The Kingston Public Library is moving forward with a major initiative to reclaim 1,600 square feet of basement storage for public programming, even as officials grapple with a mysterious 49,000-gallon water spike at the Adam Center. Library Director Donald informed the Board of Trustees on Monday that an engineering firm recently surveyed the library’s lower level to produce a Doctor’s Order report, which will outline the costs for raising floors, installing acoustic tiling, and ensuring ADA compliance.

Donald noted that the project aims to maximize existing space to meet growing community demand. The goal is to convert 1,600 square feet of storage into programming space, Donald explained, adding that the plan likely involves a raised floor and utilizing a secondary internal entrance in the non-fiction section for egress rather than constructing a more costly external walkway. This facility update comes as the library monitors a significant water usage anomaly. We had a mysterious usage of 49,000 gallons of water, Donald reported, noting that while a stuck toilet flush is a suspected culprit, the water department and town facilities staff are keeping a close watch on the meter to ensure no underground leaks remain.

The board also focused on codifying rules for the library’s outdoor space, which has seen increased use following recent renovations. Trustees finalized a new Courtyard Policy intended to manage janitorial needs and safety during inclement weather. Motion Made by E. Curtain to adopt the courtyard policy as amended to include restrictions on smoking, vaping, and the supervision of children under 10. Motion Passed (5-0, with one trustee not yet eligible to vote).

During the policy discussion, a board member raised concerns about liability and the potential for misuse of the outdoor furniture. My 'working with kids' sixth sense is screaming that someone will use a table to climb a tree, they noted. One trustee recalled the space's history, remarking, I remember when that courtyard was not open at all; it was the wild lands. It's nice people can use it now. The Chair emphasized the need for clear language regarding supervision, stating, I would imagine this policy isn't going to require too much editing if I add the smoking/vaping line and the one regarding unsupervised children under 10.

Library leadership is also looking to bridge the gap between the building and the local high school. Donald revealed he is exploring a pilot program for a weekly Gatra shuttle from Silver Lake High School to the library specifically for teen programming. While the logistics of parent pick-ups are still being refined, the board responded positively to the idea of making the library more accessible to students. A trustee inquired if the shuttle would serve students from neighboring towns, to which Donald confirmed the service would be open to all Silver Lake students regardless of residency.

The meeting also served as an introduction for the board's newest member, Lavoy, who joined the trustees as they navigated a difficult software transition. The recent migration to the Evergreen system has been plagued by technical hurdles, including failed authentication for digital services like Hoopla and Libby and the loss of patron phone numbers during the data transfer. Donald reported there are currently 400 help desk tickets pending across the network. Workstation registrations are not sticking, Donald said, describing the ongoing frustration for staff and patrons alike.

Financial support remains steady through the Library Foundation, which is currently utilizing the remainder of a $3,000 T-Mobile grant to purchase new furniture and displays. The Foundation is also planning a Battle of the Books trivia night, though space constraints at the Adam Center may prompt a move to the Council on Aging. The occupancy at the Adam Center is limited to 51 people with tables, which might be too small to be lucrative, Donald told the board.

Trustee Emily Curtain took a moment to highlight the success of the recent Kingston 300 Arts Festival, which drew hundreds of residents. I want to publicly thank Donald and Nick for the amazing support for the arts festival. It was incredibly successful... Nick went way beyond his job requirements to help, Curtain said. Looking ahead to June, the board plans to review a more robust volunteer policy to better manage teen graduation requirements and the senior tax work-off program.