Town Should Support

Its Investments In The Library

To the Editor:

I was shocked when I learned that the Board of Finance had suggested a $50,000 cut to the Booth Library budget. Then I was amazed to hear that this cut was in addition to the budget-relatively massive $80,000 cut that the Board of Selectmen subtracted in January. That’s a total of 16 percent less than the library’s already pared-down, bare-bones operating budget request. What are they thinking?

The C.H. Booth Library is a jewel in our community. It is a rewarding asset for us all. With its hardworking staff the library is a source of pleasure and culture, education and research, or simply a good book, CD, or video.

The town created a beautiful and functional facility in the remodeled Booth Library and it’s shared by us all. What sense is there in not supporting our investment? Would the board like to see the library building dark and empty for more hours a week? Should it not be maintained inside or out? What kind of fiscal responsibility is that?

Please protect this valuable asset. Do not approve the cuts to the library budget.

Peter Bagger

Brushy Hill Road, Newtown                                       March 15, 2004