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Special Letter from the Board of Trustees

2/22/2010

Greetings,

Much has transpired during these first few weeks of 2010.  We are relieved that the Norwell Board of Selectmen at their meeting of February 8 opted not to pursue the outsourcing of library services to Hanover.  There was no way that the BOS could justify closing the NPL to achieve a savings of less than $93,000 for FY11.  We hope that the Selectmen recognized and appreciated the staunch support shown by Norwell residents for the Library. 

HOWEVER, Norwell Public Library is still at risk for significant budget cuts for Fiscal Year 2011 which begins July 1.  The Trustees meet with the Advisory Board on 2/25/10 at 7:30 PM at Town Hall to defend a level-services budget, which would provide the same services as this year’s budget.  Given the poor fiscal climate, you can be sure that the Trustees will be facing some hard questions from the Advisory Board about managing the library with less money in FY 2011.

The Trustees and staff are deeply grateful to all who have supported NPL through phone calls, emails, letters and attending meetings.  Stay vigilant and attend meetings of the Advisory Board, Selectmen, NPL Crisis Committee, Friends and Trustees.  All are open to the public.

We again thank WATD, Norwell Mariner, Ledger and Globe reporters for their coverage of not only NPL but the plight of public libraries during these very difficult times.

A few items to consider:

• In FY 2009, Massachusetts residents borrowed over 57 million items from public libraries.

•  At $10 per item, public libraries saved residents of Massachusetts $570,000,000. 

• Norwell Public Library circulated 134,040 items in FY 2009, saving each resident approximately $134 when using the $10 per item price.

• For an average family of 4 that is $536 per year in savings.

• Other savings for a family of 4 include $50-$100 per month utilizing museum passes provided by the Friends of NPL and Women’s Club; $35-$70 per month when attending library programs.

• The value of the NPL far exceeds the cost of $107 per household per year. 

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is charged with the responsibility of overseeing library services to the community. Members are elected at a rate of two per year for three-year terms. Board meetings are held monthly in the Norwell Public Library Meeting Room.

Members:

Henry Goldman, Chair (gannieg@verizon.net)
John Shortall, Vice Chair
Jeanne Hagelstein-Ivas
Peter Kapolka
Kathryn Mudgett
Christine Smith

Special Letter from the Board of Trustees

1/1/2010

To: Residents of Norwell

The Trustees of the Norwell Public Library are committed to the delivery of library services at Norwell Public Library.  We do not endorse the proposed outsourcing of library services to any other public library nor do we envision the closure of the Norwell Public Library.

We are grateful to the many residents who attended the Selectmen’s meeting of 12/14/09 and who voiced support for the Norwell Public Library.  We are also deeply appreciative of all letters which have appeared in both the Mariner and Ledger, as well as those sent to the Library and Selectmen.  Thanks to the Globe, Ledger, Mariner and WATD for printing and airing stories about this issue.

While the Town of Norwell faces a difficult and challenging budget picture for the next fiscal year, the solution to its budget quandary should not target the one resource actively used by the majority of residents.  We encourage residents to attend:

• Advisory Board meetings as they examine department budget
• Meetings of the Board of Selectmen as they discuss options and make decisions
• Trustee meetings
• Friends’ meetings.

Be sure to stay informed and attend Annual Town Meeting.  Run for public office.

The Trustees will meet with the Hanover Trustees on 1/11/2010 in Hanover at 7 PM.  The Norwell Trustees also meet on 1/13/2010 at 7 PM.  Both are public meetings and open to all. 

12/5/09

The Board of Library Trustees recently learned of apparent discussions between the Norwell Board of Selectmen and the Hanover Board of Selectmen concerning the future of the Norwell Public Library.  We find it important to note that Norwell’s Selectmen have not yet found the time to discuss the possibility of outsourcing library services with the 6 elected members of the Board of Library Trustees or the Library Director.  While we understand the current economic situation and the need to control expenses wherever possible, it is the responsibility of the Norwell Board of Library Trustees, not the Selectmen to determine the best possible Library services and options for the citizens of Norwell.

The Board of Library Trustees has requested to meet with the Selectmen at their meeting of December 14, 2009.  The Board of Library Trustees is committed to maintaining the highest quality Library services for citizens in the Town of Norwell.

Thank you to all who support the Norwell Public Library.