..we're allowing Inter Library Loan again until the proposed July 29 vote. This is an effort to keep our services at the current level in order to maintain our certification. We will continue to adjust our operations as needed as things change. Keep checking here for updates.
Now, go borrow books!
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YAYYYYY!!!! Let's get the library funded again!
Selectboard Meeting Thursday, June 19, 6:00 p.m. Slade Building
Last night's meeting was productive, with many townspeople voicing their concerns about the recent defeat of the override. We heard from people who voted for the override and against it, and the majority disagreed with the all or nothing single-question ballot.
It was decided that a second override vote will take place, perhaps as soon as July 29th. But the way the ballot will be worded has not been finalized; that will happen on Thursday, June 19, at 6:00 p.m. at the Slade Building at another Selectboard meeting.
I ask you to attend this Selectboard meeting to help decide on the wording of the ballot. I ask every registered voter to attend, whether you voted last week or not or whether you are for or against the override. If you think that town meeting was not the proper place or time to learn what line-item budget vetoes are all about, if you voted no because you disagreed with a majority of budget items, if you believe a town needs a library to thrive, if you were shocked to discover that fewer emergency services will mean lower property values and higher homeowners' insurance, even if you believe I'm an upstart yuppie transplant bent on changing the traditional character of Hubbardston...ATTEND THIS MEETING AND BE HEARD.
To quote a woman at last night's Selectboard meeting, "I voted because I believe it is my civic duty and my supreme privilege to do so as a citizen of the United States."
-Laura Foley
An Open Message - To the Selectboard Of Hubbardston
June 19,2008
I am dismayed at the prediciment we are in over the Library. Zero-funding is not the answer. There must be a solution.
Cutting public services to the bone is very short-sighted, in my opinion.
The buzz-word seems to be that our priorities have to be Public Safety. I don't argue with that position, but I think that we, as a town, are not so overwhelmed by crime and fires that we can sacrifice our 'quality of life' by excluding our library services from any consideration at all.
I understand that you will be having to plan another over-ride election in order to fund the School budget.
There has to be a way for you to restore the library budget,limited by the same percentage of cuts that you used in the other departments.
The public who attended last night's Library Board meeting seemed to feel that many people are angry because they were not given a choice to vote for the services they want to support by higher taxes. In other words, they want to see all the choices as separate items on the ballot at the next over-ride election.
There are always going to be those people who give a knee-jerk reaction to the thought of any over-ride, but there are also people who are more thoughtful about how they want to spend their hard-earned money and, if given the opportunity, they will make wise and informed decisions.
I suggest that you consider proposing a budget for the Library that would fund at least 15 hours per week (the number needed to maintain our certification). This will drastically reduce the number of 'open' hours at the Library, but at least it will not disappear altogether.
I also think that the real amount of the cost of utilities used by the libray, alone, should be reflected in your new budget for the library.
Thank you for your consideration of my thoughts on the matter. As a former Librarian and Town Clerk of Hubbardston, I feel I have had some experience in what makes our town so wonderful; it's the people, of course.
It's the mothers who delight in coming together with their toddlers for story-hour; the teens who arrive with reading lists and then discover new authors because the Librarian learns of their interests. It's the seniors. who may never have enjoyed reading as a recreation, who are encouraged by our Librarian when she brings large-print books and videos to the Senior Center to lend.
It's the Library, with "vaulted" ceilings, precious sculptures and paintings, books, magazines, videos, that is the heart of Hubbardston.
Our 'Heart' is in serious need. We have cut off it's blood flow. We must act quickly to restore and save ourselves.
Sincerely,
Marion Lyon
P.S. Please pass this message on to any of those who might help turn this situation around. Talk to your neighbors, join the Friends of the Library, and please don't give up on this issue. Thanks.
Dear Marion,
Thankyou so very much for your eloquent, reasoned , wise and creative suggestions for saving our Town Library. The anger, bitterness and hateful comments being expressed will only tear the town apart for years to come. It would be wonderful if you were willing to send your letter to the Selectboard and the Finance Committee as well, if you haven't already done so. It seems that they would welcome your ideas. Although they have expressed some resistance to treating the Library separately, having a constructive, viable solution in hand might turn the tide.
Bless you,
think twice
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