Woolwich and Phippsburg voted last week to fully fund their share of the Patten Free Library.  The funding issue, while never a sure thing in any year, was cast into even greater doubt this year after the dismissal of children’s librarian Nyree Thomas in September, and after Woolwich town leaders could not get information they requested about that town’s patrons.  This decision by the people of Woolwich and Phippsburg demonstrates that, even though anger may remain about these issues and others, the towns are unwilling to sever ties with a library that has served them well for so many years.  The people of the towns that have voted so far want a quality library for themselves and their children, and are willing to pay for it.

The Coastal Journal welcomes the funding votes, and hopes the remaining towns will also vote for full funding.  Libraries are often the only resource low-income residents have for internet access, and access to books and periodicals.  They are often the best resource for students.  They are a terrific resource for local history.  All members of the affected communities should continue to support the library, by using it, donating used books, joining the Friends, and participating in the cultural activities the library offers. 

They should also continue to hold the library accountable when actions, like the Thomas dismissal, simply don’t “smell right”.  The library should expect - and indeed, welcome - greater public scrutiny in the coming years. 

For now, however, it is time for the six towns of the Patten Free Library to join together and work with the library to help it develop processes that meet the public’s need for transparency on the Board of Trustees, Corporators, and management, as well as programs that meet the needs of patrons and children for educational quality and entertainment.