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To the editor:
The Friends of the Abbot Public Library urge the Marblehead community and its leaders to prioritize funding of our library in the upcoming budget.
Our library continues to be one of Marblehead’s most cost-effective assets. With a budget of about $1.5 million, it provides over $5.0 million annually in direct economic value to residents including: physical books, digital and audio books, interlibrary loans, museum passes, special programs, classes and workshops and public meeting room space. It also offers resources for everyday living, e.g., job search, student research, tax assistance, early childhood literacy and eldercare.
Our brand-new facility is home to a growing number of community groups including book clubs, garden clubs, cookbook clubs and moviegoers. Also, the Friends operate the Sail Away Book Shop, which sells a variety of good quality books at a discount.
When we fund the library, we are investing in the lifelong success of every resident. Cutting these funds would save very little in the short term while costing our community’s future dearly.
We encourage Marbleheaders to voice their support for our library at the next town meeting. Let’s ensure this essential resource remains open and thriving for everyone.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Waslov, treasurer of the Friends of Abbot Public Library
Haley Road
