Township Library Board Approves Finances, Hires New Secretary, Spares Spider's Life

In just over an hour, the Township Library Board approved its finances, hired a new recording secretary and spared the life of a rather large spider during the board's quarterly meeting Thursday night.

The Library Board of the Charter Township of Oakland, which meets only four times a year, first unanimously approved the financial report for the previous fiscal year.

“This year worked out pretty much as we expected it," said Chairman Michael Tyler, who added that the township levied around $640,000 in taxes for the library last year. "There’s not much change that has happened here.”

The board also hired Doris Brandt as its new recording secretary and unanimously approved her temporary hourly rate of $13.84.

The board received a momentary reprieve from its meeting when a large spider scampered across the floor in front of the board members, stopping near where board member Carolyn Krygel Young was sitting behind the desk.

Chairman Michael Tyler jokingly took up the gavel from behind the desk and offered to take care of the spider while the other board members came around the desk to see the arachnid.

The spider, aptly named "Charlotte Web" by board member Heidi Paterson, looked on as the board discussed new business, including the upcoming 50th Anniversary Gala.

The event is organized by the Friends of the Rochester Hills Public Library and will raise money for the library, which has experienced a dramatic decrease in funding in recent years, said Paterson. The event will also include a silent auction and a family event specifically for children.

"We want this anniversary to touch all different age groups," said Paterson.

The gala, which is planned for June 18 and will cost $75 per ticket, is perfect for residents who "have ever wanted to sip champagne and eat strawberries at the information desk ... or dance in nonfiction and play croquet in the children’s section," said Paterson. “This gala will be an absolute blast."

Note: Board members Heidi Paterson, Carolyn Krygel Young, Carolyn Phelps, Agnes Bochenek and Michael Tyler were present for Thursday's evening; Alice Tomboulin was absent.