At the upcoming May 4 Montague Town Meeting, members will have an opportunity to vote on Article 17 that will fund the next stage in the planning and design of an improved library for Turners Falls. Our beloved 118-year-old library simply does not meet the current needs of the community due to its inaccessibility, its small size, and its lack of safe or adequate parking. Libraries are an essential part of the life of a town: they are constantly evolving to meet the needs of citizens of all ages. New spaces, such as small group meeting rooms, a large community room, a children’s program room, a teen space, and separate computing and reading spaces would allow residents to meet, work, study, and access needed services.

Library officials are committed to an open planning process that pays homage to Turners Falls history and the aesthetic of Avenue A. Options currently being explored include an expansion of the current Carnegie Library, building a new structure at 38 Avenue A, or picking up the current library building and moving it to 38 Avenue A with appropriate expansion. An improved Carnegie Library will not mean that the other branches will close or have their hours or services cut.

Support for Article 17, funding the design phase, is the next essential step. If we fail to appropriate these funds, Montague will not be able to apply to the state‘s library construction program for another 5 to 8 years. Please let your Town Meeting member know how important the library is to your family and community.

David Dempsey

Montague