I worked in Greenfield for 11 years, spending many happy lunch breaks at the library. Though I no longer live or work in the city, I still use the library regularly and donated to the building fund. Why? Because library staff have been warning about shortcomings of the current building for years and I know they’ve put a lot of thought and effort into the current proposal.
They looked at re-using other spaces in town, explored making improvements and additions to the existing building, and even considered mixed-use space. Unfortunately, the state won’t fund mixed-use that includes libraries or pay to renovate our existing building.
In addition, I believe town officials have worked hard to ensure the current proposal won’t increase taxes. What the state doesn’t fund will be paid for by new debt in the same amount as debt about to come off Greenfield’s books. As someone without a lot of disposable income, I rely on the library for entertainment. Not only do I check out physical materials but library apps allow me to access all kinds of electronic ones. Programs like the Book to Movie Club and Adult Summer Reading have expanded my literary horizons and helped me make new friends.
Finally, I’ve seen the stats. The bottom line for this project is that it will cost Greenfield taxpayers about $8 million to fund a new, larger, library building. If that doesn’t happen, repairs and upgrades to the existing building will have to be done, and that will cost Greenfield taxpayers about $8.6 million, leaving the library about 30 percent smaller than it is now. For me, this is a no-brainer.
If I could vote on Nov. 5, I’d be voting yes. For more information on why a new library is the right choice, please go to https://libraryyes.info/
Alicia Brody
Turners Falls