Bridgewater commission hears library lost certification, risking interlibrary loans

At the June 16 meeting of the Bridgewater Historical Commission, members discussed concerns that the town library has lost its certification because it does not meet minimum staffing requirements, threatening interlibrary loan privileges through the regional consortium.

A commission member said the loss of certification means patrons "can't borrow a library book from another library" through the system and would instead have to join neighboring libraries in West Bridgewater, Brockton or Taunton to use their cards. The member explained that maintaining minimum staffing is a condition of the consortium service that enables rapid access to holdings across participating libraries.

Commissioners and participants described active library programming, noting a recent event that drew roughly 35 attendees and that additional partnerships (including a planned American Library Association membership) could expand participation and create greater demand for staff time. "Why does the library always have to take the biggest hit, you know?" one member asked, expressing frustration about cuts and service impacts.

Members said the council would address library funding and certification at an upcoming meeting; one commissioner reported speaking to the council in support of library funding and the historical room earlier in the month. The commission discussed volunteer options and past volunteer support for circulation tasks as one short-term mitigation while staffing or funding is resolved.

The commission did not adopt formal action on funding at the meeting. The group closed with routine administrative items and a voice vote to adjourn.