December will bring the second anniversary of the resounding defeat of the proposed new library to be built near Mashashimuet Park. There's been a lot going on since then, with people who care about libraries, architecture, historic preservation and Sag Harbor Village signing up for committees, having discussions, doing research, and writing reports. As you probably already know, all this activity did not result in a different plan, only a better (they hope) approach to implementing the old plan. You can be forgiven if you did not find this process entirely engrossing, and have not gotten personally involved. I, on the other hand, work at the library, and couldn't escape it if I wanted to.
Which I don't. I believe libraries matter, but don't worry, I'm not going to preach at you. Here's the thing, though, if you also believe that libraries matter, it's now time to start getting involved. Here are two very important things you can do that are virtually painless.
- The first one is a two-parter:
- attend the Meet the Candidates Night Monday, September 11th at 7:00 p.m. (6:30 if you also want to hear about next year's library budget), in the auditorium at Pierson High School* and then
- vote in the Library Trustee Election on Tuesday, September 19th anytime between 9:00 a.m. and to 8:00 p.m. at the Library.
- The second thing you can do is to support the restoration of the 96-year old John Jermain building that is the current home of the library. You can do this very easily by buying a ticket or two for the "One For the Books," fundraiser which will entitle you to pick an author you like and have dinner in a private home thrown by and in the company of other people who also like that author. That's happening on October 14th and 21st. Tickets cost $100.00; eighty dollars of which will be used to help refurbish the Library's historic home. Invitations can be picked up at either of the library's circulation desks, or you may have even received one in mail. More details are available by clicking here.
(If you'd like to catch up on what's been going on with regard to the library expansion, you can read the full report of the Community Library Committee by clicking here.)
* If you do go to the Meet the Candidates Night, please make sure that each candidate is asked if they will support the conclusions and recommendations of the Community Library Committee. At this late date, anyone who is not prepared to support those recommendations (which have already been accepted by the Library Board), and work for their implementation, should not be elected as a trustee. That battle has already been fought. It's over. What the community needs now are trustees who are willing to work hard to make the CLC's recommendations a reality.
