Library seeks full‑time children’s-room assistant to expand programs and steady coverage

Library Director Marie Lejeune presented a request to add a full‑time (35‑hour) children’s‑room library assistant in the FY26 issues‑and‑options book, telling the council the position would ensure steady staffing during programs, vacations and sick leaves.

Lejeune explained current staffing covers the children’s room by borrowing staff from other parts of the library when someone is absent; she described recent weeks where scheduled vacations and illness required the director and other staff to cover story times and desk duties. She told the council having a dedicated 35‑hour position would allow the library to expand evening and Saturday programming for working families and plan more programs for older children (7–11), a group the library is seeking to serve more actively.

Why it matters: children's library programming supports literacy and family services and can encourage families to remain in or move to the community. Lejeune said digital‑content costs (Hoopla and Libby) have risen sharply — Hoopla use rose 49% over a two‑year span — and the library proposed a modest increase in electronic‑services funding to keep pace.

Councilors asked about program metrics and participation trends. Lejeune said some program types attract large audiences (Summer Reading) while other pilot programs are tailored to smaller groups; the requested position would enable more consistent evening programming and reduce operational stress on other library staff.

No formal action was taken; the proposal will be considered during the council’s FY26 deliberations.