Please vote yes on the three library articles in Ashland

To The Daily Sun,

In Ashland this year, there are three warrant articles that are library-related.

Article 21 has no tax impact and is basically a housekeeping matter. This article authorizes the library to keep the fees charged for the copier and fax machine. The fees will be used to buy supplies (mostly paper and ink) for the machine and to help with the cost of its eventual replacement. This is in compliance with NH RSA 202-A: 11-a. By the way, printing, copying, and faxing are all services that are still available during the pandemic. Call the library at 968-7928 for details.

Article 11 ($.10 tax impact) is a request to add $25,000 to the library capital reserve fund. In order to make much-needed improvements and create more space for the library, the capital reserve fund must continue to grow.

Article 19 has no tax impact. The trust that formerly supported the library building and grounds has been terminated at the order of the NH Division of Charitable Trusts of the Attorney General’s Office, because the principal was depleted. This article would transfer the remaining funds to a new trust. While the original Emma H. Scribner trust was administered by a separate board of trustees, the new trust will be administered by the Trustees of the Trust Funds. The new trust funds will be able to be spent by the Ashland Town Library board of trustees. What this means is that the library trustees will be able make decisions about maintenance, repairs, and improvements to the building and grounds.

In past years we have asked the town to vote to purchase the old school for the use of the library. While the trustees recognized the benefits of moving the library to a fully renovated building next to the current elementary school, we were not able to convince enough voters. We hear from people that the current location of the library is preferred to moving the library to another location. This article would give us the option to make much needed improvements while staying in the preferred and very central location.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of a public library in Ashland. Let’s also make this the year that the library begins the process of becoming a 21st century library. Please vote yes for articles 11, 19, and 21. We will be creating events and activities to mark the anniversary and making plans for library improvements. Stay tuned.

Ashland Town Library Trustees

Mardean Badger

David Ruell

Alice Staples