Wayland Hosts Library Legislative Breakfast

Libraries saw a lot of love when supporters from Wayland, Sudbury, Maynard, Stow, Acton, Marlborough and Westborough enjoyed a “Library Legislative Breakfast” on Friday, March 8th at the Wayland Free Public Library.  In addition to bagels and pastries, the event featured remarks from library leaders and state and local officials.

Wayland Library Director Chris Lindquist, who helped welcomed everyone, noted that libraries need to remain vigilant in defending against the recent spate of book challenges at school and public libraries across the nation, even here in Massachusetts, and that Intellectual Freedom and the Freedom to Read are fundamental rights.  Wayland Town Manager Michael McCall shared his enthusiasm for the library and celebrated it as an institution that serves everyone regardless of income or background.  Aida Gennis, Chair of the Board of Wayland Board of Library Trustees, noted that the library–supported not only by local taxpayers but by state aid–is a cornerstone of democracy, providing the tools for participation in civic life. The Wayland Library has used state aid to purchase mobile book shelving in the Children’s Room, furnishings for the Library, giving life to the words that the library is the “community’s living room,” and most recently, to pay for a new website that allows patrons to access the library’s electronic resources and other remote services.

In a heartfelt speech, Wayland native and resident Amy O’Donnell expressed the gratitude she and her five children feel for the library.  For them, it’s a place to meet people in the community and take advantage of educational and entertainment opportunities. Her family’s engagement with the library evolved as they grew from being babies at storytime to her daughter completing her Girl Scout gold award by building a storywalk.  She also hosted story and craft sessions with the guidance of the librarian.  Said O’Donnell:

“This place does it all and it does it for everyone on every level….I was a kid here, I brought my kids here, now my kids are teaching the next generation of kids and that’s really special and not something you can find in so many places.  We can put our heart and souls into new buildings and improvements and whatnot but…the people here are what make this place special.”

Senator Jamie Eldridge was grateful for colleagues who have filed legislation supporting intellectual freedom and resisting book bans, sharing his direct experience with book challenges in his own town of Acton. He encouraged everyone to maintain the long-term investments in our libraries by supporting the legislative agenda:

“Libraries are so much a place where people come together in the community…to meet and discuss different issues.  It’s often sometimes difficult to find a place in certain towns or cities where people have that meeting space to…make progress in their community.  Library meeting spaces really provide a critical role with that.”

Representative Carmine Gentile talked about the library as an educational institution where people can learn whatever they want. “Libraries have such a vital role in complementing the work that we do in school.”

Representative David Linsky shared his love for the Natick library where he grew up. He reads 1.5 nonfiction books/week and puts forthcoming books on hold via the library’s apps.  Rep. Linsky was proud to co-sponsor all of the Freedom to Read bills currently in the legislature.  Over the course of his career, he has helped to re-open the Natick, Sherborn, and Millis libraries after their renovations, and expressed gratitude for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners’ (MBLC) building program.

Michele Eberle, a consultant for the Massachusetts Library System, explained that the MLS is a non-profit funded by the state that supports over 1500 libraries in towns and schools across the state, championing equity of access to information for all.  One way it does so is to manage statewide delivery of books between libraries.  The MLS also funds databases and ebook collections for schools, and provides training, professional development, and advisory services to libraries.

Finally, Karen Traub, representing the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, shared her love for libraries. Donning a tricorn hat, she cited Ben Franklin’s founding of the first free public library in America, located in Franklin, Massachusetts, and shared her “wicked pride” in our Massachusetts libraries. The MBLC is made up of nine commissioners appointed by the governor, and supported by “an amazing staff,” who work to organize, develop, and improve library services in the state. Ms. Traub encouraged the audience to support the MBLC’s 2025 Legislative Agenda (mblclegislativeagenda.com/), which will fund state aid to libraries, the Mass. Center for the book, the Talking Book program, and the work of the MBLC in support of all Massachusetts libraries. In addition, she urged everyone to share their support in conversation and social media because “free people read freely.”