Clinton Library Receives $175,000 Donation As Trustees Prepare For Renovation Bond Proposal

CLINTON, CT — The Henry Carter Hull Library received a $175,000 donation from an anonymous donor as trustees prepared to inform residents about a proposed bond to finance library renovations, according to minutes of the board's Oct. 14 meeting.

The donation accounted for most of the $176,321 deposited into the library's renovation fund since the previous board meeting.

Trustees also discussed the library's proposed 30-year lease renewal, the launch of a long-term laptop lending program and plans for additional fundraising.

Trustees Prepare For Library Renovation Bond Proposal

The board discussed ways to explain the proposed renovation bond to Clinton residents, including how the financing process would work and how the money would be spent.

Development Director Karena Garrity agreed to draft a letter to library patrons explaining the proposal and the intended use of funds.

The board also reported that the library's proposed 30-year lease renewal would be presented to the Clinton Town Council on Oct. 21.

Library Launches Five-Year Laptop Lending Program

The library has received 15 laptops through a partnership with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Connecticut State Library.

The program allows eligible patrons to borrow laptops for up to five years.

According to the director's report, the program has been launched, and the library is distributing the computers according to eligibility requirements.

Fundraising Efforts Expand

Garrity reported that the library is seeking a corporate donor to match contributions made during Giving Tuesday.

She also discussed possible fundraising events, including a gala, musical bingo and a plaque dedication campaign.

Other ideas included partnering with a local restaurant to donate a portion of one evening's proceeds and establishing donation round-up programs at area businesses.

Trustee Pam Cyrus suggested smaller events, including beach yoga.

The library also planned to send its annual fundraising appeal in November.

A family portrait fundraiser was scheduled for Oct. 17, with a professional photographer offering seasonal portraits in exchange for donations.

The library's first Community Potluck was scheduled for Oct. 20 in partnership with Families Helping Families.

Trustees Welcome New Members

Board President Paul Gebauer announced that Kara Fillion had accepted a position on the Board of Trustees.

The board also received a resignation letter from longtime trustee Michael Valenti.

Following the resignation, Gebauer nominated Aziz Dehkan to fill a vacancy.

Val Nye moved to accept the nomination, and Cyrus seconded. The motion carried, although the minutes do not specify a vote count.

Gebauer said he would contact Dehkan to welcome him to the board.

Other Library Business

The treasurer reported that the library's investments were down slightly. No dollar figures or percentage changes were provided.

Trustees also discussed an Oct. 15 meet-and-greet with Town Manager Michelle Benivegna and Town Planner Abby Piersall.

The board approved its September meeting minutes on a motion by Cyrus, seconded by Mary Gilbert. The motion carried without a recorded vote count.

The Oct. 14 meeting was held in the library's community room. Trustees adjourned at 7:55 p.m. following a motion by Mike Rush, seconded by Cyrus.

The next trustees meeting was scheduled for Nov. 11 at 6:30 p.m.