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To the editor:
The Driftwood Garden Club (Driftwood Garden Club) wishes to express its sincere disappointment that closing or partially closing the Abbot Public Library (Abbot Public Library) is even being considered as an option to balance the town budget. Due to our long-term partnership with the library, we can provide a unique perspective.
Closing the doors of the Abbot Public Library would also close the doors for Marblehead residents to enjoy the gardens around the building. Views of the courtyard garden would be through the bars of two steel gates. Residents would lose the opportunity to bring children to Story Hour in the courtyard during summer months. For 36 years, the Driftwood Garden Club has maintained the gardens around the library. We have a vested interest in keeping the library open and the gardens visually attractive for the community to enjoy. As a nonprofit we are filling a gap where town resources are limited, as in maintaining public properties.
Over the years the Driftwood Garden Club has participated in and responded to two major building renovations: the first in 1990 and the second and most recent in 2022-2024. The Driftwood Garden Club provided funds for the construction budget earmarked for the new plantings around the building.
Our current library administration has been devoted to updating the library to provide residents with a vibrant modern interior space, complete with the latest technologies. The library administration has a vision to advance a long-term strategic plan that will best serve the community.
With the building renovations and the new landscape, the library has become more than a place to borrow books. It is a popular, heavily used public facility that provides meeting locations inside and outside. During Driftwood Garden Club member workdays at the library, patrons stop to chat with us while coming and going, carrying books, museum passes and small children. The library is one of the only places in town which is free for all and connects us with libraries throughout the state. We are fortunate to have a library that is well-managed, widely used and deserves to be properly funded for the benefit of all residents.
On behalf of the Driftwood Garden Club,
Barbara Saraceno
Driftwood Road
Kathy Bradford
Power Terrace
