The Rodgers Memorial Library Board of Trustees met on January 17 to look into equipment upgrades for their community room.
“Our projector is quite old,” said Library Director, Linda Pilla, who hosted a visit from Northeast Digital Integration to give the library’s technology an in-depth look. “I asked them to price out a projector for use and getting it installed, and they came back with a bid of just under $5,000.”
According to the Director, the current projector is functioning “poorly.” The Board of Trustees was receptive to the request but wanted at least two other price quotes before committing to the purchase.
A community room projector was not the only thing the library was looking to replace.
“United Service did a full inspection and noticed some microscopic holes in the heat exchanger of unit number three,” said Pilla. “The unit is still operational, but tech recommends the full replacement of the heat exchanger to avoid loss of heat or exhaust issues.”
If the problem worsens, it could redirect exhaust into the building, and the quoted price for a replacement was $4,311. Pilla reported that the standard appropriation fund was more than enough to cover the repair cost. The repair was quickly approved by the board following a concern where waiting would lead to higher expenses.
The Hills Memorial Library’s red-tiled roof had several cracked tiles recently replaced as part of a limited repair to stop leaking in the bathroom. The $2,550 cost drew money from the latest warrant article earmarked for the Hills building fund.
“Did we find what’s making the leak?” asked Board member, Erin Henderson.
She was told they had not, due in part to the unorthodox nature of the building’s 115-year-old roof, which needs more regular maintenance in the coming years.
“This isn’t our building, it’s the town’s building,” explained Treasurer, Donna Boucher, who touched on the deeper issue of who should take charge of the Hills Library. “We have a meeting here once per month, but we otherwise have nothing to do with this building. We have the Rodgers Memorial Library, which we have our budget for.”
Currently, the Hills building is mainly used as a meeting place for a few municipal bodies like the Trustees and the School Board.
“The biggest issue is that it’s a historical building, it just needs to be taken care of,” said Pilla.
Board members also approved $425 to keep the Hills building clean for a month. The Trustees had been looking for a new cleaning service for that task.
Trustee, Karen Bohrer, ended the meeting by reminding Hudson residents that the library was open to all residents with a variety of resources, even in winter.
“Make use of the library, especially during these cold winter months!” said Bohrer. “Check out a book, or download a book or listen to a book or participate in a virtual program or come to the library because it’s warm!”
The Library Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, February 21, at 6 p.m., in the Hills Memorial Library Building.
