March Book Discussion

Sorry for the late posting of this one but it took some time to get some books. We'll be reading J.D. Salinger's coming-of-age classic The Catcher in the Rye. It is a quick read - good thing because we meet Tuesday, March 3! The Library now has a readers group set of 5 copies plus the one circulating copy. If you read fast, stop in Monday to pick up a copy for Tuesday night's discussion.

Tells Us What You're Looking For

With the recent loss of certification, many patrons have expressed concern about not being able to get the books they really want to read, some to the point of deeming the Hubbardston Library's collection as "less than desirable." If there is something you are lookig for, let us know. We can't get what you need if we don't know what that is.

Currently the Library has a small budget and a very small trust account both specifically for the purchase of new materials. We are also accepting donations of gently used books and DVDs. We'll be creating and posting a list of patron requests as well; stop by and see if there is anything on the list collecting dust at your house that you might consider donating (receipts can be provided upon request). We'll post that list here as we begin to get requests.

The outrage and disgust expressed by patrons caused by the loss of certification is understandable. We love libraries and loss of library privileges is certainly something to be upset about. But that love needs to start at "home" - love your hometown library (right now, its the only one we've got!)

March-ing On

Despite the recent loss of certification, we are still a library, still open and still conducting business as usual to the best of our ability.

The Adult Book Discussion Group still plans to meet on the first Tuesday of each month. March's selection is JD Salinger's Catcher in the Rye. We'll be meeting on Tuesday, March 3 at 7 pm in the Library. The Library currently only has access to one copy of this book so if you have it on your shelf to either read, loan or donate, please let us know!

Check back soon for other programs for adults, children and families!

Answers to some questions....

The Library is and will continue to stay open through the end of June. We intend to keep the hours we have now. If this changes due to staffing or funding, we will let you know. However, we have no reason to believe this will change as of this writing.


Our catalog is and will continue to be on the CWMARS site until further notice. This is a paid service and it is paid through the end of June. You can still search and request books from your home, place of business or other Internet source.

The books we have in Hubbardston will certainly continue to be available. We will add new books, audio books and DVDs to our collection as we are financially able.

Other libraries may choose to loan to us but most are NOT going to. It is too soon to know who but feel free to make requests through CWMARS. Most libraries will choose NOT to loan to decertified libraries. They will likely turn Hubbardston residents away if they try to check out materials in person at other libraries as well.

It does not matter what library your card is from - you live in Hubbardston. Each library makes its own policy on this. Please do not give these libraries a hard time - they too are looking at smaller budgets, smaller staffs, less hours and increased borrowing. Would you want to pay for their plowing? No? Well, they don't want to pay for our books.

If residents wish to see their Library return to its certified status and receive the privileges and state aid that come with that certification, they need to support the Library's budget at Annual Town Meeting in June. With restoration of the budget this June, we would be eligible for certification July 1, 2010 at the earliest.

Please continue to ask questions and we will do our best to answer them here. Residents are welcome to stop in the Library during open hours to talk with staff or trustees. Volunteers are needed during all open hours as are donations. Thanks to all who have supported the Library thus far - please stick with us!

DECERTIFIED

As of 12 noon on Thursday, February 12, the MA Board of Library Commissioners voted to deny certification to the Hubbardston Public Library. The reasons are outlined in their letter and the full text appears here.

The Library is still maintaining its current hours.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Board of Library Commissioners

98 North Washington Street • Boston, Massachusetts 02114
(800) 952-7403 in state • (617) 725-1860 • (617) 725-0140 fax

February 12, 2009

Mr. Paul Hale
Chairman, Board of Selectmen
Office of the Selectboard
P.O. Box 106
Hubbardston, MA 01452

Dear Mr. Hale,

On behalf of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, I deeply regret that the board has been placed in the position of denying a waiver of the FY2009 Municipal Appropriation Requirement (MAR) not certifying the Town of Hubbardston in the State Aid to Public Libraries program for FY2009.

This is a difficult position for the Board of Library Commissioners and the decisions made at the local level to inadequately fund the Hubbardston Public Library coupled with a disproportionate cut to the local library budget places the citizens of Hubbardston in an unenviable position of being one of only 17 libraries in the Commonwealth unable to achieve certification. While we recognize that all communities are facing extremely difficult fiscal climates, the Hubbardston Public Library has been placed in great risk by gross cuts that may lead to disastrous effect.

Libraries are the center of our communities and provide all residents regardless of age, race or economic status, access to services that improve their lives and their communities. Libraries will be needed more than ever as we recover from one of the most significant economic downturns our nation has ever faced. It must be recognized that the public library deserves proportionate funding and is equal to all other local services. When a library is singled out for such a significant disproportionate cut, the entire community suffers.

The Board could not, in good conscience, grant Hubbardston’s request for a waiver with a 69% cut in financial support for its library. I urge the local government officials and citizens of Hubbardston to become more aware of the value of their library and more cognizant in making sure that the library meets the minimum standards to gain state certification in the future.

To that end, I pledge the full support of the Commissioners and staff to work with the Hubbardston Public Library as the community and the library endeavor to build a way back into the State Aid to Public Libraries program and rejoin the 334 cities and towns that enjoy healthy and vibrant library services.


Sincerely,



George T. Comeau
Chair, Board of Library Commissioners

Deadline Fast Approaching!

Deadline for entries is this Sunday, Feb. 15!

On Sunday, the Frozen Assets outhouse was placed on Bent's Pond (aka Sawyer's Pond) on Rte. 68 in Hubbardston, near the watermelon rock and Rietta Ranch Flea Market. To play, you buy a ticket then enter your best guess as to when the outhouse will break through the ice. The person whose guess is the > closest to the actual sinking date and time (over or under) will win $2,000! And there are five other valuable prizes available:

• a 2009-2010 season pass at Mt. Wachusett Ski Area


• 4 tickets to a Red Sox home game


• a $250 gift certificate for service at Jon’s Auto in Hubbardston


• one cord of wood from Chris Pirner Logging & Lumber


• $250 off a dumpster rental from Central Mass. Disposal--for the nextclosest guesses, so there are a lot of chances to win!

Proceeds will benefit the Hubbardston Public Library, the Templeton Regional Animal Shelter, and the HBA. The last day to submit your guess is Sunday, February 15. Tickets are available at the following locations:

• Hair 4 You, 32 Main St., Hubb


• Horrigan Cleaners, 100 Pearson Blvd., Gardner


• Hubbardston Pizza Palace, Stamatia’s Plaza, Rt. 68, Hubb


• Hubbardston Public Library, 7 Main St., Hubb


• Hubbardston Rod and Gun Club, 55 Williamsville Road, Hubb


• Hubbardston Town Hall (see Joyce Green, Town Clerk, or call (978) > 928-4073)


• PJ’s Diner 32 Main St., Hubb


• Patriot Package Store, 394 Patriot Rd. (Rt. 2A), Templeton


• Templeton Country Store, 3 South Rd., Templeton

For a complete listing of rules and sponsors, visit the HBA Web site at http://www.ehubbardston.com/.