Two current members of the Bedford Library Trustees will not be running for reelection next year. Michael Pulizzi and Fahad Alden both announced their decisions to not seek reelection earlier this week.
Pulizzi, a trustee of the Bedford Free Public Library for 19 years, told the board at their December meeting that he will not run for re-election. His term expires next March.
Pulizzi, who has served several terms as chair, talked in an email to The Citizen about some highlights of his board tenure. Pulizzi said he loved the One Book/One Bedford events that happened for many years and especially liked seeing the Library develop new programming.
“Really positive is the Library of Things and the lecture series, especially the winter series by Dan Been. The development of children’s programs has added a lot of joy to our library,” he said.
He also said that what he enjoyed best of all has been working with the other Board members – “a wonderfully supportive group.”
Pulizzi also added how rewarding it’s been to work with the Friends of the Bedford Library, “whose support allows our library to flourish.”
Alden, who was not present at the meeting, announced his decision not to run for reelection on his social media account on Wednesday evening. He said, “I need to focus on maintaining my wellbeing and have decided that the best way forward is to lighten my responsibilities. I also have the desire to give someone else in town an opportunity to try this position.”
In regular business during Wednesday’s meeting, Library Director Richard Callaghan reported that Facilities Director Ron Scaltreto is writing up bids now that will go out in January for the renovation of the HVAC system.
The Trustees approved the FY 25 operating budget of $1,518,205, which is within the guidelines set by the Finance Committee. Callaghan announced the hiring of Marie Kelley as Administrative Assistant to replace Janel Ranney who retired last month.
Trustee Padma Choudry, along with Fahad Ken Alden (who was not present) initiated a discussion of the Library organizing a multi-cultural event, perhaps similar to the one recently put on by the John Glenn Middle School. Choudry and Alden also proposed considering a One Book/One Bedford event. Both items will be on the agenda to be discussed more fully at the January meeting.
Trustee Rachel Field brought up public health safety concerns based on the current status of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses in the general population. She urged that there be signage on all the Library doors indicating that hand sanitizers, masks, wipes, and disinfecting lights are available throughout the building. The Trustees voted to accept Field’s recommendations.
For the winter months -January through March – the Trustees will meet via Zoom with the next meeting set for Tuesday, Jan. 16.
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