Bethlehem Library Notes for Friday, June 24, 2016
— Photo by Kristen Roberts
Tamra Wright holds a framed copy of the resolution passed at the June 13 board meeting honoring her 10 years of service on the Bethlehem Library Board of Trustees.
Longtime library trustee Tamra Wright made her final motion to conclude the board meeting on Monday, June 13. Wright is stepping down from the board following 10 years of service, nine of which were spent as board treasurer. Her farewell was marked by the passage of a resolution that night honoring her contributions to the library, as well as a short reception following the meeting.
Wright said that serving on the library board of trustees has been a natural fit for her.
“Growing up, my siblings used to tease me that I would end up a librarian, I spent so much time there,” she said. “ Libraries have always been one of my favorite places to be.”
During her two terms on the board, Wright has seen the library evolve in many ways. One of the biggest projects she has seen through was the expansion of the library parking lot. She said the process was “a great learning experience that had a fantastic result for the library patrons.” She has also been instrumental in helping the library prepare for a major overhaul of the HVAC system in the coming years.
Wright, who recently wrapped up coursework for her masters in accounting, brought a solid financial background to the board, offering guidance in fiscal matters large and small. Last year, she was named one of “The Albany Business Review’s” 2015 CFO’s of the Year for her work as controller at the law firm Deily & Glastetter, LLP.
“The library has definitely benefitted from Tamra’s sound financial advice over the years, and our ‘no findings’ audit with the Office of the State Comptroller in 2014 is evidence of that,” said Library Director Geoff Kirkpatrick. “She has brought a lot of expertise and experience to the board, and she will be missed.”
Looking ahead, Wright said the timing of her stepping down from the board coincides with her children graduating from Bethlehem Central High School, and as they move up and move out, it will open up an opportunity to relocate within the next few years.
The library is grateful for Wright’s 10-year commitment to the board and wishes her all the best in her future plans.
A season for reading
Summer reading sign-up is under way. This year’s themes: On Your Mark, Get Set … Read for preschoolers and school-age kids; Get In the Game for teens; and Exercise Your Mind for adults — will inspire young and old to take their reading to the next level.
Reporting for prizes begins July 5, and all summer long, the library will be hosting programs focusing on fun ways to keep your body and mind active.
Sign up online or in person, and check out upcoming programs online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org or in the latest version of the “Footnotes” newsletter.