The Board of Library Trustees thank everyone who voted at the election. The passage of Question 1 allows Article 17, for the construction of a new library building, to be brought to Town Meeting for consideration.
Libraries have changed since our beautiful building was constructed in 1900 for two thousand residents. A modest addition, in 1988, provided much-needed space for books and other materials, and for children, staff and patrons to sit, study, and read. However, it soon became clear that even more space would have been preferable. Since that time, the Trustees and staff have worked to improve the patron experience within the cramped confines of this building. What suited a population in 1900, or even in 1988, does not suit the needs of patrons today. Like other town institutions—most notably our outstanding schools—our library must change with the needs of the times.
As a core town service, the library provides Wayland’s cultural infrastructure and underpins the superb educational experience that students receive in our schools—a primary reason many families moved here in the first place. Unfortunately, while housed at 5 Concord Road, our library underperforms. Patrons do not have enough space to study, work, or collaborate; interest groups do not have enough space to meet; children and parents do not have enough space to read together; and staff do not have enough space to stage the films, lectures, and other events their patrons keenly want. Wayland residents are missing out on activities that other towns enjoy. Over time, as the gap widens between our library’s capabilities and our town’s needs, it will have a negative effect on Wayland’s appeal to prospective homebuyers.
Libraries elevate public discourse by providing the means to broaden horizons, read about current affairs, and engage with our neighbors. Libraries build community by providing space for like-minded locals to meet, work together, join an interest group, see a film, hear a lecture, or just chat as they drop in for new reading material. These activities are not luxuries. They are essential in a healthy community. To provide them to residents of all ages and abilities, a library needs diverse, comfortable spaces and adequate parking.
For Wayland, Article 17 presents a one-time opportunity: We have received a $10.1M grant of state funds to defray the cost of constructing a new public library at 195 Main Street, the site of the former Highway Department garage. State grants such as this are few and far between, and there are no plans in place for another grant round. After many years of careful study, it is time to take advantage of state funds and build a library that will serve Wayland residents now and into the future.
This grant is site-specific and time-limited. If Wayland does not vote at Town Meeting to fund the remainder of construction costs, the grant funds will go to another town. To keep this $10.1M, 2/3 of voters at Town Meeting need to vote Yes on Article 17.
Town Meeting starts on April 2nd. Please attend on April 3rd and vote Yes on Article 17 to authorize funds to construct a new public library.
Submitted by the Board of Library Trustees
