Terry Stano, director of the Thayer Public Library, told the Town of Braintree Council on May 5 that the library's FY2026 budget is designed to meet state certification standards and to support continuing increases in programming and electronic resources. "The library is not what we have for people, but what we do for and with people," Stano said, summarizing the library's mission.

Stano said the Thayer Public Library saw a 44% increase in program attendance and a 52% increase in use of electronic resources in the year reflected in the FY26 submission. Trustees last year contracted Aaron Cohen Associates to complete a space-needs assessment, she said, and the Friends of the Library funded additional exterior lighting to improve safety and welcome patrons after dark.

The library director told councilors the FY26 request was built to align with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners(MBLC) minimum standards that preserve eligibility for state aid. She warned that cuts at the federal level reduced flows through the MBLC. Stano said the library was denied a $4,000 Explore grant after staffing and funding at the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) were cut. That Explore grant was intended to expand services to English-language learners and buy curriculum and collection materials for that effort.

Councilors pressed for context on the attendance and digital-use numbers. Stano said the 44% program increase compares FY24 to FY25 activity (the town's ARRIS reporting cycle) and credited expanded programming, vendor-led events, and an intentional increase in electronic-resource purchases. She said some online platforms are funded through state aid and through the regional OCLN network; reductions in federal and state support would likely force the library to re-evaluate subscriptions and programming support.

Councilors also asked about staffing and facilities. Stano said the library has a mix of long-tenured and newer staff and has restored some positions lost earlier in the pandemic; the library remains open about 64 hours per week, which affects scheduling needs. Trustees and facilities staff coordinate on maintenance and capital needs; Stano said there were no immediate "ticking time bombs" in building systems but that long-term capital planning and space changes remain a priority.

Councilors praised the library's service role across age groups and called attention to a narrow margin the library holds above the MBLC certification threshold. Council President noted the town was about $156 above the minimum certification threshold under the MBLC formula and urged council support to sustain accreditation-level funding. Stano and councilors encouraged residents to provide input in advance of the public hearing on the overall town budget scheduled for May 27.

The council did not take a department-level vote on the library budget on May 5; the Town Council will vote on the full budget after all departments are heard.