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Library trustee candidates back expanded hours and 'library of things' as building reopens
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Summary
Library trustee candidates said the new Main Street library will add space, extend hours and introduce a 'library of things' lending program; both candidates also expressed support for established collection‑development policies and intellectual‑freedom principles.
Two library trustees candidates told the League of Women Voters forum that the town’s new Main Street library will expand hours and services and that trustees support clear collection‑development policies.
Mary Siegel (who said she uses the nickname Mim) and candidate Reichert described plans tied to the reopened library: an approximately 50% increase in space, four conference rooms (including an after‑hours room), more meeting rooms and a "library of things" program to lend non‑book items in partnership with the recycling commission and community groups. "There'll be a lot more options available, for the community in the building," Reichert said, noting the planned gradual increase in operating hours as population thresholds are met.
On book challenges, both candidates said trustees establish policy while the library director and staff handle collection development. Mary Siegel said the board supports the American Library Association’s freedom to read principles and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners’ guidance on intellectual freedom.
Candidates argued expanded hours and the new layout will support workforce development, entrepreneurship and intergenerational programming; they also noted that reopening schedules and phased hours are tied to official population triggers and project timelines.
The trustees’ conversation focused on service design and outreach rather than formal budget decisions; candidates asked voters to support the library project and ongoing fundraising and community advocacy.
