Support the Tolland Public Library Proposed Expansion Plan

As a 20-year resident, community volunteer and parent in Tolland, I am writing to urge residents and the town council and residents to support the proposed Tolland Public Library expansion plan. One of the fundamental purposes of a library is to be a free place where people can access and share information. There has been an information explosion with the quantity of data and new products available, both digital and print. Libraries are evolving from book warehouses to community and cultural centers where patrons can collaborate on projects, seek professional assistance to navigate information overload, participate in community programs and use technology for job seeking, reference and entertainment. Statistics show attendance at Connecticut public library programs is on the rise. In 2012, circulation was 99.8% printed items and 1.2% electronic materials. Pew Research Center survey results show that an overwhelming percentage of respondents say public libraries are important to their communities; borrowing books and free access to computers and the Internet are very important services, and libraries are valued as community meeting places. Tolland Public Library is undersized according to state guidelines. The program room is too small to hold the demand for popular programs, and there are no quiet rooms to study, tutor or meet. Our town manager has proposed an expansion of the library into currently unused gym space without placing an undue tax burden on residents. More than $1.5 million in grants has been identified that could offset the $2.6 million cost of the project. The proposed library expansion project will allow additional space for patrons to browse books and other media, access free computers, do research, hold meetings, attend programs and gather. The expansion plans also include an elevator that will make town hall accessible to disabled residents and visitors. I urge town residents to speak out in favor of the project at the May 28 town council meeting at 7:30 p.m. at town hall. Come to the meeting and ask the town council to let all of the town’s voters decide whether to fund this important project. Linda Byam Tolland The writer is president of the Tolland Public Library Foundation board of directors but is writing this letter as a private citizen of Tolland.