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Two local libraries seek modest budget increases as programs expand
Summary
Ashaway Free Library and Langworthy Library asked the council for small increases (Heather Field requested $1,000) to support expanded programming, accessibility improvements and the town's 250th-anniversary events.
Heather Field, director of the Ashaway Free Library, and Kristen Anderson, the new director at the Langworthy Library, presented their annual funding requests and highlighted rising circulation and community programs tied to the town's 250th anniversary.
Field said the libraries followed an informal convention of requesting modest increases every fourth year and that this year Ashaway asked for a $1,000 increase rather than a larger sum. She described monthly gains in circulation and new programs such as a children's book club and family events tied to summer reading.
Anderson explained that Langworthy's recent renovation will add handicap access to the community room and will allow the library to expand adult and children's programming. The two directors said they are pursuing local fundraising and partnerships (including a Scholastic book fair idea) to supplement town support.
Council members thanked the directors for their work and said they would consider the library requests in the broader budget review. No formal vote was taken at the meeting.
