Andie of Skowhegan, ME That is WAY TOO MUCH money to be asking the taxpapyers for in these tough economic times. I agree that libraries are wonderful institutions, however, people can learn and enjoy with what is in place there now. If the directors want just what they want there, let them continue to ask the wealthy in this community and beyond (grants,grants,grants)to pay for it but don't expect the taxpayers to foot yet another luxury.report abuse

C. Patrick Michaud of Waterville, ME Supporting the arts and developing a strong cultural atmosphere is crucial to attracting families and individuals to our community. The WPL is a place that educates and entertains people of all ages. We should be proud that it helps distiguish the City from others in Maine. Fixtures such as the library are also particuarly important in attracting and retaining younger generations to live in and improve our community. It is more than just perception that causes young folks to leave our communities...report abuse

Marc Pitman of Waterville, ME I'm so excited about the great things the Public Library is doing under Sarah's leadership. As a Waterville City tax payer, and a private contributor to the campaign, I really hope the City votes to contribute the full amount.

Being a regular library patron, I'm amazed at how many services the library provides to some of the most vulnerable people in our community. Services the city doesn't offer.

This really should be a no brainer.

I like the idea of the previous comment: perhaps all the city departments should be required to raise private support. I wonder how many others would be able to get to $600,000!report abuse

Kimberly LaMarre of Fairfield, ME First, the library is not asking for all the money they need, just part of it. Second, the library is a city owned property. It is about time the library was taken care of by the city. If the library has to raise private funds then the Public Works department should have to as well. They are both city departments. What about the school—why don’t they have to start a fundraising campaign for their renovations? The downtown area revitalization has begun and the library should be part of it. They are the biggest library in the area. A quick look up of statistics from 2006 show that there were 125,500 visits to the library, 128,750 items were taken out and there are13,659 registered library users. They offer many things including computers and free wireless access, movies and audio books, programming for all ages and, oh yeah don’t forget, the 93,622 books and other printed materials (6.26 items per person). The entire population of Waterville should have access to this resource, but the lack of an elevator severely limits a large population of this city. It is time the city stepped up to help fix that problem and make the library truly a resource for every member of the community.
Thank-you Sarah and the Waterville Library Staff for doing a great job!report abuse