Dear Editor,
In her Oct. 8 letter to The Somers Record ("Scorrano's salary increase raises questions about town priorities," Page 23), Robyn Anderson raised concerns about funding for the Somers Library and suggested that inadequate financial support contributed to the departure of our former library director.
I have been a homeowner and resident of Somers for 26 years and have served on the Somers Library Board of Trustees since February 2024, including as President in 2025 and now as First Vice President. I would like to offer another perspective based on my experience serving the library.
When I joined the board, I quickly learned that there is much more to running a public library than most people realize. Beyond the books, programs and services our residents enjoy, there are budgets, personnel decisions, building needs, and long-term plans that fall under the trustees. These are responsibilities the trustees take seriously.
One of those responsibilities is understanding how our library is funded. Under Supervisor Robert Scorrano and the current Town Board, tax-supported funding for the library has increased nearly 22% since 2023. The town works with library leadership on financial planning, maintenance and future needs. That record deserves to be accurately represented.
The town funds the library. Under our bylaws, the trustees are responsible for employing and evaluating the library director, establishing personnel policies and determining salaries.
In 2024, in an effort to foster a good working relationship with the town, monthly meetings were initiated with the Town Supervisor and the town's finance team. These meetings include library leadership and provide an opportunity to discuss budgets, financial planning, building needs and future priorities. From my perspective, having access to the town's team has been valuable.
Another significant development during my time on the board has been the ratification of the library's first collective bargaining agreement in 2026. The library director is excluded, and that position remains a separate responsibility of the trustees.
It is reasonable to recognize that compensation matters when attracting and retaining qualified professionals, something any responsible library board must consider. It's also important to understand that the experience of working as a first-time library director in Somers, which is what previous directors were, affords other opportunities.
As a trustee, I welcome questions about library funding and operations. The Library Board is accountable for its decisions, just as the Town Board is accountable for its decisions. Understanding that distinction is essential to a fair discussion about our library.
The views expressed in this letter are my own and do not represent an official position of the Somers Library Board of Trustees.
-Christine Rios, First Vice President, Somers Library Board of Trustees
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