a number of boards and things like that. I think, frankly, that’s the expertise area that we need to have more depth in,” said McLaughlin. “We need to consider board experience and working within the state of New Hampshire. I think that would be a valuable asset.”
Board member Moira Ryan conceded that all candidates had “strong points” and that the vacancy should be filled based on what was needed.
“We already have people on the Board who have library experience,” she said. “I don’t think we have to replicate that.”
Ryan added that LeGault was the only man applying to a Board that was not known for its gender diversity.
“It would be beneficial to have someone who’s not a woman on the Board,” said Ryan. “It has been traditionally all women.”
“I don’t think there’s such a thing as having too much library experience and too much library background,” said Treasurer Azra Palo. “I think as librarians, we can separate our own professional experience with the town that we live in, especially right now with all of the building issues with all that we have to clean up.”
After further debate, the Leach Library Board of Trustees voted four to two to recommend Mallick for the position for the next year.
On Monday night, the Town Council voted 5-0 for Mallick to be appointed to the board.