To the editor:
Should the tax override fail, the effect on the Lynnfield Library will be nothing short of catastrophic. The library faces cuts either way, but the impact of a failed override means that the library would lose certification. If that happens, every patron will lose out.
What that will look like? First, a little over 28% of our current borrowing is fulfilled by resources held in other towns. That resource would be gone.
If you tried to visit and borrow books/ebooks from another town’s library, they would not be obligated to allow you to borrow. You can visit another library, but you will not be able to borrow anything, with the exception of the Boston Public Library.
With more than half the staff cut, programs would also likely almost completely cease. Their ability to provide individual attention will be affected.
No more tech support. No more Saturday and weeknight hours. The library would only be open one night a week.
Databases such as Kanopy, hoopla and Consumer Reports, whose use had been on the rise, will also be cut. Fewer Wifi hotspots and Chromebooks will be available.
In short, the cuts to hours, materials, programs and staff support will shortchange every single resident in town.
Don’t let this happen. Please support the override and vote to keep the bare minimum of library services available to everyone in town. Keep Lynnfield literate!
Sincerely,
Karin M. Round
Lynnfield
