NEW ROCHELLE, NY (October 9, 2025) — The New Rochelle Public Library (NRPL) Board of Trustees convened on September 11, 2025, at the Main Library’s Ossie Davis Theater, addressing key initiatives and community engagement efforts during a pivotal meeting led by Board President Lucille Renwick.
The meeting, called to order at 7:30 p.m., saw unanimous approval of the agenda and the minutes from the August 14, 2025, meeting. With Westchester Library System (WLS) Representative Dr. David Mener absent, no WLS report was presented.
Renwick highlighted September as Library Card Signup Month, encouraging New Rochelle families to visit the Main Library or Huguenot Children’s Library to sign up for a library card. She also promoted the New Rochelle Annual Street Fair on September 13, noting that both NRPL and the NRPL Foundation would have tables to showcase their programs and services. Marking the 24th anniversary of 9/11, Renwick led a moment of silence and noted NRPL’s free museum passes to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
Library Director Eugenia Schatoff announced a significant shift toward an independent annual audit for NRPL, moving away from inclusion in the City School District of New Rochelle’s broader audit. This change aims to strengthen fiscal compliance and internal controls. The audit, conducted by Bonadio & Co., LLP, includes a $25,000 fee plus a one-time $5,000 charge for initial financial statement preparation. The agreement, reviewed by legal counsel and board officers, was unanimously approved following a motion by Renwick and seconded by Vice President Corey Galloway.
Committee reports provided updates on ongoing efforts. The Budget/Finance Committee, chaired by Secretary Rhiannon Navin, is actively searching for a treasurer and will meet on September 24. The Buildings & Grounds/CROC Committee, led by Galloway, is scheduled for September 19. The Community Relations Committee, co-chaired by Nancy Weinberger and Vera Salter, promoted the street fair and announced the Children’s Garden grand opening on October 18 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. The Personnel Committee, chaired by Tatiana Infante, discussed the ADP system implementation and approved personnel resolutions unanimously. The Policy Committee, led by Fela Cortés, approved new Timekeeping and Sexual Harassment policies.
Navin announced that Renwick was selected for the 2025 Velma K. Moore Award from the Library Trustees Association, recognizing her exemplary service as board president. The award, carrying a $1,500 prize for the library, honors Renwick’s leadership during a transitional period, including the hiring of a new permanent director. The nomination praised her for “reenergizing our sense of purpose, deepening collaboration, and raising the standard of engagement,” as well as her community outreach and advocacy efforts.
The board approved fiscal year 2024-2025 warrant 060 and fiscal year 2025-2026 warrants 006, 007, 008, and 009, with a motion by Navin, seconded by Galloway, and unanimously approved. No old business, new resolutions, or public comments were recorded. The meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
A recording of the meeting is available here:
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.