A new library would be an asset to Greenfield in many ways. It would greatly contribute to the support and implementation of educational, informational, and cultural programs for people of all ages. Toddlers would have expanded access to children’s literature and story telling. Students from pre-school through college would have greater access to literature and digital media appropriate for their use.
An expanded collection of documents and digital media would benefit the community economically and culturally, strengthening the business, farming, professional, and academic communities. Computer literacy programs could benefit senior citizens. Historical town and city records in the library could be expanded and better accessed. Greater online access would serve underprivileged library patrons.
Building a new library will help build our community and make it stronger. A new library would be a remarkable community resource, enabling people to come together to meet, interact, learn, and become better acquainted, educated, informed, and empowered.
I have enjoyed the current writing workshop at the present library. Programs such as this could be expanded. Reading groups, author presentations, a wide range of support groups, and computer science workshops (including Web design) could make use of the expanded space of a new library. The library would become a dynamic center of community activity, hosting meetings, discussions, seminars, art displays, seasonal activities, musical performances, and other events.
Our present library is limited in its ability to provide access to senior and disabled citizens. Many disadvantaged and disenfranchised members of the community would greatly benefit from access to the educational, cultural, and digital resources of a library better suited to their special needs.
I urge the community and the City Council to expand our community’s educational opportunities, research possibilities, economic development, and quality of life by supporting the construction of the new library in Greenfield.
Philip F. Tomlinson Jr.
Greenfield