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Massachusetts Network Revokes Residents’ Borrowing RightsFour members of the Old Colony Library Network, a consortium of 28 Boston-area libraries, have cut off borrowing privileges for residents of Randolph because the town’s Turner Free Library failed to meet state standards. The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners revoked the library’s certification January 4 and pulled $30,000 in associated state aid.Currently the library is open 40 hours a week and never later than 5 p.m., which is 23 hours short of the state funding requirements for towns of Randolph’s size. As a result of the certification loss, OCLN members may rescind Randolph residents’ borrowing rights—an action already taken by trustees at Abington, Avon, Milton, and Rockland public libraries. Randolph voters last June rejected a tax increase that earmarked $141,800 for the Turner Free Library, which led to staff layoffs and a $503,367 budget cut. However, a petition signed by 4,000 residents in support of increased library funding was presented at a January 22 town meeting. “I don’t mind paying taxes to keep the library open,” said resident Valentine Nnadi in the January 23 Quincy Patriot Ledger. “We’re cutting the things that make us proud.” Randolph selectmen are expected to decide February 5 on a Proposition 2 1/2 tax increase override for the March 27 town election. Library Director Charles Michaud estimated that $163,000 is needed to meet state requirements, which would amount to less than $14 a year in taxes on a $324,000 home. “We need an override,” said board member Paul Connors. “It’s the only way we can save the town.” Posted February 2, 2007. |
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