Lenox Library Trustees Appoint Samara, Back Ramsdell Renovation Timeline

Library · Meeting of July 1, 2026

Lenox Library trustees appoint Russell Samara to fill a board vacancy and endorse the Ramsdell Library renovation timeline. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously at its July 1 meeting to recommend Samara for appointment, citing his community connections and project-relevant experience, with a second applicant, identified only as Andrea, praised but not selected. Trustees also unanimously authorized a request to the Select Board for liquor licenses for Friends of the Library poetry readings on August 29, September 26, and October 24.

The board reviewed a June 11 town manager memo on the Ramsdell renovation, agreeing on a written response that will flag specific outside funding sources — including a $250,000 ADA grant and a historic preservation fund — and announce plans to rewrite the library's Community Preservation Committee application ahead of an October deadline. Library Director Donna reported the completed alternatives study has been submitted to the Massachusetts Historical Commission and MBLC, with a July 24 comment deadline, and that the Mason Library summer reading kickoff drew 108 attendees.

In the full story:

• Assignments discussed and tentatively settled
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,784 words

Source: the Library meeting of July 1, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.