Value provided by the Amherst Library

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

To the Editor:

As voters consider the services provided by the town and the level of taxes needed to support those services, the trustees of the Amherst Library would like to offer some information about the value of those library services provided to our residents.

The total circulation of all classes of materials increased by 13 percent last year and since July we have seen a 20 percent increase. This is an amazing increase considering that historically the circulation increase is between 2 and 4 percent per year. And we had nearly 200,000 patron visits last year, including 2,300 people who attended our adult programs. Perhaps it is because of the current economic conditions that residents are taking advantage of the many opportunities to save money by using the library. Instead of buying that latest bestselling book for $25, borrow a copy from the library. Do your children have a Nintendo DS or Wii? Then save some money by borrowing a game before buying one for $50. Rather than spending $10 to $12 per person to visit the Currier Gallery or the Museum of Science or seven other museums, reserve a museum pass.

Looking for a new job or finding some ancestors? Our reference librarians provide professional service to help you in your search. Use the library’s subscription to ancestry.com and save the $20 a month membership fee you would have otherwise had to pay for genealogy searches.

We have nearly completed a private fund-raising activity to pay for the re-carpeting of the downstairs of the library where the Children’s Room is located. This $19,000 projected will be completed without expense to the taxpayers thanks to the support of the Bean Foundation, the Friends of the Library and other community groups, and over 100 individual contributors. Due to your support, Amherst will continue to have a library that adds to the market value of your property.

DON HOLDEN

Chairman, Amherst Town Library Board of Trustees