Library Trustees Appoint Russell Samora
Library · Meeting of July 1, 2026
Great Barrington library trustees recommend Russell Samora for a one-year board seat. The Board of Library Trustees voted unanimously to back Samora over a second applicant, citing his community ties as it focuses on outreach. Trustees, led by Co-Chairs Laura Mars and Lauren Clark, also finalized a written response to Town Manager Liz Hartsgrove's June 11 memo on Ramsdell Library renovation governance, with Trustee G.
Patrick Hollenbeck pressing to list funding sources including a $250,000 ADA elevator grant: "It's imperative we get some money from these other outside groups." Library Director Dawn Jardine reported 108 people attended the summer reading kickoff and that digital circulation growth is offsetting a drop in physical circulation. Trustees separately voted to seek Select Board approval for one-day wine and beer licenses for three fall poetry readings and opened discussion on expanding the five-member board to nine.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,899 words
Source: the Library meeting of July 1, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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