Library reports underspend, programming gains and a jump in interest income

At the March 25 meeting the Franklin Public Library’s director reported that, while the fiscal-year spending point would be 66.66% by this date, actual spending stood at 57.48% overall and about 57% at the branch level.

Director January Adams told trustees she would check on a benefits line item called out in the packet and noted no extraordinary items requiring immediate action. A trustee pointed out an unexpectedly large revenue increase; Adams credited staff member Nick for negotiating a higher interest rate at Unity Bank.

Adams reported program activity: adult services offered 50 programs with 611 attendees; the services department ran 44 programs with 1,394 participants. The board heard that 75 teens had signed up for the "100 Books Before Graduation" program and 108 patrons had joined the year-long 2026 reading challenge. Winter reading program sign-ups included 38 teens, 14 adults and 87 children. The director said the library is launching an online teen poetry jam for ages 12–17 that runs through April 22.

A trustee asked about damaged books and shelving; Adams declined to discuss details in public, saying it was not appropriate for the meeting.

The board confirmed its next meeting on April 22 at 5:45 p.m. and adjourned.