LETTER: 'Vote Yes On Debt Exclusion For New Library'

WAYLAND, MA—The following was submitted by Leah Hart, Wayland. Want to get in on the conversation? Email charlene.arsenault@patch.com with your letters.

The library is a cornerstone of our community. All are welcome to learn, explore new worlds,
and connect with residents in a comfortable setting. The library and education in general have
been central to Wayland’s identity and have contributed to a healthy, cohesive community. Over
the last 150 years, as Wayland grew and needs changed, previous generations have voted to
improve library services for their needs and the needs of future generations. The location of the
library has changed three times over its long history. What has not changed is our community’s
commitment to the library and the services it provides to enrich the lives of Wayland residents,
individually and collectively.

Today the town has an opportunity to build a new, larger modern library that will meet the needs
of todays 21st century Wayland. The state has granted Wayland $10.1 million dollars to offset
costs in recognition of our strong need and the deficiencies of the current building. To keep the
$10.1 million, first residents must vote Yes at the ballot on March 27 to use a debt exclusion to
pay for the project and Yes again at the April 3rd town meeting. There must be passage of both
votes, otherwise this $10.1 million dollar is gone forever.

Strengthening and improving library services enhances our personal growth, quality of life, connection
with our community and attractiveness of Wayland to current and future residents. Now
is the time to make the decision to move forward after 15 years of study. Along with the enhanced
services that define a modern library, I’m particularly excited that the building will be fully
accessible and ADA compliant for all residents to enjoy.

Many successful small towns complement their economic development strategies by emphasizing
their assets and distinctive resources. For Wayland, the library, the schools and the preservation
of natural resources are distinctive assets. It makes sense to strengthen library services
and build a new, larger more modern building to accommodate the increased collection and library
services. There is a quote by Dr Joan Clos, UN Habitat Executive Director, that I like
about public spaces, “What defines the character of a town is its public space, not its private
space.” Let’s take this opportunity to make a significant improvement to our public space that
will better this town for all who live in it for years to come.

Hart is a member of the Library Board of Trustees, writing as an individual