http://post.mainelymediallc.com/news/2012-06-22/Letters/Arundel_voting_result_means_change_in_library_poli.html
To the editor:
On behalf of the Kennebunk Free Library Board of Trustees, I want to
inform residents of Kennebunk and Arundel of a vote taken at the June 13
Arundel town budget meeting.
At that meeting, the town of Arundel voted down the article funding
the Kennebunk Free Library even though for years, the residents of
Arundel have had full access to library collections and programs for a
fraction of the contribution made by Kennebunk taxpayers.
Way to go Arundel! You're taking away our childrens' education and now you've taken away our free access to a public library. A TAMS teacher was quoted as saying that "they teach to the lowest common denominator because of the demographics of Arundel". It sucks to admit she was correct in saying this... I still can't believe that so many in Arundel are OK with this.
ReplyDeleteFree access to a public library? It isn't free, that is like saying education, town hall, public works, etc.are free. Funding the library has been of issue for many years. I see a lot of posts here of people angrily venting and not offering solutions. Having a library is important. Many things are changing in town. The Arundel Historical Society has two historical builings, why not utilize one of those buildings for a library?
DeleteThe solution was to fund the library, since people previously didn't have to pay $35 to borrow books or use the technology there.
DeleteThe fact that we can pay $25K to study marketing and branding for Arundel (what a waste, the town isn't going *anywhere*. EVER.), but we can't fund a freakin' library says all anyone needs to know about town politics, and the direction they want to head in the future: backwards.
I do not see any issues in investing in the future of our town. 75% of our annual town budget is invested in education, and another portion goes to recreation for Arundel children. Some may be upset at the vote, but everyone had the opportunity to attend the meeting, and any other meeting relating the budget. A little too late to be upset about it. Town meetings have been happening for 100's of years, and if people haven't figured out to go, and how to vote, and to know what they are voting on then that is just plain stupid and lazy. It's done and over with unless you want to petition the entire town to vote again, and you just may very well upset a lot of people, and it will just get voted down again, and the cause and effect will be more than you could ever imagine.
DeleteThere are many online opportunities for reading and research materials, maybe the Town of Arundel is ahead of the fixed cost of brick and mortar library's of the past.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.greatliterature.org/
http://en.childrenslibrary.org/
http://kids.nypl.org/reading/Childrensebooks.cfm
http://www.ipl.org/
http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/
That's terrific, BUT many people, especially our older and less fortunate residents, don't have access to a computer! Hence, the reason why they use a library. For those who do have home computers and can afford internet access, they also use the library to actually interact with other humans to improve social skills instead of becoming recluses.
ReplyDeleteThis just makes it more painfully clear that education is *not* a priority in Arundel. Way to screw over Arundel *and* Kennebunk, folks.
ReplyDeleteWhen does the Town Selectmen's term end?
GOOD NEWS BAD NEWS:
ReplyDeleteGood new is those families interested in using the Kennebunk "FREE" Library can continue by purchasing a library card:
Non-residents may register for a library card at an annual fee of $20 for 1 year or $10 for 3 months, which may include all family members. Please see Annual Fee information below.
1-year and 3-months will be calculated as of the date of registration not a set date.
Patrons may not check out materials with an expired non-resident card.
There is a $1.00 charge to replace a lost card.
BAD NEWS...Looks like the Kennebunk "FREE" Library has to modify their website and terms and definitions regarding Residents and Non Residents as posted:
http://kennebunklibrary.org/kennebunk/getacard.asp
Residents are:
Persons who own property and pay real estate taxes in Kennebunk, Arundel, Kennebunkport or Wells regardless of primary domicile; or
Persons who rent residential property in Kennebunk, Arundel, Kennebunkport, or Wells as their primary residence. This does not include persons who are seasonal renters; or
Employees of RSU21 or Heartwood College of Art regardless of residence.
Non-Residents are:
Persons who do not pay real estate taxes in Kennebunk, Arundel, Kennebunkport, Wells;
Persons who rent property on a seasonal basis e.g. Campground residents or seasonal beach renters.
Ah yes. Another kennebunk hater. Or pot stiring joke. I bet you support more kennebunk businesses than arundel businesses. I am sure since arundel voted not to fund the kfl, arundel will be moved off the resident list. Give it a rest. The vote is only a couple weeks old.
ReplyDeleteI guess we can all truck on over to saco to use the library there.
Here is a URL to a list of the 25 best places to read free books online.
ReplyDeleteread more...http://educhoices.org/articles/Online_Libraries_-_25_Places_to_Read_Free_Books_Online.html