Remember how we threw $1,000,000 at the former Rockport Elementary School, trying to keep it going with additions and trailers? That didn't work, and the building was ultimately torn down at additional expense.

Why do we want to repeat this process at the current library site? That building has multiple problems and may require razing to build at a much higher cost than the purported $500,000. And we would still be left with a dangerous intersection, inadequate parking, and inaccessibility for many residents, both young and old.

This is our opportunity to build a terrific new library at the RES site, a center for lifelong learning to serve all ages and multiple interest groups, both now and for generations to come. The property is owned by the town and is easily built upon. It's a location accessible to everyone throughout Rockport with ample parking for both the library and the playing fields. It can be a single story without the expense of stairwells and elevator; and it can be built to energy-efficient standards. As for design, there is no reason a new library can't exude the New England charm we all love. In fact, everyone can contribute ideas about how the building should look and what functions it should serve.

With expected donations and fundraising efforts, the likely maximum increase in property taxes would be around $50 per year, an amount easily thrown away on expendable items. This is our chance to be involved with building a new Rockport Library at a perfect gateway site — one for the benefit of all, including our popular library staff.

Don't cling to the past and end up paying a higher price in the long run.

Vote for a new library on the RES site! Vote YES on Questions 8 and 9!

Ames Curtis lives in Rockport.