Letter to the editor: Rockport library and the civic process

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 9:30am

It seems now that a very large group of Rockport citizens and Rockport Library patrons are being accused of somehow keeping people from voting on building a new library at the former RES West Street site. Our informal networking group, made up of more than 150 people from all over Rockport and the surrounding area, are all long-term Rockport library supporters and patrons who have over the past couple of years supported one very clear and positive idea: We feel that we should keep the Rockport Public Library at its current location and make reasonable and appropriate improvements to its building and site.

In a letter signed by 100 members of our group, which was sent to the Select Board this week, we ask that, before any further action is considered on the library issue, the board take a few constructive and positive actions towards our desired end;

That a comprehensive independent survey be taken of the entire town to gather real (and quantitative) data regarding all of the issues related to the future of our library.

That an independent and thorough analysis (by experienced professionals) be made of our current library with respect to making appropriate and reasonable improvements to its building and site.

That an extended (three-hour minimum) Select Board/Citizens Workshop be held to discuss all aspects of the library issue.

These are not actions meant to stop anything. These are actions meant to help us all find a better understanding of the true needs of our town and of our library.

We have consistently supported these types of useful and productive actions and at no time have we ever blocked or done anything to keep the public from participating in this important and honorable civic process. Please don't "spin" us into anything other than the concerned citizens that we are. We do feel strongly that we need to take a good hard look at what we are planning to do about our library and we feel that all of us need to work together to achieve the best result for its future.

 

Jim Ruddy lives in Rockport.