False Signs Cause a Stir

With the library vote just over a week away, library supporters are concerned false information is being spread by the opposition to the project.

The following press release was submitted by Melanie Petrucci, a resident of Shrewsbury and supporter of the library building project: The Ballot Question Committee of Library Supporters in favor of the proposed Shrewsbury Library rebuild project, up for town-wide vote on Tuesday, Oct. 18, would like to address myths and misconceptions that are being put forth by the opposition. The following claims made by the opposition are misleading and inaccurate: Library information tours are scheduled for:  Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 14 at 2 p.m.  Get all the facts and your questions answered before the election. Sessions sponsored by the Board of Library Trustees. For more information, please contact Library Trustees Chair, Laurie …

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Letter to the Editor

Local Mom Says Library Needs More Space

Letter writer says e-books will not make libraries obsolete.

To the Editor: I am a stay-at-home mom and a resident of Shrewsbury. I am writing in support of the proposed library expansion project. I love the library. There is a wide range of programs and books for children. I am a happy and frequent patron, and yet I am not unaware of the problems. There is a serious lack of space in the children’s room, so much so that when my children were small and in a stroller, I found it difficult to even get there. We had to go down a tiny elevator that barely fit the stroller, let alone the rest of us; then into a hallway with hardly enough room to navigate the stroller; finally into the children’s room where my next problem was where to park the stroller (my only option being in front of the librarian’s …

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Letter to the Editor

Another Letter in Support of the Library Project

The library trustees ask for support of the new library building project from voters.

To the Editor, The Shrewsbury Public Library is at a crossroad. As the intellectual heart of our community, the library has been a vibrant resource and a welcoming refuge to the people of Shrewsbury. To witness the excitement of a child discovering the wonders of books or the comfort that a senior finds in the quiet solitude of reading a favorite novel, the library provides a home for all. Its success, however, has resulted in a serious dilemma that must now be addressed. We have outgrown our home. The recognition that our current facility had become inadequate both in size and resources has been with us for a number of years.  We began the project of examining how to respond to this need more than 12 years ago. We now are facing major …

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Robbin Miller, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Advocate

8:23 pm on Thursday, September 29, 2011

I would think the ADA codes would make public spaces bigger to accommodate wheelchair and scooter users. Right now, some of the public space can't accommodate this population. Also, the elevator will be bigger that would enable wheelchair and scooter users and parents with baby carriages to fit in without feeling smushed in a small space. It is amazing how able-bodied individuals view the ADA …   more ›

Letter to the Editor

Library Supporter Urges Residents to Support Building Project

Many red signs in support of the building project have been placed on lawns around town.

The Shrewsbury Public Library is a focal point in our community; a vibrant and welcoming place with an ideal location in the center of town. There is value for everyone in having a library that is current in its programming and able to meet the changing needs of our growing community. Unfortunately, this building has reached the end of its useful life and is plagued by leaks, unmanageable maintenance costs and accessibility issues. Shrewsbury has been approved to receive $7.96 million in state grant money to help build a new library. This money, coupled with private fundraising, will make our tax dollars go farther and produce a library with more useable space. Opponents of the project believe libraries will become a thing of the past as …

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Jennifer Lucarelli

7:19 pm on Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Patty - the new plan adds 102 parking spaces to the site. Do you think that isn't enough moving forward?   more ›

Letter to the Editor

Library Supporter Speaks for the Children of the Library

The new library would improve the children's area, which is currently lacking space for the story times and other services.

I am writing this letter on behalf of the hundreds of children who visit the Shrewsbury Public Library each week. They do not have the opportunity to vote, but would have the opportunity to benefit from your YES vote. I have lived in Shrewsbury my entire life, and I am so proud to call this town my home. When I was a little girl, I frequently visited the library. At that time, the children’s room was located in the Ward Annex. It was a small space, but it was above ground with many windows. I remember enjoying many happy times there. Now my granddaughter is frequently visiting the library and I am sad to say, the space she sees is not as nice. There is only one area that has natural light entering the windows. Many days the musty smell is …

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Robbin Miller, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Advocate

9:47 am on Sunday, September 25, 2011

I support the library project as the plans call for programs and services being handicap accessible for all to attend as well as for expansive space for the childrens' area. Being a new mom, I learned how the library is a great place for parents and their children to mingle in and to participate in their fun programs.   more ›