Why are you running?
I love the library and I go there frequently to keep up with my reading. Through my outreach efforts as a Library Trustee I am hoping that members of our community will have the opportunity to experience the library in the same positive way that I do.
Last year when I was collecting signatures to get my name on the ballot, I was standing outside Roche Bros and two kind ladies took the time to tell me what they wanted from the Library Trustees. They told me they wanted us to come to the Sr. Center to give them updates on programs and services and the repair project.
So Maureen Amyot, Ed Baldwin and I did the first of what I hope will be many talks at the Sr. Center and we have another booked for March.
And I am just getting started. As the outreach Trustee, I am looking for more community connections where we can visit and share information about our wonderful library programs and services so that we can learn from our community and grow and improve.
What are the three biggest issues facing Westborough Public Library?
I believe that one important issue facing our library now is repairing the physical plant so our beautiful building can continue to meet our needs. Another extremely important issue is that we want our community to be aware of and participate in the vibrant programs that our library already presents that are serving the needs of children, teens and adults. And our library needs to continue to stand firm in its support of the freedom to read.
With recent book challenges, what is your stance on book bans?
The library has a well written policy on how to handle book challenges and I support and follow that policy. I want to be sure to be on record saying that I stand firmly against book banning. I will continue to read banned books and support all events in Westborough that encourage people to read banned books.
Where would you like to see the library in the next five years?
Over the next five years I would like to see community outreach expand to the point where all members of our community see our library as an essential place to gather, learn and have fun.
The library can continue to provide and expand user friendly digital resources that can assist patrons with media and digital literacy by helping them distinguish between credible information and harmful disinformation. Increased access to digital entertainment, business and educational resources will continue to be a priority.
What is your opinion on the proposed repair project at Westborough Public Library?
Our library is not just a building with books. It is a vital community resource with opportunities for learning, social engagement and recreation for all ages.
But the beautiful building is badly in need of repairs to the electrical and digital systems, the HVAC system, the roofs and the fire safety system. These repairs will allow us to maintain the warm and comforting environment that the library offers. We also need to be ADA compliant (state and federal) . I have attended the Building committee meetings and this impressive committee is working hard to determine what systems absolutely need to be repaired now.
I will support this work by helping bring information about the needs and the project to people in the community. If we take care of the library now it will be able to continue to take care of us.
What is your relevant experience to serve as a Trustee of the Public Library?
I have cherished libraries for my entire life as I have lived around the country and the world. When I move to a new town or city one of the first things that I do is sign up for a library card because for me, the library is the center of the community. This year as I have gained experience as a Library Trustee, I have acquired enhanced knowledge of the role that a library can play in a community and I am grateful.
Editor’s note: These are the statements as submitted by the candidate and have been unedited. Claims made by the candidates represent their own views and have not been fact checked by our editorial team.
