Saugus Public Library looks to expand hours

SAUGUS – Town officials may be pleased with the progress of the Saugus Public Library, but only Town Meeting members will be able to decide if the library can increase its hours.In a recent Finance Committee meeting, Library Director Diane Wallace brought forward a budget that would allow for the library to expand its hours by seven hours a week in order to be accredited by the state. Wallace said last year the library took a financial hit when it was not certified because it missed out on state funding.The addition will bring the library to 59 hours and the hours will start in September if Town Meeting approves the budget on May 5. Wallace?s request for an increased budget at $583,000 will cover the extra staffing needed to keep the library open for an extra hour every day. Last year?s library budget was $510,000.Town Manager Scott Crabtree said though more funds are being put toward the library than in recent years, the town still only budgets “the minimum amount.”?We?re not investing in our public library like other communities do,” warned Crabtree.Wallace reported that between 2011 and 2012, there were 7,200 children who participated in the library?s programs. But with expanded programs, the library had more than 1,000 participate in March 2014 alone.?We are swamped every day,” she said proudly.Wallace added that the Friends of the Library had also been making progress with “good-sized donations.”?I?m so proud of the library and where it?s come from,” said Finance Committee Chairman Robert Palleschi. “Ever since Diane came on board, I?ve been singing the praises of the library.”