Supporters Strive for Open Book on Suffield Library

Supporters of a new library in Suffield are spreading a call to action–attend the Board of Selectmen meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. to show support for a new library.

“Now is the time,” said Suffield resident Kate Powers last week. “Either spend the money to fix the current building or build a new library, and I say build a new library.”

The rally began after some hesitation was recently expressed by the board about putting the $8 million library issue to vote along with plans for an additional $7 million in town offices and infrastructure improvements.

The selectmen will likely have more information about the proposed library at their meeting on Wednesday. While the board has continued gathering information about new library, public opinion has been very divided.

Library proponents have sent out scores of emails and Facebook messages asking residents to come out in a show of support.

“Libraries are all about free access to information that impacts people’s lives," Powers said. "And with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance issues and space issues it’s not.”

Tracy McDonagh, a Foundation member, is also encouraging supporters to come out in force.

McDonagh said the foundation, formed after a failed attempt to bond for a new library in 2008, is working to create a website for sharing information about the library needs. The foundation has committed $1.5 million to the project and the library's endowment already has approximately $500,000 from previous fund-raising efforts.

The town has struggled over the past decade with roof leaks, lack of space and infrastructure needs at the library, along with ADA compliance problems. ADA improvements alone would cost between $2 million and $5 million.

“To put that amount of money into a building [to fix it] is not cost effective,” said McDonagh.

She pointed out the proposed library is a scaled-back version compared to the previous plan, but it still gives people what they need.

Still, opposition to the plan has come from residents who oppose increasing taxes in an economic downturn and wish the keep and renovate the unique architecture of the library building. Some say libraries are a thing of the past.

Even some members of the Board of Selectmen seemed to back off the proposal recently, citing the large cost and the controversial nature.

At the Jan. 5 meeting, Selectman Joanne Sullivan suggested putting the library “on the back burner for now” but move forward with the other projects.

McDonagh, Powers and others still believe the issue is about more than just books.

“It’s central to the community,” McDonagh said. “Don’t you want to go to a place in our town where you can see other people?”

Powers agreed.

“I envision a beautiful library where there could be a playground, too. Where you can patronize the surrounding businesses,” she explained. “This is a quality of life issue.”