Letter from the Trustee Chair 2012

The Ideal Shutesbury Library

From the Library Building Program:

The Ideal Shutesbury Library

“Shutesbury residents have indicated that they like the friendly, welcoming atmosphere at the current library facility. As we move toward the future, LFNAC members recommend that the library maintains its small town atmosphere, while serving our growing population of active library users with a high quality library. LFNAC members continue to encourage suggestions from residents. Some strongly expressed ideas suggested the library should:

a. Be located in the town center (85.7% said very or somewhat important)

b.Serve as a community center, strengthening community in Shutesbury.

c. Offer more activities at the library.

d.Be visible to the community.

e. Be an architectural enhancement to the town.

f.  Be built with planning for the future in mind and that it last a long time.

g.Honor the town’ s history.

h.Reflect current thinking about ecology – i.e. have a southern exposure, be a “green” building, possibly include photovoltaic cells for electricity, and/or use solar or geothermal heating.

i.  Reflect the cultures represented in the community.

j.  Be a place that provides educational opportunities for the community.

k.Include a café or community center where residents can gather and socialize.

Patrons would prefer a larger overall space that could include community rooms that could be used for classes or groups (for example, a knitting group, the library book group, yoga classes, etc.) Any expansion of the library must match the unique character of Shutesbury, respect the town and library history, reflect the needs of the residents, and be mindful of the budgetary limitations of a small town. (library building program 2009)

We are willing to work for a shared vision of a future library.

May 8, 2013

Dear Shutesbury Friends and Neighbors,

In light of the extraordinary course of events surrounding the proposal for a new Shutesbury Library, we- Karen Traub-New Library Enthusiast, and Sharon Raymond-a resident who was opposed to the construction of the proposed library - have met twice with Greenfield mediator Karen Fogliatti as part of our commitment to rebuild connections, to understand each other's perspectives and to try to be the peace we want to see in the world. We agree that our 6 hours of discussion brought us an increase in our understanding and compassion. This letter is a summary of points of agreement and an invitation to others who may also benefit from a mediated discussion.

We agree that:

1.     Both sides experienced passion and intense emotions around the proposed library; we acknowledge the deep feelings of hurt on both sides.

2.     We hold a shared vision of Shutesbury as a “21st century community with some ‘old fashioned small town warmth” and acknowledge a sense of “us vs them” that we would like to see replaced by the kind of cooperation demonstrated during our 250th anniversary celebration.

3.     For the future of our town we share the values of

·       frugality and simplicity

·       concern for the well-being of the environment including making full use of existing resources and using local labor and materials when possible

·       inclusiveness in the decision-making process with continued outreach

·       preservation of our common heritage

·       events that nurture community such as gatherings and celebrations spiritual, intellectual, recreational and educational pursuits

4.     We acknowledge the volunteer hours that went into planning for a new library and we agree that the knowledge gained through the preparation of the grant proposal and the Library Building Program will be a valued contribution to discussions of a future library.

5.     We are willing to work for a shared vision of a future library.

If you are interested in participating in a future mediated discussion or making a donation toward mediation please contact Sharon or Karen. 

Respectfully and with hope,

Karen Traub karentraub@hotmail.com 367-9826

Sharon Raymond- sharon@simpleshoemaking.com 259-1748