Opinion Spotlight

Clarification and perspective from one of the Friends of the NG Public Library

| Phoebe Hardesty |

As an active member of the Friends of New Gloucester Public Library, I offer the following points:

• The Friends as a group support the library, through assistance in the library and maintenance of the gardens, and by two public sales of books. Funds acquired from the sales are in turn spent at the library for such things as new books, AV materials, library shelving and equipment, renovations downstairs, and by providing funds for programming. Further, donated books in excellent condition and of interest to readers are shelved upstairs, at a value estimated last year at between $11,000 and $12,000.

• In the matter of taking a stance about current proposals for funding, the Friends did not officially advocate for one position or another; Friends did not take a vote to oppose the current budget, contrary to information put forward in an earlier piece in the NGXchange. There are differing opinions among our members about the best way forward; some would challenge the paltry funding by voting “no”, while others are of a mind to try to work within the system by voting “yes” so that the library can stay open. We look forward to better opportunities ahead. Will a third vote be held? The selectmen and town manager are mum on the matter.

• The yellow “vote NO” signs can be found on many lawns about town; many of those are displayed at homes whose owners are not members of the Friends group. They are library patrons who just feel strongly that the current budget is unfair and counter-productive, a position with which I personally agree. Many are shamed by the town’s treatment of our assistant librarian, as I certainly am.

Whichever way the vote goes, it is clear that we need to come together as a town to solve this problem, and to learn what additional things the townspeople expect of the library — what they want to see there in future. It’s currently a wonderful service to people of all ages and interests; let’s work together to save it and improve it.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this opinion piece are solely those of the author. Publication does not reflect endorsement by the NGXchange or its volunteers.