On June 24, more than 38% of Montague’s registered voters cast their ballots to decide whether to support building a new main library in Turners Falls. As the town knows, the vote passed by a margin of 56% yes to 44% no.

This was a heavily discussed, emotionally charged debate on both sides. That is understandable. A decision of this size affects all of us, as well as town services, and the future direction of our community. Now that the voters have spoken, it is important that we move forward together in a cooperative and respectful manner.

To those who supported the project, we encourage you to continue the work you pledged to do: seek donations, grants, and other opportunities to help reduce the cost to taxpayers wherever possible. Your continued effort will be important in showing the community that this project can be carried forward responsibly.

To those who opposed the project, we recognize and respect that your concerns were sincerely held. Questions about cost, affordability, priorities, and long-term impact were legitimate and deserve to remain part of the discussion as the project moves forward.

However, we are one community and whether we voted yes or no, we all share an interest in seeing this project managed carefully, transparently, and in a way that benefits Montague as a whole. We ask everyone to put aside hard feelings, listen to one another, and work together. Healing after a close and emotional vote requires respect from both sides. It also requires a shared commitment to moving forward responsibly and constructively.

Moving forward, our hope is that we focus not on who won or lost, but on how we can come together to support our town, protect the interests of taxpayers, and help ensure that the result serves the community well for generations to come.

Thank you to everyone who participated, spoke up, asked questions, and voted. Civic participation is what strengthens our town. Let us continue that participation with the same passion, but with a renewed spirit of cooperation and unity.

Rich Kuklewicz, chair, Marina Goldman, vice chair and Nate Card, clerk

Montague Selectboard