5/28/09
Some residents want to know before voting for a Proposition 21/2 override if doing so will ensure the East Milton Library can remain open.
They say it could be a key factor in determining whether they will vote for the $3.4 million property tax hike proposal, which is set for a June 8 election ballot.
“We need to know. Otherwise, what are we voting for?” said Granite Place resident Eva Greenwood at a meeting held at the main library May 19, which drew about 85 people.
The meeting, held by the Library Trustees, was meant to field residents’ concerns about the library budget. Library officials have said they could not financially maintain the branch library if the override vote fails. It would give them less than they have in the current fiscal year, and there are increased costs associated with reopening the main library, which was renovated to twice its prior size. Even with the override, they have indicated they still may close the branch and focus resources on the main library on Canton Avenue.
However, Greenwood presented the trustees with more than 1,000 signatures, collected by neighbors, which seek to prevent that from happening.
The East Milton Library opened its doors in 1933. Many say it remains a vital asset to the neighborhood.
“It would be a terrible shame to lose this building that is within walking distance of so many people,” said Willard Dunlap, a lifelong resident.
However, Library Director Phil McNulty said the trustees won’t decide the building’s fate before the June 8 override election. He said they’ve been reluctant to make a final decision because of budget uncertainties.
Janet Evans, chair of the trustees, said the board decided in April it would support closing the library if they have to operate under the non-override budget. That budget would cut library appropriations from around $925,000 in the current fiscal year to $917,000 next year.
“We just wouldn’t have the staffing levels to maintain” the branch under that scenario, said Evans, indicating layoffs may also be necessary.
When asked if an override vote would save the library, Evans would not say for sure. She said the trustees would have to meet to decide how to use the funds.
The library budget would grow by around $77,000 if the override passes. With that budget, the trustees have indicated they would lean toward adding Sunday hours to the main library. Evans said that plan isn’t definite.
“I think we’ve heard your concerns,” she told those in the audience.
Trustee Mary Regan indicated the original plans may have to be changed if opposition remains.
“We’re going to have to go back and look at this again,” she said.
The trustees are planning a June 15 meeting, following the override vote. Residents urged them to announce their plans for the branch library beforehand.
McNulty said he recognizes the decision could shape what people think about approving a tax increase for the town, if that measure would still include closing a library.
“I sense this is a crucial decision for people as they vote,” he said.
McNulty said keeping the East Milton Library open next year would require around $92,000, most of which would pay the two employees who would work there. That amount would be enough to keep the branch operating at its current 23 hours per week.
Regardless of the hours, resident Paul Yovino said he wants to see the building remain open. “Reduce the hours if you have to. Just do everything you can to keep this library open,” he said.
Yovino, who lives on Sheridan Drive, said he sees closing the library as a “quality-of-life issue” for neighbors who use the branch.
Many agreed.
“The building is a part of our character and history of East Milton,” said Pat Clasby, of Antwerp Street.
Others said they would volunteer their time by working at the library or doing fund-raising to keep it open.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” said Jim Thorne, of Granite Place.

– Scott MacKeen