The Norwalk Public Library Board discussed budget and operational requests during its Nov. 13 meeting, including a capital request to replace three self‑checkout machines and multiple options for part‑time staff pay increases.

Why it matters: The self‑checkout kiosks are roughly 12 years old; staff cited operational, financial and ADA compliance reasons for replacement. The board also debated two scenarios for part‑time pay increases and proposed additional programming funds; city finance guidance limiting Community Services budget increases to 2.5% constrains what the library can request in the adopted budget.

Capital request: Staff recommended a $60,000 FY2027 request to replace three end‑of‑life self‑checkout units with modern, ADA‑compliant equipment that would reduce staffing burdens and allow patrons to complete more transactions without staff assistance. The board agreed the request is reasonable and discussed timing for advancing it to the city budget process, noting a formal board vote will be required when a quorum is present.

Operations requests and wages: The board reviewed two scenarios for part‑time staff raises: Scenario 1 proposed a $1/hour increase for most part‑time roles (with exceptions), while Scenario 2 proposed larger increases including up to $4/hour for some librarians who have not had raises in many years. Members noted an arithmetic error in the scenario totals during the meeting, corrected the calculation, and agreed to revisit the formal numbers before submitting a budget request.

Programming and e‑content: Board members proposed increasing programming funds by roughly $20,000 and allocating about 25% of the book budget toward e‑content to respond to evolving patron needs; staff warned e‑content costs are rising and are difficult to control. City finance staff have signaled a 2.5% cap on Community Services budget increases, so the library will need to prioritize requests.

Other: Staff requested the library be closed Saturday, Nov. 29 for the Thanksgiving weekend; the board discussed the request and indicated support but could not take an official vote without quorum.

Next steps: Board staff will correct and finalize the budget scenarios, coordinate with purchasing on the capital request timeline, and return with final figures and any recommended motions once a quorum is present for a formal vote.