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“How can I help?”

We have been asked this question so many times in the last few months!

All Thomastonians are aware that the financial situation in Thomaston, the State of Connecticut and around the world is dire. The Boards of Finance and Selectmen were forced to make drastic cuts to the library’s budget in order to “balance the books” and make living in Thomaston affordable for all citizens. As a result, the library’s budget was decreased by $30,000 and an additional $16,500 was not re-instated as expected.
With a total budget reduction of $46,500, our library is currently being funded at the 1998 level. I don’t think I have to tell you how much the cost for all utilities, books, and other library materials has risen in the last 11 years!

But, time and time again the residents of Thomaston have come to us and asked how they could help. The Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation has contributed $2,000 for the purchase of books; David LaManna of Thomaston Insurance has contributed $3,000 and has pledged an additional $2,000 more! Several citizens - Lizz Weeks, Helen Sanderson, Fred Cook, Tina Molliconi and Kathy King, Julie Hood, Victoria Kallsen and Anne DeCarlo, Barbara Saska and others have all volunteered hundreds of hours shelving books, supervising children’s programs and helping to do tasks that were previously done by the now laid off part-time staff.

And several citizens have donated their time and talent by offering programs for adults and children. Linda Mitchell held two writing programs for students; Carol Silver held a drawing class for children; Beth Fontaine has scheduled two programs this fall on enhancing adult memory and Audrey Eckert and a small army of local knitters taught a how to knit class for a large and enthusiastic group.

All of this has helped… and you can, too. Below is a list of things that you can do to help library staff and volunteers.

· Use you library card- it saves time if we do not have to search for your name in the computer.
· Try looking up titles on the public access computers before asking a staff member to help you find a book.
· Be patient- with less staff the lines to check out are longer.
· Bring your materials back on time- this will save time if we do not have to call you or send an overdue notice.
· Become a library “Friend”- our annual appeal is coming soon.

Everyone can help! If we all work together, we can not only survive in this economic downturn but thrive. Help us continue to provide excellent library services for all of the citizens of Thomaston.

Thanks for your help-

Debra Radosevich, Librarian

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