The Rodgers Memorial Library Board of Trustees met on Dec. 17 to review the success of their teen, tween, and children’s programming. Library Director Linda Pilla highlighted the popularity of “a dinosaur-themed Dinovember” event.
“We had dino-chess, dino story time, and I think there was a dino wedding, a dino Olympics, we had a dino symphony, and all kinds of stuff like that,” said Pilla. “It’s a lot of fun and the kids loved it.”
Vice-Chair Lisa Weber asked for more details about a laptop program designed to support younger patrons.
“What is going on with one of your pictures where there are a bunch of kids with laptops, and it looks like the younger kids are at the laptops, not the older students,” noted Weber.
Pilla explained that the laptops were used for a Minecraft challenge.
“All of the players are in the same closed environment, they’re all in the same place interacting with each other,” explained Pilla. “This was the first time we’d offered this. I think all of our people were using laptops owned by the library, and it was a great success.”
The Library Director also expressed interest in expanding collaboration with local schools.
“We want to provide a program that would give the teachers an enrichment opportunity without adding to their work,” said Pilla. “It’s easier for the schools that are located next to the library of course, but we really want to expand with what we can do with all of the schools in Hudson.”
She noted that she was working with school officials to ensure library resources remain easily accessible for students and staff.
With winter weather underway, the Board of Trustees discussed ongoing maintenance needs for the library’s HVAC system following recent issues.
“The system heats up, and sometimes it doesn’t stay warm enough long enough. As it heats up and cools down there’s a buildup of condensation. The metal that they make heat exchangers out of, unless you go all out for super high-end units, it’s one of the points of weakness,” explained Pilla. “On two of our smaller units, the heat exchangers have gone out, and on one of those machines, the blower motor needs to be replaced.”
She added that the $12,000 cost of repairing the HVAC units was manageable using already appropriated funds.
“I saw that the proposal is only good until this past money. Do the maintenance people have a problem with that?” asked Board member Margaret St. Onge. “After that date, does the price go up?”
Director Pilla did not believe the price would increase but promised to confirm and update the Trustees.
“Are these the original units?” asked Trustee Lisa Weber.
She was informed that most HVAC units at Rodgers Memorial Library are original.
Without further debate, the Trustees unanimously approved the maintenance request.
The Rodgers Memorial Library Board of Trustees is set for Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at 6 p.m.
