I have worked at Brooks Memorial Library for 7 years and these are my own observations about the value I see in this local library and the undermining of that value by the current town budget discussion.
The most dramatic library cuts are up for discussion this week but my whole tenure at the library has been under level funding at the best points and cuts at the worst. The current proposal is to cut two full time positions from the library, a ⅓ of library staffing reduction.
I am not going to go into detail about the general value and history of public libraries. I will just mention that I got a Master’s in Library and Information Science because I believe that the cornerstone to a functioning democracy is an informed and empowered citizenry, regardless of money, race, religion, gender, or location, and free public libraries are the providers of that cornerstone.
Instead I am going to talk specifically about YOUR library. Often when budget cuts are in the Brattleboro air, there is a lot of discussion about “essential” and “nonessential” services. Brooks Memorial Library provides essential services to a wide variety of residents of Brattleboro:
A safe, warm communal space open to all which fills the gap in local day shelters for the homeless, social contact for the mentally ill, and a place for tutoring and small group connections. Not to mention a safe space for teenagers to come after school.
And a space often animated with public meetings, lectures, and other events free to all.
Always full public computer terminals which anyone who walks in the door can use for free for internet access. And add the value of the lessons in computer literacy.
Not to mention the online digital services the library has added over the past 5 years despite no increase in the budget to help meet the dramatic shifts in electronic information and e-books.
Thousands and thousands of books for pleasure and information; DVDs, including popular TV series; and audiobooks, being added to every week and a reflection of the community it serves.
A busy reference desk which provides job help in a time of high-unemployment, legal help for those in need, well-researched medical information for physical and mental ailments, renters and domestic violence rights for those in abusive situations. A clearinghouse of local and general resources to help the people of this area find the information they need to make well-informed decisions.
A bright and vibrant children’s room full of books, crafts, weekly activities to support early childhood development and young family sanity. We are only open for 4 hours on the weekend right now which is not good for working families.
All these library services directly aid and support the crucial work of the police on the streets, HCRS, mental health services, youth services, prevention programs, elderly services, early education services, adult education services, and the public schools.
Almost all of Brooks Memorial Library’s funding comes from Brattleboro town taxes. There are no direct funds for basic library services from the state or federal government. So, with each round of cuts to the library, the library will become less essential, less functional, and an important resource to the town will be gutted.
But it is up to you the voters to say loud and clear to the Selectboard that the library does provided essential services that should not be cut.
Respectfully,
Jess Weitz
Thanks for so eloquently
Thanks for so eloquently expressing the vital and much loved role that the library plays in our town. Whenever there are budget concerns the libraries are always the first under attack. Looking at the full town budget there are many, many costs that seem incredibly out of proportion to the services provided and for a town of our size. I think the proposed decision to cut positions in both the library and parks and recreation are knee jerk ; the “easy” fix. I hope that everyone who uses the library, loves the library and recognizes the importance of having a library that can continue to provide all the services and enjoyment that Brooks Memorial Library does -will leave their houses, come to the special Selectboard budget meeting on Tuesday, April 29th at 6:30 and speak your mind.