Letter from Trustees

Dear Hubbardston Residents:

We are writing regarding the upcoming vote at the Annual Town Meeting on the Town’s budget. As slated, in order to balance the Town of Hubbardston’s budget, cuts will need to be made to several services. The Hubbardston Free Public Library is one of those services.

As proposed, the budget will cut the library’s funding in its entirety. The result will mean the following to Hubbardston residents:

Proposed Town Budget for FY09 = 100% Cut of Library Operating Cost

Impact on Library Services = Loss of Borrowing Privileges in ALL MA Libraries
= Loss of State Funds to the Library (Over $10K)
= Loss of Library Director & Library Assistant

Impact on Library Building = Potential Inability of Town to Retain Use of Building

Impact on Town = Change of Town Seal
= Loss of Space for Programs & Town Offices

As stated on the town web site:

“INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS FOR PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009 Informational meetings are scheduled for Saturday April 5th from 9:00 to 11:00 am and Thursday April 10th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Both meetings will be held at Center School cafeteria. All are welcome to attend to find out more about the proposed budget for the town for fiscal year 2009 which begins on July 1 and the possible need for an override vote to balance the budget.”

If you would like to talk more about this, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

Your Library Board of Trustees
Bonnie Cunningham
Diane Parks
Rhonda Hamer
Johanna Henning
Judi McArthur
Cartherine North-Erickson

Library Slated as a Budget Cut

Please become an informed citizen and learn more about the proposed budget options for the next fiscal year (beginning July 1, 2008) and how the budget will affect the library, its patrons and the residents of Hubbardston. More information will be made available through this site, as well as at the library, as it is made available.

From the town web site:

INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS FOR PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009

Informational meetings are scheduled for Saturday April 5th from 9:00 to 11:00 am and Thursday April 10th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Both meetings will be held at Center School cafeteria. All are welcome to attend to find out more about the proposed budget for the town for fiscal year 2009 which begins on July 1 and the possible need for an override vote to balance the budget.

April Coffee House

Come enjoy the folk and country vocals of Hubbardston's own Greentones on Thursday, April 3 from 6 to 7:30 in the library. As always, Coffee Houses are free and offer some great home baked treats. Consider baking but definitely join us!

April Book Discussion

A treasured classic is this month's book - The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Read of the many adventures of Bilbo Baggins before the Lord of the Rings and share your thoughts on Tuesday, April 1 at 7pm in the Library.

March Coffee House

Back by popular demand, Denis Caughlin will be returning to the Hubbardston Library. He'll be bringing some Irish tunes along with him in addition to his original work. Hit the ATM on the way and pick up a copy of his latest CD.

As always, donations and baked goods are welcome. Join us Thursday, March 6 from 6 to 7:30 pm. The event is free.

Need help getting those books returned?

Perhaps you need a Library Elf. Library Elf is a free service for patrons of participating libraries (CWMARS is a participant) that can email and text message you when you have holds to be picked up or books due. By simply entering all of the library cards your family holds, you'll always know what is due when. Of course, it can't help you know where the book is - that's still up to you! Library Elf has been added to our links list in the side bar.

Reach for the Stars!

Reach for the Stars and help the library reach its fundraising goal of $10,000! We are looking to upgrade and improve many areas of the library including painting the children's room, new flooring and many other must-fix items. With the community's help, we can reach this goal.

You can be a star with your donation. Donations will be recognized with stars of blue (over $25), silver (over $50)and gold (over $100) on the mural in the children's room (picture at left - artwork by Renee Malowitz).

Stop by the library for more details and to make a donation!

As always, the continued support of the community is appreciated and it is our pleasure to serve our patrons. Thank you!