Friday, March 21, more than 52 library supporters attended the final 2008 western Massachusetts legislative breakfast at the Jones Library. It was a blustery day for the first Friday of Spring, but the trustees, friends, librarians, local officials and legislators had many warm things to say about libraries and their value to their communities. Speakers included: Bonnie Isman, Jones Library Director; Chair Gerald Weiss of the Amherst Select Board; Lisa Downing representing the Friends of WMRLS; Rob Maier, Director of the MA Board of Library Commissioners; Commissioner Mary Rose Quinn; Jan Resnick, WMRLS; and Joan Kuklinski, C/W MARS. In the 'Telling our Stories' segment of the program, Jones Library Trustee Kathleen Wang told of how important the library was to her as a child. Yukun Jia, high school student, spoke of the value of the Jones Library English as a Second Language program tutors who were able to help her parents learn English which helped them find jobs in their new country.
State Senator Stan Rosenberg spoke of his support for libraries and his concern that a November ballot question to eliminate the income tax might jeopardize libraries and other community services. Representative Ellen Story commented on the many valuable services libraries offer and that their cooperation improves services and controls costs. Representative Kulik appreciates WMRLS efforts to bring high speed Internet access to the libraries in the 16 communities he serves, and he has seen those cars sitting outside the libraries taking advantage of the WiFi access provided through the project. Representative Scibak used the statewide databases from his home to prepare for the lengthy casino hearings held this week. All the legislators encouraged breakfast attendees to come to the State House April 2 and speak out for libraries. (Join us on the bus http://wmrls.blogspot.com/2008/03/library-legislative-day-take-bus.html).
~ Jan Resnick, Assistant Regional Administrator, WMRLS
State Senator Stan Rosenberg spoke of his support for libraries and his concern that a November ballot question to eliminate the income tax might jeopardize libraries and other community services. Representative Ellen Story commented on the many valuable services libraries offer and that their cooperation improves services and controls costs. Representative Kulik appreciates WMRLS efforts to bring high speed Internet access to the libraries in the 16 communities he serves, and he has seen those cars sitting outside the libraries taking advantage of the WiFi access provided through the project. Representative Scibak used the statewide databases from his home to prepare for the lengthy casino hearings held this week. All the legislators encouraged breakfast attendees to come to the State House April 2 and speak out for libraries. (Join us on the bus http://wmrls.blogspot.com/2008/03/library-legislative-day-take-bus.html).
~ Jan Resnick, Assistant Regional Administrator, WMRLS
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