First, say a little bit about yourself.
When my family – my husband, our two children, and I – moved to Westborough seven years ago, the library was one of our first stops. I was happy to find such a welcoming place in the heart of our new community and to leave with a tall stack of books.
I started my career as a teacher and in educational publishing. I have now spent over 17 years as a school psychologist supporting children and their families. My work has helped me develop skills needed as a Trustee including addressing individual and institutional concerns, budgeting, participating in strategic planning, working to meet federal and state requirements, and engaging with members of the community. Guiding me always has been my belief in serving others. I have acted as a Library Trustee for the last two years, including serving as Recording Secretary for the last year, and I have enjoyed this work immensely.
Why are you running for Library Board of Trustees?
I have always been a lover of books and those who know me know that I am a lifelong learner, so the library is a natural fit. But the 21st-century library is much more than books. It is a hub of our community, serving people of all ages and cultures, and bringing people together. I have seen firsthand how the library works to meet the diverse needs of community members. Whether it is checking out a good book, participating in teen events, finding a quiet study space during midterm exams, enjoying a family movie night as part of Screen on the Green, or accessing tech support, there is something for everyone. As our community and our world continue to change and grow, I want to ensure that our library is ready to meet the needs and wants of all of Westborough.
What do you think would be the best way to keep the library as a viable resource for years to come?
The best way to keep the library a viable resource is to take advantage of all the library has to offer. This means thinking beyond books and capitalizing on services and spaces – indoor, outdoor and virtual. The library should of course offer quality print materials, including those that reflect our diverse community, but electronic materials are also a popular resource.
Need a pressure washer or want to try snowshoeing? The “Room of Things” is another example of 21st-century thinking. Meeting spaces and creative programming are other opportunities to bring people together. This includes using spaces within the building, but also venturing beyond the library walls for goat yoga on the lawn and community programs around town. As our library continues to age, it is important that we invest in maintaining the necessary spaces and infrastructure to support these efforts.
With the defeat of the Town Meeting warrant article to expand and renovate the library, the Library Building Committee and the Trustees have switched their focus to repair work. What do you consider to be the “most needed” repairs.
Given that the original library was built in 1908 and the addition is over 40 years old, many repairs are needed. Among the most pressing is our HVAC system. Catastrophe almost struck in December when a ceiling-mounted fan unit began billowing smoke. Luckily a library patron alerted staff who vacated the building and contacted the fire department. The unit was disconnected before it caught fire. That unit remains disconnected, and the remaining units are absorbing the extra burden. All units were installed in 1980 and are past their expected life.
The library also lacks sprinklers as part of a fire prevention system. Other priorities include a new roof and windows. Installing a bathroom on the main level may be required due to building codes, and is also something that many library patrons strongly desire.
If approved at Town Meeting, a schematic building design will help clarify which repairs to prioritize.
