Annual Meeting Summary Letter August 2026
Dear library patrons:
With the Annual Meeting now behind us, I write to update you with the 2025-26 highlights as reported in the meeting. It was an outstanding year by any measure. The most important accomplishment was Director Adrienne Berg’s successful transition. As she reported at the Annual Meeting, we have seen increased usage of the library during the past year, have added programming and electronic resources, rearranged and improved the use of space inside and increased both open hours and staff hours. We are happy to welcome Sharon Moskowitz back on a part-time basis to support the children’s room and library programming. Outside, the hoop house underwent a major renovation guided by Dale Pierson. Barry Goldberg and the Dragon Garden Club planted a thriving pumpkin patch and edible garden. The Buildings and Grounds Committee has enhanced the landscaping with ornamental native plants.
The most visible investment is the addition of our 23.8 kW solar array. As Adrienne reported, it began generating electricity in July. The board paid for this from our building fund, and we expect it to dramatically reduce our electricity bill with a payback anticipated within seven years.
Centrality of Volunteers
So much of what creates the sense of community at the library stems from our volunteers. Adrienne noted that close to 60 people help with the front desk and various other tasks. She and I particularly thanked those in leadership roles: Connibe Hammermeister organizes the desk volunteers and the book fair raffle, and other book fair leaders include Gayle Elfast and Diane Myler (Treasures), Bruce Elfast (signage), Susan Levett (book inventory), Bonnie Percival (tent and book setup), Shelly Gallender & Dara Zuckernick (bake sale), Janet Overholt, Suzy Kane and Frances Holdgate (silent auction), and Lynna Henderson, Bill Lang and Alexis Saba (cash treasurer). Through their efforts and the many who pitched in, the book fair exceeded last year’s outstanding results by $7,000! Board members support these and many activities throughout the year. Special thanks to Elaine Wilson for her service as Secretary for the past three years. We are delighted she will remain on the board.
Finances
Treasurer Alexis Saba provided helpful insight into the library’s financials. The three major sources of support remain patron giving (thanks to all who helped increase last year’s appeal by $13,000!), a grant from the town of St. George, and our draw from endowment. The book fair income is next, together with apartment rentals. Alexis expressed her gratitude to all who help make the library financially strong, as well as those who laid the groundwork for our fiscal health over the years.
Goals
Adrienne emphasized her interest in growing programming in response to patron interest and encouraged people to give her ideas. She looks forward to strengthening the partnership with the school and encouraging conversations about books with patrons of all ages! Alexis and I presented a key board goal – to find a way to provide health coverage to our staff. We must ensure that our key people can rely on coverage. If you can help with that, please let me know.
Thank you for your care and concern for this extraordinary resource. Due to many years of careful stewardship and librarian leadership, the library is thriving.
Sincerely,
Chris Williamson, President, on behalf of the board:
Mary Cady, VP; Anne Rogers, Secretary; Alexis Saba, Treasurer; Ryan Aponte, Shelly Gallender, Bill Lang, Elaine Wilson, and Dara Zuckernick
August 28, 2026
