Board of Trustees
Early History of Russell Library Company
The Russell Library Company was established in 1875 to maintain and operate the public library that Frances Russell had dedicated to the Middletown community in honor of her late husband, Samuel Russell. The Company’s volunteer members support the library’s mission: “We empower people to grow, connect, strive and thrive.”
The Company Today
New Russell Library Company members are elected at the annual Company meeting in June. They must be Middletown electors or taxpayers and are expected to attend Company meetings. Through their service on the Company, members stay apprised of developments at the library and vote on library matters such as bylaws changes and Company Board of Trustees appointments.
Board of Trustees
The thirteen-member Russell Library Board of Trustees administers the responsibilities of the Company. Six members are elected from the membership of the Company, six members are appointed by the City, and one is a member of the Russell family.
Board Duties
Board duties include developing policies governing the Library; overseeing fiscal resources; appointing, working with, and evaluating the Library Director; developing the strategic direction of the Library; and advocating for the Library. Trustees serve three-year terms and participate on a number of Board committees.
How to participate
Members of the public may comment during the public comment portion of Board meetings. To communicate in writing, submit a message via the “Email the Board” button on this page.
Board of Trustees meetings generally occur on the third Tuesday of each month unless otherwise posted. Agendas, minutes, and recordings of past Board meetings are available through Middletown’s online public records portal. Board meetings are open to the public.
Board of Trustees
Eamonn Wisneski, president
Shanay Fulton, vice-president
Andrew Becker, treasurer
Sarah Schulenburg, secretary
James Belin
Bill Foster
Jennifer Hadley
Gregory Harris
Cindy Harrison
A. Stephen Nelson
Ann Percival
Andrew White
Thomas M. Russell IV, Russell Family
Meeting Schedule
January 21, 2025
February 25, 2025* (fourth Tuesday)
March 18, 2025
April 15, 2025
May 20, 2025
June 17, 2025
September 16, 2025
October 21, 2025
November 18, 2025
December 16, 2025
January 20, 2026
Russell Library
123 Broad Street
Middletown CT 06457
Phone
860-347-2528
Events
Online Calendar
Library Hours
Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm
Fri-Sat 9am-5pm
Sunday 1-5pm (October-March)