Easton Public Library Oral History Project Easton's 175th Anniversary As part of Easton's 175th Anniversary celebration, the Library is hosting an Oral History Project. The purpose of this project is to preserve the Town's history as seen through the eyes of its residents, and to celebrate the histories and accomplishments of those who made Easton what it is today. William Kupinse interviewed by Dolly Curtis Paul Rawson interviewed by Dolly Curtis Phil Doremus interviewed by Dolly Curtis Eunice Hanson interviewed by Dolly Curtis Mary Ann Freeman interviewed by Dolly Curtis Dick Greiser interviewed by Dolly Curtis Anne Fiyalka interviewed by Penny LaMastro The Silvermans interviewed by Iris LaMastro Dr. Machledt inerviewed by Lincoln LaMastro, Part 1 Dr. Machledt interviewed by Lincoln LaMastro, Part 2 Read: Carol Mills interviewed by Avery Young Read: Chester Burley Interviewed by Abby Bonoff Ed Nagy interviewed by Dolly Curtis Andy Kachele interviewed by Dolly Curtis Dottie D'Amato interviewed by Dolly Curtis

Library History In 1933, a group of Easton visionaries voted to create a public library in their town. The Easton Public Library opened in the basement of Samuel Staples School with a budget of $200 from a state grant and $50 from the local P.T.A. In 1937, the Library had new quarters, a room on the main floor of Town Hall. The Library Board, to consist of six members—no more than three from any particular political party— with six year terms, was established in 1950. Once again, space became an issue, and the Library was moved to the basement of Town Hall where it occupied 1,125 square feet. Crowded conditions forced residents into action in 1968. A Town Meeting authorized a bond issue of $300,000 to finance an addition to Town Hall. In 1979, eleven civic-minded women met to form the Friends of the Easton Public Library. With the Friends’ support, the Library began to act as a center for the whole community, offering more programs for children and adults. Fire code violations mandated improvements to the facility in 1991. The Library Board of Trustees applied to the State Library and was awarded a grant for library construction. Library Trustees championed a town-wide fund raising campaign and pledged $300,000 toward the cost of a new building. A special referendum for construction of a new Library was conducted on December 11, 1994 and passed by fifteen votes. The much anticipated new Library building opened for business on May 29, 1996. The Library became a member of the computer age when it joined reQuest, a statewide library network whereby patrons and staff can locate items in other area libraries. It also made a computer available to the public for word processing. In 1998, with monies raised by the Friends of the Library and Library Board private funds, the Library’s circulation functions were automated and the oak card catalogs were replaced by on-line catalogs. The next year saw three workstations in the Library’s Reference area networked to make Internet and on-line databases available to the public. In 1999, the Library received the prestigious Award of Excellence for Small Libraries from the Association of Connecticut Library Boards. This auspicious group also awarded Library Director, Bernadette Baldino, a citation for Outstanding Contribution to Library Service in Connecticut. With the creation of a web page in 2000, www.eastonlibrary.org , Library resources were made available to patrons in the comfort of their homes. In 2010, the Library began circulating downloadable ebooks and audiobooks to its patrons. While taking advantage of this new technology, patrons still come to the Library to check out materials, attend programs, use the computers, and receive technology assistance. The Library looks forward to continuing its history of growth and service, helping community members of all ages lead richer, more interesting lives by providing access to print, audio and electronic resources, hosting cultural activities, and serving as a forum for community gatherings.

Book Brigade Grades 2-3 The Book Brigade (2nd & 3rd Grade) meets on the third Monday of the month at 4:30 p.m. For more information, please call the library at 203-261-0134, or email Mary Beth Rassulo at mrassulo@eastonlibrary.org .

Teen Advisory Group Want to help shape what the library offers for teens? Join our Teen Advisory Group (TAG)! If you’re in grades 7–12, this is your chance to share ideas, plan programs, and make the teen space your own! Complete the form below—we’d love to have you join us! 💬📚 Click here to fill out the survey

