>> Library Trustees: Thaddeus Thompson

Town Service:

Wayland Public Library Board of Trustees, appointed February 2009
WBSA coach (2005-2008)
Wayland Youth Soccer coach (2008)
Committee Chair and Elementary Religious Education teacher, First Parish Wayland UU Church

Professional Career:

Major Gifts Fundraising Officer, Babson College, Wellesley, MA (2005-present)
Director of Special Programs, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA (2002-2005)
Program Officer, Management Sciences for Health, Boston, MA (1994-2000)

Educational Background:

B.A., Trinity College, Hartford, CT
M.A., Fletcher College of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University

Candidate Statement:

My name is Thaddeus Thompson and I am running for a seat on the Board of Library Trustees. Specifically, I am running to fill the one-year balance of the term left vacant by the recent passing of long-time Board member Perry Hagenstein.

I draw my motivation for this position from Perry, who devoted so much energy, thoughtfulness, and passion to serving the library and this community over many years. It has been my honor to occupy this seat by appointment of the Board since earlier this year, and I now ask for your vote so that I may continue my service to the library and its many patrons.

Public libraries, wherever I have had the privilege to visit them, have been enchanting places for me ever since my childhood. Since moving to town with my wife and two children five years ago, weekly visits to the library have become a routine for our family. As a parent, I am deeply grateful to see that our library and its wonderful staff have inspired my two boys in much the same way that I was inspired.

One doesn’t have to look hard to see why public libraries are such special places. Above all, they are places that excite learning and discovery. Their collections, dedicated staff, and technological resources are utilized and appreciated by all segments of the community, regardless of age, occupation, or wealth. And their common spaces and free programs, such as Wayland Reads, serve as focal points for civic engagement and cultural enrichment.

In times of economic uncertainty, public libraries play an even more central role for many individuals. Demand for services and materials increases as more people turn to the library for help with job searches, free museum passes, or bypass the rental store for free video loans.

At the same time, fiscal difficulties at the state and local level place at risk the funding levels for critical library support. To meet the challenges of increasing demand and a scarcity of resources, we must continue to be focused on efficiency and be open to new and creative approaches.

I believe my experience in higher education and non-profit management, as well as expertise in capital campaign fundraising will be valuable additions to the competencies of the Board.

Whether our library is confronted with difficult choices or great opportunities in the future (and it will almost certainly be both), I pledge to bring my creativity and experience to the table with the goal of ensuring that our library remain a gem for everyone it serves in our community. I thank you for your vote and support on April 7.