The recent article on the South Hadley libraries was very nice (“South Hadley, Gaylord libraries bring merger plan to Town Meeting,” Dec. 28.) However, the words “integration,” “merge,” “partnership,” and “shared” are misleading.
In reality the town, via the South Hadley Public Library, is taking over complete control of the Gaylord Library. It is taking over the books and collections. It will not guarantee any level of service and it has complete freedom to eliminate service as it sees fit.
All the Gaylord has left is its building, which the town will use on a year-to-year basis and never pay rent. To make matters worse the Gaylord has to maintain the structure and cannot even use the building without the town’s OK.
The town admits is does not know what the cost to the town may be. Conservative estimates project an increase of over 300 percent compared to the small assistance the town has been providing.
But things get worse. If Article 22 passes, donations will dry up, volunteers will be harder to find, the building will drain any remaining endowment funds, momentum will be lost and the Gaylord will lack funds to restore service if the town walks away.
Vote no on Article 22 to save the Gaylord.
If voters reject this article, both sides will have time to gather professional help and find workable solutions that will achieve the same results, for less money, with a guaranteed levels of service. Residents, please call your Town Meeting members.
David White
South Hadley