NEW ROCHELLE, NY (September 11, 2025) — The New Rochelle Public Library Board of Trustees ratified applications for two New York state grants during its August meeting, focusing on acoustic, security and accessibility improvements at the main library and a roof project at the Huguenot Children’s Library.
The meeting, held Aug. 14, 2025, at the main library’s Ossie Davis Theater, was called to order at 7:31 p.m. and adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
A recording of the meeting can be found on the library’s website: www.nrpl.org.
The board amended its proceedings to ratify the applications for public library construction aid awards under Education Law §273-a, according to meeting minutes. The resolutions, numbered 2025-08-14 #4 and #5, were introduced by Corey Galloway and approved unanimously.
Board President Lucille Renwick officially welcomed Jhenelle Robinson as the library’s new assistant director, effective July 16, 2025, and James Vazquez as the new director of building operations, effective June 16, 2025.
Director Eugenia Schatoff seconded Renwick’s excitement regarding the new additions to the library’s leadership team.
Schatoff reported that permits have been received for the Children’s Garden Project and that work on the project would begin soon.
The past month was busy with committee work, with Schatoff averaging three committee meetings per week with trustees in August.
The Budget/Finance Committee reported that the ad hoc treasurer hiring committee has interviewed a number of candidates, with a frontrunner emerging and steps being taken to offer an employment agreement. The committee received a comprehensive draft of suggested fiscal policies/best practices from the library’s legal counsel and will work with the treasurer and Policy Committee to finalize and adopt the policies. The committee was scheduled to meet again on Aug. 27, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.
The Buildings & Grounds/CROC Committee thanked Schatoff for her leadership and vision, always looking outwardly for new opportunities to raise capitals to improve the library’s buildings and grounds. The committee met on August 22 at 8:30 a.m.
The Community Relations Committee will be meeting in September.
The Personnel Committee met twice in the last month, on July 14 and August 12, 2025, focusing on the implementation of the ADP system. The committee approved the consent agenda for personnel resolution #2025-08 according to the recommended action for item #1. It also approved resolution #2025-08-14 regarding payroll practices, which states: “WHEREAS the Board has evaluated current fiscal practices and determined that the strategic objectives and smooth operations of the library work require that they be updated, including payroll practices to start on September 1, 2025; and WHEREAS it is critical that such updated practices be transmitted clearly to the workforce and the union; and WHEREAS the Library has confirmed with the Union that certain informational sessions will be help address questions and channel input about the new payroll system; BE IT RESOLVED that the Board directs the Director to work with the Union to schedule informational sessions in July and August, to review and add to the ‘FAQ’ regarding the new payroll procedures; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a member of the Personnel Committee shall attend such meetings to ensure the compliance, efficiency and strategic aspects of the update to the payroll system is reinforced by leadership.”
Committee Chair Tatiana Infante reported that she attended the ADP staff training session the previous day, which she found to be very informative. The committee will next meet on September 15.
The Policy Committee discussed policies including Adult Volunteer Policy, Remote Work, Teen Room Conduct, Records Retention, Sexual Harassment, Staff Education and Freedom of Information Law policies.
Committee Chair Fela Cortés commended the policy committee members and Director Eugenia for their commitment to revising and creating policy, which as the American Library Association notes, policy is a valuable tool that informs the New Rochelle community about the library’s intent, goals and aspirations while encouraging stability and continuity in the library’s operations. Cortés complimented the library staff for their input and diligent work as they help craft policy and thanked Director Eugenia Schatoff for her tireless work and expertise.
In September, the Policy Committee intends to bring the following policies to the full board: the Sexual Harassment Policy, the Room Rental Use Revision, the Remote Work Policy, Staff Education and Teen Conduct Policy. The committee approved the Freedom of Information Law Policy revision. The committee will next meet on September 8 at 9 a.m.
The board approved warrants for the fiscal year 2024/2025: warrants 057, 058, 059, and for the fiscal year 2025/2026: warrants 002, 003, 004, 005.
No old business or new business was discussed. There was no public to be heard.
The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the main library’s Ossie Davis Theater, entirely in person with no simultaneous Zoom broadcast available. A recording will be posted on the library’s website.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.