LIVERPOOL — The Liverpool Public Library Board of Trustees welcomed an enthusiastic new member during the meeting of Wednesday, July 14, in the Sargent Meeting Room.

Dennis McLaughlin was sworn in for a one-year term after accepting an appointment to fill the position vacated when Donald MacLaughlin’s five-year term expired and he decided not to run again.

Kay Budmen and John Hluchyj were also sworn in after being elected by the community for second five-year terms in May. Budmen was approved to serve another year as the board’s president. Ashley Gouger was approved to become vice president, and Mary Schapley was approved to serve again as secretary.

McLaughlin is a familiar face in the rooms of the LPL. He’s a regular patron, and has served as a computer tutor to help other library users.

McLaughlin said he’s eager to help the board inform the community about how special the LPL can be.

“I like the location of the library. It’s right in the center of the village, and I think it’s symbolically the center of Liverpool,” he said. “I’ve always advocated for the library, and often tell people about the diversity of services the library offers. From young to old, preschooler to retiree, the library has something for you.

“As a trustee, I hope to spread the word to more people that the library is not just a building to lend books, it’s a gathering place to meet new people, enjoy new programs, learn new hobbies, and most of all, it’s free,” McLaughlin said.

“My goal, as a trustee, would be finding ways to reach more of the community and show them how welcoming the library is,” he said.

McLaughlin could run for election for a five-year term in May 2022.

The next meeting will take play at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11, in the Carman Community Room. It is open to the public.