Libraries are often referred to as their community’s living room. This is certainly true in West Boylston, MA especially during the holiday season. The Beaman Library radiates comfort and community with its holiday tree, elegantly decorated in commemoration of volunteers and a large wooden carving with the words “Peace” hung over the fireplace, alongside a
Posts under ‘West Boylston’
Thank you Beaman Library
Readers have expressed appreciation for the research and perspective I (try) to bring to the blog, and it’s a reflection of the support I receive from the staff of the Beaman Memorial Public Library.
Each week they field my phone calls and emails asking about library policies and practices. They share important perspectives about municipal
The actual cost of my library
Like most government budgets, my town’s municipal budget is disorganized and conceals as much as it reveals. It is virtually impossible to answer simple questions like “How much of our annual budget is allocated to the library?” So no one truly knows the actual cost of our library or any other department. That’s an
My library feels different
West Boylston’s fiscal year ended in June, as did the Assistant Director’s position at our public library. I’ve noticed something different during my two evening visits this month.
As I checked out a few books at the front desk, the staff person was distracted by the phone ringing, presumably because there was no longer a colleague
Managing the message
On June 11, MSNBC’s TODAY show ran a 4 minute segment on public libraries. It echoed newspaper stories of the past few months by reporting a dual recessionary effect of increased library usage and jeopardized funding.
National coverage is a welcome development. It’s time to help the mainstream media realize there’s a compelling story here—and
Strange times for library supporters and officials
A beautiful statement by West Boylston’s Library Director, Louise Howland.
“Libraries will get you through times of no money better
than money will get you through times with no libraries”
Natalie Design
ALA, 1991
These are strange times for library supporters and officials. Individuals, businesses, and community groups continue to strongly support the library with donations and with their time;
Books, buildings and bodies
In a May 2008 interview, Jeff Krull, Director of the Allen County Public Library described short-term strategies for addressing the funding crisis. Jeff boiled financial management of the large system he manages down to books, buildings and bodies.
Following years of level-funding or budget reductions, saving money for public libraries means cutting collections, deferring building maintenance or
Public libraries and single-payer healthcare
Coalition building was a topic at the Massachusetts Library Association’s annual conference earlier this month. Speaker Margie Schuster encouraged attendees to take one more step—in addition to lobbying and message development—and create a coalition to expand into a broader sphere. Good advice.
Given the magnitude of the library funding crisis, I’d urge state and national
West Boylston rises to the challenge
On April 29, West Boylston’s Town Administrator presented the Select Board with an FY2010 budget that funds the Beaman Library at a 15% reduction from the current allocation for library service. Following approval at Town Meeting, the town will need to submit a certification waiver request to the Mass Board of Library Commissioners. This will
Funding what we value: organization
Conventional municipal budget & reporting practices make it difficult to answer simple questions like “How much of our annual budget is allocated to [insert department name or expense line here]?”
In West Boylston, for example, health insurance costs and debt service fall into two general buckets and are not linked back to the originating departments.