Library Board of Trustees Renee Neiger President Lise Fleuette Vice President A. Peter Dacey Treasurer Gloria Bindelglass Recording Secretary Diane Parker Corresponding Secretary Jenna Masone Member Kristine Oulman Alternate Mark Petrino Alternate Anne Lindquist Library Spirit Award Reception George Hajek & Ann Denton 6/6/26 Ann Denton & George Hajek State Representative Anne Hughes, Lynn Zaffino, Lise Fleuette, and Renee Neiger George Hajek & Ann Denton with friends and family Left to Right: President Renee Neiger, State Representative Anne Hughes, Ann Denton, George Hajek, & Corresponding Secretary Diane Parker EASTON PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES BY-LAWS Article I: Function/Duties Appoint a qualified librarian to serve as Library Director Adopt the policies, goals, and objectives under which the Library shall operate Approve an annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year for the Library Director to submit to the First Selectman and the Board of Finance Act as stewards of the Library fund Article II: Proceedings Board proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order, the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act, and the Statutes of the State of Connecticut /Ordinances of the Town of Easton (pertaining to libraries). Article III: Meetings Regular Meetings shall be held at least eight times per calendar year, the times and dates of which shall be voted upon by the Board at its Annual Meeting of the prior year. Generally speaking, meetings shall be held on the first Monday of the month, unless otherwise noted. The Annual Meeting shall be held at an agreed upon time and date after the first week in November, to be determined by Board majority vote at the prior Annual Meeting. Special and Emergency Meetings shall be called by the President or upon written request of four or more members of the Board, addressed to the President. All members shall be notified prior to posting a special meeting or calling an emergency meeting. Meeting agendas shall be set by the President in consultation with the Library Director. Any member of the Board may request inclusion of agenda items at least forty-eight hours prior to the posting of a meeting. At least forty-eight hours prior to a meeting, the Library Director shall electronically send the agenda, Library Director’s report, and previous meeting’s minutes to the members of the Board for review. Article IV: Officers The officers shall be President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and Corresponding Secretary. Officers shall be elected annually at the Annual Meeting, upon recommendation of a nominations committee appointed by the President. Officers’ terms are limited to six consecutive one year terms in any one position. The President shall preside at all meetings, appoint/discharge any committees, authorize calls for any special/emergency meetings, make/rescind special appointments, represent/speak for the Board officially, and generally perform the duties of the presiding officer. The Vice President shall assume the duties and functions of the President in his/her absence or disability. The Recording Secretary shall record the minutes of the meetings and file them with the Town Clerk. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the following: Overseeing the management of the Board's fund of donated monies (the Fund), including researching and establishing the relationship with the Fund's investment manager, and working with the investment manager to draft and execute an appropriate investment management plan for the Fund. Functioning as the liaison between the Fund's investment manager and the Board. Providing the Board with periodic updates on the status of the Fund. Functioning as an authorized signatory of the Board, which includes signing investments management contracts on behalf of the Board and signing checks to disburse Fund monies. In the Treasurer’s absence and/or disability, the President, or a person designated by a Board majority vote, shall take responsible for these duties. The Corresponding Secretary shall acknowledge donations to the Library and track restrictive clause donations. All donations shall be reported to the Treasurer as to the date, donor, item, any restrictions and disposition. Article V: Library Director The Library Director shall have charge of the staff and administration of the Library under the direction and review of the Board. He/She shall attend all Board meetings, or in his/her absence and/or disability, designate a professional staff member to act in his/her place. The Library Director shall recommend policy changes and see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Trustees are carried into effect. Article VI: Amendments These by-laws can be amended at any meeting of the Board by a majority vote of the members, provided written notice of the proposed amendment has been provided to each member at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting at which such action is proposed to be taken. Revised: August 12, 1997, April 5, 2004, December 9, 2019

Adult Summer Reading 2026 Monday, June 22—Saturday, August 15 Log each book you read on our Google form for a chance to win a weekly prize! Raffle prizes will be awarded each Monday, starting on June 29 There will also be a Grand Prize for the person who reads the most books. Need ideas on what to read? Our updated Adult Recommended Reading lists by genre, compiled by the Library staff, are available below. Log your books Adult Recommended Reading List 2026 Adult Recommended Reading List 2025 Happy Reading!

Easton Public Library patrons now have full article access to the New York Times online, including news, multimedia, reviews and opinion, blogs, videos and more. Archive access includes all articles published between 1851-1922 and 1981- current. Digital access is available from anywhere – whether you’re browsing on your laptop in the library or reading the NY Times App on the go. Simply click the links below to get your 72-hour pass. The pass provides instant access to the nytimes.com website and NY Times App. Enjoy accessing unlimited articles, posts and more during that time. When the 72-hours is up, come back to this page to get a new code for continued access. Click How You Want to Access The NY Times: I'm in the Library Connect Remotely For Easton and Redding patrons only. For home or remote access, a 72-hour pass will be generated for you to use. You will need to login or register for a free NYTimes account to redeem the code and access remotely. Code can be renewed again after 72-hours for extended access.

One-on-One Tech Help Do you need help with your computer, tablet or smartphone? Would you like to learn how to read ebooks or listen to eaudiobooks using Libby , Hoopla , or The Palace Project ? Stop by the Library or make an appointment with Shannon Bruchal. Call 203-261-0134, or email sbruchal@eastonlibrary.org.

What to Read Next Your next great read is just a click away. Sign up for Wowbrary Weekly Alerts Adult Recommended Reading List Find your next book

Graphic Novel Book Club (Grades 4-5) The Graphic Novel Book Club (4th & 5th Grade) meets on the first Monday of the month at 4:30 p.m. For more information, please call the library at 203-261-0134, or email Mary Beth Rassulo at mrassulo@eastonlibrary.org .

Welcome to Easton Public Library Dear New Easton Resident, On behalf of the Easton Public Library, I am writing to welcome you to this wonderful community! The Library offers a robust collection of books, audio-visual materials, and digital resources, as well as some non-traditional items, including cake pans, jigsaw puzzles, board games, lawn games, hot spots, and laptops. We also host a variety of programs for all ages, including baby and toddler classes, preschool story times, crafts, reading with a therapy dog, teen cooking programs, book clubs, author visits, lectures, paint nights, and much more. I hope you will stop by the Library soon to check out our offerings and get an Easton library card. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is always available to assist with whatever you may need. In the meantime, feel free to explore our website. See you soon! Sincerely, Lynn Zaffino Director