Editor,
We have reopened! This past year has taught us to think outside the box in order to reach our community – and your response spoke volumes. Going forward, we will continue to offer a mix of in-person, traditional library programming, materials and services, while expanding all of the above in the digital realm. Your library card now lets you create your own comfort zone.
Our new Children’s/YA room is open, providing a safe place for families to relax and enjoy the library experience. The next big change will be to our front entrance and circulation areas. We are targeting fall for completion of this phase of renovations. This is all being paid for through savings and grants (up to 50%). It has no impact on our regular operating budget or your tax rate.
The 2021/2022 budget shows a loss of revenue in almost all categories as the state tightens its belt, interest rates drop and library charges diminish. The tax cap allowed a $.10/th. increase, which is about $4/year for the average household. We are using $5,907 in savings to remain within that tax cap and still meet our financial obligations. You can review the budget on our website www.gwllibrary.org under General Information. While you are there, browse the opportunities we offer from programming, museum passes and trail maps to DVD’s, music, periodicals, and cake pans. And, of course, books in every format, on every topic, for every age, genre and mood.
You can vote on our budget and for new members of our Board of Trustees on Thurs., May 20 from 12 noon to 8 p.m. at the library. As always, we are so grateful for the continued support of this amazing community. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or suggestions.
SANDRA NEWMAN
TREASURER
