A message from library trustees

To the Editor:

The Rumford Library’s operating budget has been cut every year for the last three years: 10% for 2008-09; 10% for 2009-10; and last year, 2010-11 by another 20%, some $40,000.

As a consequence, the Board of Trustees and staff have been forced to make severe cuts in services. Closing the library on Saturdays and at 3 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays was a blow to all library patrons, especially students and working people.

Maintain library services

As Trustees of the Rumford Public Library, we urge Rumford voters to choose the Rumford Finance Committee’s recommendation of $230,000 for the Library’s 2011-12 operation budget.

If voters opt for the Finance Committee’s recommendation, we will be able to maintain this year’s level of services, greatly reduced as they are.

It could get worse

Should voters choose the Rumford Selectmen’s recommendation – just $200,000 – we will be forced to make even more cuts in services just so that we can pay the heating bills.

The library’s services are critical to our community, especially in this difficult economy. Job seekers, elderly persons on small fixed incomes, young families, all need and use the library.

The library and economic development

When businesses look for the right community for their enterprises – and their employees and families – they look at the infrastructure, the schools, and, last but by no means the least, the town’s public library.

Please help us take care of our fine library. Vote for the Rumford Finance Committee’s recommended budget on June 14.

Rumford Public Library Board of Trustees:

Carolyn Kennard, President; Marie Boudreau; Linda Macgregor; Connie McKenna, Peg Susbury