Letter
The Forgotten Library
As everyone talks about the Year Round Library in Gilmanton, I
believe they have lost sight of the existing libraries. Because I
am not familiar with the Iron Works or Lower libraries, I will only
comment on the Corner Public Library.
When I moved to town 3 years ago the Corner Public library was one
of the first places I went. I have to admit I was not thrilled
because it seemed crowded, unorganized, and smelled musty. But
being a library person, I went back. Soon, I noticed changes: the
musty smell was gone, the crowding decreased, library cards were issued,
Dewy organization appeared, and new adult and children’s books were
purchased.
Additionally, a group of dedicated ladies were and are working hard
to make the Corner Public Library a better place. Hours have increased
to include Wednesdays and Saturdays during the winter, two stoves keep
the place warm for browsing, displays on the main table are changed
monthly, and more hours are available over the summer months.
Last summer these women took on the task of raising money to replace
some of the bookcases. They would like to insulate, purchase a
phone, and increase the collection. They would like to have an
increase in their budget from the town, but they know that times are
tough.
So, if you have not stopped by the Corner Public Library at the
entrance to the Town Offices, drop in on Wednesday from 3-5 or Saturday
from 10-12 and see the improvements, get a library card, check out a
book, and/or volunteer your time.
Diana McElwee
Linda Hudzier
Meet The Candidates Night
Meet the Candidates Night is being hosted by the Student Leadership
Team of the Gilmanton School on Tuesday, March 3. The event will take
place in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Gilmanton School beginning at
6:30 p.m. This is a good opportunity for the candidates to get their
message across to the voters. It is also an opportunity for the students
to learn more about the functioning of their town.
Light refreshments will be served after the formal presentations to
allow time to interact with fellow members of the community.”
Thank You for your consideration. If there are any questions, please
contact me via e-mail or by phone at 527-1007.
Letter To The Editor
To The Editor:
I would like to voice my support for the Gilmanton
Year ‘Round Library project. My reasons are twofold. First of all, I was
fortunate to grow up in a family where education and reading were among
the top priorities. That background enabled me to seek higher education
and pursue a career that I truly enjoy. It also broadened my horizons
and fostered a thirst for travel and adventure. I would love for others
to be similarly inspired. The Year ‘Round Library will provide access to
books and computers that might not otherwise be readily accessible for
many people in our community.
My second reason for supporting the Library stems from concern about
literacy skills. When reviewing job applications and reading e-mails,
the grammatical and spelling errors are numerous. There are many avenues
to improve literacy. I believe that the library will be one more
important piece of the puzzle.
We are all keenly aware of the economic crisis at this time.
Financially supporting the Year ‘Round Library may seem daunting to many
of us. However, it concerns me to hear negative comments about the
project. The folks who initiated this project are providing a gift to
our community and we should applaud their efforts. I urge residents to
offer their support for continuation of this project to whatever extent
is possible.
Respectfully,
Chris Schlegel
Gilmanton, NH
Letter
When the movement to bring a year-around library to Gilmanton began
ten years ago, I volunteered to assist. After a month, I decided to
withdraw as the leader of this group was single-minded in asserting that
only a new building should be considered while I was of the opinion that
it made sense to retrofit existing Town property. The end result was not
only foreseeable but was in fact foreseen: the costs of operating this
building would not likely be borne by voluntary and ongoing
contributions but would instead accrue to the taxpayers. Gilmanton
should do more for its youth. Recreational and educational facilities
supervised by adults can be offered at a fraction of the cost of
operating the library by bringing together computers and volunteers in
space that is already Town property. Involving the police department to
interface positively with children and young adults would also be
helpful. Several years ago when I suggested this to Selectmen and
offered to pay for the computers the response was that I should help
form a committee, a wooden suggestion easy to ignore. This is not just a
matter of principle but also of affordability. A slight initial
operating budget will surely grow once it is established that it is the
duty of the taxpayer to fund the operating costs of the library. There
are hardworking people living in Gilmanton who cannot afford current
taxes much less an increased amount now and the promise of more later.
Elderly folks are genuinely perplexed as to what they can do to cope
with the cost of living and ever increasing taxes. Against this backdrop
the question of what to say to the well-meaning and highly motivated
individuals who brought this issue to the people of the Town becomes
clear: regretfully, no.
Richard B. Burchell
Gilmanton Iron Works