|
Newton’s branch libraries - Nonantum, Newton Corner, Waban, and Auburndale - are slated to close on Friday June 6th.
There is a great opportunity for us to continue rebuilding community values in Newton. Each neighborhood which surrounds any of the existing Branch Libraries can take on the role of keeping these libraries open. We can focus our on energies on organizing volunteers to staff these branches. If we may keep a branch open 15 hours/week, each neighborhood will require 15 volunteers for one hour/wk, or 6 volunteers for 2.5 hours per week. This is very do-able.
Additionally, we must encourage use of these facilities by engaging the nearby elementary PTO's and school administration to their as well as our non-profit neighbors to endorse this program. Each branch library may serve in these additional functions:
•Pre-school programs
•Community meeting space. (Newton may want to rent the space in the evenings to local groups/organizations for a small fee, if possible)
•After school programs – in conjunction with the Newton Public Schools
Besides, library use is critical to our commitment to embracing lifelong education.
If you feel these wonderful buildings must remain a community resource operated and maintained by the neighbors who use them, please join me in a contacting Ward 1 Alderman Scott Lennon (
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
) and the sixteen Aldermen-at-Large (through David Olson, City Clerk, at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
) in order to make keeping the branches open a viable option. Also, please contact Mayor David Cohen (
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
) and Nancy Perlow, Head Librarian (
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
).
Finally, let’s engage our fellow branch library users in this effort. Go to http://www.saveauburndalelibrary.blogspot.com/ and http://www.PetitionOnline.com/SABL/. On Thursday, June 5, 2008 there is a Board of Alderman Committee of the Whole meeting at City Hall in the Aldermanic chambers at 7:00 pm. This among other budget cuts will be discussed. Go and show solidarity with others protesting the closing of the Newton's branch libraries.
Janet Sterman
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
617.413.1323
|
