Representatives of the Mount Caesar (West Swanzey) Library presented the trustees' budget request to the Selectboard. The library asked the town to fund an 11,016 increase (6.95%) over the current year, citing three main drivers: staffing wage increases for part-time librarians, rising costs for electronic lending (the Libby platform), and higher electric bills since conversion from oil to heat pumps.

Library trustees said the library has expanded community programming, added hours for youth programming and continues to maintain building systems and accessibility upgrades. They noted a deferred capital project (an elevator addition) remains unfunded and that fundraising will continue for major capital work.

Board members asked routine operational questions, including custodial arrangements, use of the EV charger on site and where EV-charging revenue flows; library representatives said the charging station was donated and that fees are small and paid into the library's operating account under current practice.

The Selectboard did not vote on the library request and asked for any outstanding documentation or clarifications to be submitted with the final budget packet.