You are asked to vote ‘yes’ on the Monroe Free Library budget referendum

Dear members of the Monroe community:

I am writing to ask for your “yes” vote on the upcoming Monroe Free Library budget referendum. We are asking for an increase of $45,000. I can assure you it will be put to good use.

Our dynamic new Director Amanda Primiano has many exciting ideas for upgrading our library’s resources. She has already put in place an educational program, Tutor.com, through which students are able to access help on a variety of subjects as well as connect with a live tutor.

An increased budget will enable the library to offer LinkedIn Learning, a resource that provides online courses in business, creativity and technology. With it we hope to reach out to sectors of the community that haven’t engaged with the library before.

These programs are, or will be, free to all MFL cardholders.

Besides that, the library staff is working on reinstating the Homebound Delivery Service, adding new programs and museum passes and making plans to use the back yard and newly sodded open space for community activities.

And a new video game lending program is up and running.

The library building was closed for much of 2020 due to COVID but library services continued. Patrons were able to select materials online and have them delivered to their car. Ebooks, audio books, databases and magazines could still be accessed through the library’s website. You were able to be educated and entertained and the MFL staff continued to be employed throughout the lockdown.

Recognizing that many of our residents were economically impacted by shutdowns in 2020, the library did not put up a budget increase last year. That makes it all the more urgent that you approve the 2022 increase so MFL can continue to offer the best library service possible and to continually upgrade its resources.

Research has shown that libraries are good investments. The concept of economies of scale supports my mantra, that libraries provide the “biggest bang for your tax buck.” With your computer on, MFL is open 24/7/365. Take advantage of it – any time you want.

The Monroe community has strongly supported the library in past votes. We’re counting on you to do it again. Vote “YES” for the library budget on November 2nd!

Patricia C. Shanley, President

Board of Trustees

Monroe Free Library