Southwick Library Trustees Skip August, Plan September Return After Summer Reading Surge

Library · Meeting of July 14, 2026

Southwick library trustees skip August meeting, hear of record summer reading kickoff drawing up to 325 attendees. The Board of Trustees of the Southwick Public Library voted at its July 14 meeting to forgo its August session and reconvene September 9, after acting staff reported that the June 24 summer reading opening day drew an estimated 275 to 325 people, far beyond what the library had anticipated. Fiscal year 2026 closed smoothly, with accounting transferring $5,000 from a salary surplus to cover a maintenance shortfall and the state-aid-qualifying infill materials line met with just $247 to spare.

Children's Coordinator Molly reported "a big increase in participation, including hours read, events attended, and missions completed," with nearly 100 children completing a Bigfoot scavenger hunt within a week and a half. Library Director Lynn Blair, on leave for approximately eight weeks, has agreed to a return date of August 24.

In the full story:

• June 2026 Department Head Report
• Summer Reading Program, Kickoff and Midpoint Status
• FY2026 Budget Closeout and FY2027 Transition
• HVAC and Facilities
• Director's Leave of Absence and New Trustee Search
• Meeting Schedule, New Business
• The complete report, 2,681 words

Source: the Library meeting of July 14, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.