| Paul Morin |
My name is Paul Morin. I am a twenty-two-year resident of New Gloucester, a New Gloucester Library Trustee, and a member of the Friends of the New Gloucester Library. This is the first time that I speak publicly about the library budget debate. To set the record straight, I did not offer an opinion either way to the article entitled “NG Library Trustees’ position statement on budget vote” published on the NGXchange.
Personally, I think that the library and its two staff are an incredible asset to our town. The library is a resource for our residents in so many ways, and unfortunately, the ways that the library serves as a resource to our residents are often intangible and immeasurable! Sure, we can tell you (and the select board members) how many books were loaned out or how many residents visited the library last month but that does not convey the essential nature of the library to the community. What about the sheer pleasure of a child picking up their first library book to read, or the town resident using the library’s free Wi-Fi out of necessity to look for a job or complete a job application?
These are just a few examples of the intangible benefits of having the town library. I think this is why there is so much discussion about the library’s budget and yes, possibly its future!
I think that rejecting the initial library budget by the voters was a signal to the select board members that the residents do not want the resources provided by the library to be further cut or restricted.
During my tenure as a trustee of the library, the budget has been relatively flat and a constant concern to the trustees since it has prevented the library from being responsive to the needs of the town’s residents. Unfortunately, the library’s budget drives the kind of resources that it can provide, and a small budget means no new programs or services!
The question of how to vote on Article Two is difficult because either way has important ramifications for the future of the library. As a trustee, I will do my best to support the library whatever way the budget vote goes. As a resident, I am still torn about which way I will vote. I encourage everyone to stay informed and cast your vote on September 15th.
