Trustees discuss upcoming closure

By Jason Poole

Reminder Correspondent

HAMPDEN The Hampden Free Public Library Board of Trustees met on June 15 to discuss to upcoming closure of the library on June 30.

The library will be closing due to budget cut backs after Hampden residents voted down a Proposition 2 1/2override.

"This is unprecedented, a library's budget has been cut, but never totally closed," Trustee Kathy Hutchinson said.

After it officially closes it doors on June 30 at 6 p.m., there will be a rally in honor of the library outside, weather permitting. The first minute after closure will be the first minute on the road to reopening, according to the Trustees.

At the rally, the Trustees and Library Director Ellen Bump will pass out flyers to people in attendance explaining how they can help to re-open the library. The flyer will encourage Hampden residents to stay updated on all the town issues and to vote in all elections. It also warns citizens to know the ramifications of their votes.

"People pretty much across the state are shocked by this," said Bump, of the library's closing.

Members of the Board also reiterated the fact that the library can remain open and certified only with a core budget from tax revenue provided by the town of Hampden. A library can't be certified with a budget consisting of only donations.

The Board discussed the progress of preparing the library for prolonged closure, such as taking inventory on all items, properly protecting books, locking up historical documents and books, and creating shelf space for all of the items being returned.

Employees of the library have already inventoried over 8,000 items, and still have approximately 22,000 more to go, according to Bump.

Creating shelf space for all the items has been a problem because there are usually many items that have been loaned out to library members.

A locksmith will install new locks on multiple doors and cabinets, and plastic tarps will be placed over books and computers to ensure they are in pristine condition if and when the library reopens.

Anyone who has borrowed an item from the library must return it by June 20 or they will be billed for a replacement cost.

The Board also discussed the amount of money left in the library's account and what would be done with it after the closing. There is currently $466 left in the account, and that amount should dwindle to almost nothing after purchasing the plastic tarps and other equipment to get the library ready for closing.

The Trustees will meet again on June 29 to finalize the closing procedures.