|Yvette Knight|
In October 1981, my daughters and I walked into the library for the first time and asked for library cards. I was immediately made substitute librarian while Cay Stimets ran home for her glasses so she could write the cards. Ever since then, I’ve been associated with the library as trustee, friend, volunteer and patron and have been an observer of how this town works in regards to the library.
During the budget process I wrote two letters to the selectmen. (One was in support of all town employees.) Dozens more were written by those, from ages 7 to 70+, who support and use the library. These are a matter of public record. As reported in the NGX, at the 8/12 Selectmen’s Q&A session, it was stated that a selectman “… heard from some community members that in their view 30 hours (for the assistant) is adequate for the services the library provides.” Who are the community members who know enough about the inner workings of the library that they deemed 30 hours for the assistant to be adequate? More important, why do their undocumented opinions appear to supercede those who work at, volunteer for and use the library?
This is nothing new. The library has struggled and fought every year for a very meager budget for as long as I can remember. (During the late Bob Leighton’s tenure as a selectman we were fortunate to have a highly respected supporter and were able to expand.) And, yet, it’s obvious the library is still the least respected department and, by association, those connected to the library. We should no longer sit back quietly and hope that next year will be better – historically, it never is. This year library supporters have spoken up as never before and we can speak even louder with a vote of NO on article #2! The worst scenarios that have been pushed forward if the NO vote succeeds are just that – the worst. If they chose, the selectmen can work on keeping the library open with full staffing. One selectman stated that they “…will get it right, eventually…” but it won’t happen unless the community continues to demand it. The library, its staff and the community deserve better! Let’s rewrite library history; please vote “NO” on article #2 next Tuesday!
Speaking for myself, only, and, for what it’s worth, as a citizen with library experience,
Yvette Knight
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.
