December’s Director’s Note

As I write this, it is the day before Thanksgiving (so late this year!), and in the spirit of gratitude, here is what I am thankful for right now:

• On Friday, November 21, U.S. District Court Chief Judge for the District of Rhode Island John J. McConnell blocked the effort to eliminate the IMLS in a case filed by attorneys general from 21 states, including Massachusetts. It’s a huge victory for libraries, but the decision is being appealed, so we cannot let up on telling our legislators how important libraries are to communities.
• Also in November, the Massachusetts Senate passed An Act Regarding Free Expression, otherwise known as the Freedom to Read bill, and they passed The eBook Bill. Both bills still need to be debated and passed by the House, but we are grateful to their sponsors, Senator Cyr and Senator Feeney and to all of those who have contacted their legislators during this process to help support.
• The Friends of the Library, who did an amazing job with their annual fundraiser Falling for Art, and who never fail to support the library and library staff!
• YOU! The community of Manchester has time and again stepped up to support this library in myriad ways, and we cannot thank you enough!

As we move into the Holiday season, we invite you to stop in when you are out and about! Whether you come to attend one of the many interesting programs we have scheduled, to pick up movies or books to enjoy at home on cold evenings, or to sit in front of the fireplace to read the paper or work on a puzzle, we welcome you in!

Wishing you a fun and festive December!

-Cynthia Gemmell, Library Director