To the Residents of East Longmeadow:
The East Longmeadow Public Library construction project has been controversial through the years, but compliments have been in abundance since the doors opened to the public last February. Upon its unveiling, the library was inundated with curiosity seekers, as well as those who came to use the library’s services. Eventually, the daily attendance dropped to manageable levels while the amount of various library services provided continued at a high rate.
The amount of activity continued its upward trend as the year progressed. Registrations for new library cards soared by 200% over the same period in FY2002, when the former library building was still in operation. By measuring the circulation of new Young Adult materials, it was evident that teen usage of the library increased as well. Tracking the number of people using the library’s public computers indicated that computer usage also experienced an upward trend in usage. The various children’s programs and story times the library offered were always filled to capacity. This situation led to thoughts regarding how to best provide additional children’s programs in order to accommodate others who would like to participate on a more regular basis. The library’s new Community and Conference Rooms, located on the first floor, each saw use on an almost daily basis for meetings. Two study rooms on the second floor also saw use by individuals who wished to have a quieter place to read or study. While the increased activity at the library has been a welcome sight, due to budget constraints, staffing on weekends and in the evenings very often does not provide an adequate level of service for library patrons in need of assistance.
On May 8th the long-awaited “Official Grand Opening” celebration took place. In attendance were John Arnold, Chairman of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, State Senator Brian Lees, State Representative Gale Candaras, Board of Selectmen Chairman Gary DeLisle, and Selectmen John Claffey and Jim Driscoll. Along with other town representatives, family and friends, many volunteers were on hand to assist with a variety of programs presented throughout the day.
October came upon us quickly. Staff and dedicated library patrons came to say good-bye and to extend good wishes to two veteran library staff members. Betty Darsigny, Senior Library Assistant and Library Director, Gloria Carver, each retired after having provided more that twenty years of public service to the community. Their last scheduled days of work were just one week apart. The situation was not going to be easy, but as they have done so many times in the past, the library staff pulled together and kept the library going in full operation while they waited anxiously for their new director to begin her tenure.
On November 1, 2004, Susan M. Peterson joined our library team as the new Library Director. Her 27 years of experience in both academic and public libraries, including the director’s position at three previous libraries, are an asset both for our staff and this community.The transition for everyone seems to have gone smoothly. Goals have been achieved, but new ones are already being developed.
The Board of Library Trustees wants the community to know that with the completion of the construction project and the focus now shifted to the operation of the library, we are interested in any comments, be they positive or negative ones. We take our elected duties seriously and our intention is to provide the best public library service possible for this community. Your input is encouraged and always welcomed.
In conclusion, the Trustees wish to thank the many individuals and groups who have helped make your new library a reality. It is your support that has helped us achieve this goal.
Respectfully submitted,
East Longmeadow Board of Library Trustees: Diane Tiago, Chairperson
Shirley Herrick Virginia Robbins Maxine Connor Cheryl Shields Carol Munro