ROCKPORT— The Rockport Select Board and the Rockport Public Library Committee are holding an important workshop Tuesday, July 23, at 7 p.m. to discuss the future of the library's physical space. This workshop follows the completion of the three-year analytical study made possible by a $15,000 Davis Grant obtained by Library Director Molly Larson.

The grant allowed three phases of exploration: assessing community needs; evaluating the library's current site, including an engineering study to further develop that site; and, developing a conceptual design for a new library on an alternative site. The workshop, facilitated by Select Board member Geoffrey Parker, will be held at the Opera House (televised on Public Access Channel 22), and the public is invited and encouraged to attend (or at least watch on Ch. 22 or the DVD that will be produced).

Stephanie Kumble keeps an eye on Rockport municipal news in her regular column here.

The workshop is designed as the natural follow-up to the end of the grant process, to move forward using the information gathered to date. As the exploratory process came to an end, as with any "big change" proposals, the widely disseminated, complex information resulted not only in many unanswered questions, but also in a great deal of misinformation and conflicting representations, confusing and misleading many Rockport residents.

Because of the complexity of many of the issues relating to expanding the current site, Bill Naupier, Rockport Code Enforcement Officer, will be present to address and explain both the current local ordinances and the state and federal regulations regarding further development and expansion of the existing library site. In addition, a representative from engineering company Gartley and Dorsky will be there to present information about the engineering study of both the current building and the site. That presentation will include site maps, as well as the engineering structural analysis of the existing building in regard to expansion possibilities.

The workshop will be roughly divided into three segments:

Part 1: Historical Information (past 10 years), covering the evolution of the numerous components of the project;

Part 2:  Frequently Asked Questions, particularly as they apply to expanding the current site;

Part 3: Where Do We Go From Here?

One key goal of the workshop is to look at information currently being circulated in various venues, both about the reasons for the process and the results of the process. Basic information and statements presented as "facts" about the process — past, present, future — are all over the map and many are in direct conflict with one another.

Hopefully the workshop will at least, with the help of experts, separate fact from fiction in regard to the feasibility of expanding the current site, allowing the next process, "Where do we go from here?" to move forward.

For those interested in the almost 100-year history of Rockport Library, a basic starting point is this year's Annual Town Report with Anne Kilham's lovely rendition of the current building gracing the cover. Inside that cover is a wonderful one-page synopsis highlighting some of the historical facts about the Library (not just its buildings!), beginning with the 1929 founding of the Library Building Association with a $5,000 bequest. Follow that trail to the Library itself and ask to see additional materials tracing the 100-year history.

The library website will also lead you to a treasure trove of information about the current "Discover the Possibilities" process. Go to the Library home page and under news, Click on "Future Planning 2012-2013. That takes you to a synopsis of the past two years followed by three groupings: Library Documents, Other and Historical or Town Documents that contain numerous links covering numerous years for you to gather further/historical information.

In addition, "Frequently Asked Questions" is a link that appears under "News" on the home page and will provide information about questions your friends and neighbors are asking about the current process. Another fascinating link under "News" is the Maine Policy Review issue on libraries Vol. 22 issue 1, 2013, Libraries & Information. Going to that link and clicking on the PDF for specific topics relating to Maine libraries currently and for the future, from both philosophical and practical standpoints.

Published by the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center and the Margaret Chase Smith Foundation, the Maine Policy Review publishes timely, independent, peer-reviewed analysis of public policy issues relevant to the state of Maine. It is intended for a diverse audience, including state policymakers; government, business, and non-profit leaders; students; and general readers with a broad interest in public policy. We are blest to live in an age where accurate, reliable information is available with just a little work on our parts. Take advantage of what's available and stay up-to-date with the current Rockport Library process.

Municipal meetings, July 22 - Aug. 2

All meetings are at the Town Office unless otherwise specified and all are open to the public.

The Investment Committee will meet Monday, July 22, at 4 p.m.

The Select Board and Library Committee will hold a workshop Tuesday, July 23, at 7 p.m. at the Opera House, televised on Ch. 22 (see below).

The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet Wednesday, July 24, at 7 p.m. at the Opera House, televised on Ch. 22.

The Sewer Ordinance Committee will meet Thursday, July 25, at 10 a.m.

And, coming next week, Tuesday, July 30, at 7 p.m. there will be an important Select Board Workshop dealing with the Land Use Amendment. Music, music, music!

Grab a lawn chair and listen to music

The Masons' "Wednesday Lawn Concerts" continue Wednesday, July 23, at 6 p.m. at the Masonic Center , 361 Main St., Rockport, near Simonton Corners). The concerts are free and feature local groups who play for free (pass-the-hat donations). This week, sit back and enjoy the music of Midcoast favorites, Marlene Hall & Breakers Jazz Band. Take the family and a blanket and/or chairs. In addition to the great music, you may purchase a hamburger plate, or two hot dogs, which includes beverage, chips and a side dish for $5. You can also take your own picnic supper. FMI, call Jeff at 691-2270.

Belated congratulations

Time marches on and  a changing of the guard continues to happen in town departments on a regular basis. The most recent is within the Rockport Fire Department. Longtime Deputy Chief Charles Knight stepped down from his position following decades of service. But! He will continue to serve with the department. Thanks, Charles.

Former Assistant Chief Todd Philbrook, a longtime Rockport firefighter, was promoted to deputy chief. In addition, John Wickenden, another experienced Rockport firefighter, was promoted to assistant chief. Congratulations to both of you.

I found out earlier this spring just what an incredible fire department we have in Rockport. Not only are the members truly well-versed professional firefighters, they also manage to convey a personal concern and caring to the folks who have need of their services, no matter the reason. Hats off!

Blockbuster book sale

The Friends of Rockport Library's Annual Blockbuster Book Sale once again proved that when a large number of individuals and organizations work together, great results happen. Although not quite a record-breaker financially, this sale was one of the best ever with everything we've come to expect and more. One of the key comments heard over and over from book sale customers is how incredibly well organized everything about the sale is. Not by accident, folks. It's a year-long process, beginning even as the current year's sale closes.

I'd love to see a rough estimate of the number of volunteer hours that go into this sale, from the smallest contributions by the multitudes to the mega-hours logged by a smaller cadre of folks who work on a weekly basis sorting, organizing, boxing, storing going the thousands and thousands of donated materials.Although normally the press does a great job of noting the primary year-round players, somehow this year one stalwart volunteer, Friends Vice-President Martha Mitchell, Children's Sale Chairwoman, who worked with three other year-round sorters all year, was overlooked in thank-yous.

Martha wouldn't estimate the time she spent during the year and during the actual sale set-up and the sale itself, but having done her job for years, I can testify that it's lots and lots of hours, probably averaging eight to 10 hours/week. Thanks to each and every one of the volunteers, town employees, Friends' members, and Garden Club members who make this sale happen. In addition to the community good will the sale generates, the funds raised become part of the generous annual financial gift the Friends give the Library each year, last year alone, $13,000.