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Legislative
Breakfast, 2008
Libraries ~ Working for Massachusetts
See NMRLS Flickr site
for additional event photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nmrlsphotos/sets/72157604065659960/
Ellen Rainville,
J.V. Fletcher Library (Westford), Master of Ceremonies introduced
presenters to 74 attendees at the Pollard Memorial Library. Mayor
Edward C. Caulfield, City Manager Bernard Lynch, and Dora St.
Martin, Library Director provided the official welcome along with
interesting stories about the history of the library.
Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, Fifth District Massachusetts, and
a long-time library supporter spoke fondly of her years working with the
Pollard Library and noted many positive steps she has seen.
Maria
Lopez, Pollard Memorial Library User and Trustee, discussed her love
of books sparked by a childhood teacher. This affection has been passed
on to her children who brought home library books by the bagful.
Senator Stephen C. Panagiotakos, First
Middlesex, recognized the need for additional funding for libraries that
are getting along with insufficient funding. He described the Pollard
Library renovation as a great accomplishment, making it one of the most
beautiful public buildings in the Commonwealth.
Frank Murphy
Commissioner, Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
recognized two other attending Commissioners: Mary Rose Quinn and
Irving Zangwill. Commissioner Murphy thanked attendees for their
support and spoke about the large network of advocates among library
supporters and the growth in library use.
Cindy Schatz,
Massachusetts Library Trustees Association President, focused on the
fact that libraries are open to all and serve everyone in the
Commonwealth and called on attendees and legislators to “Invest in
Libraries.”
Kim Lynn,
President, Massachusetts Library Association President, described
libraries as a catalyst for economic development and reminded attendees
that library funding has been too low for too long and has not recovered
from the funding hits in fy2002-2003 like other line items in the state
budget.
We thank all of
our presenters, the staff, trustees, and friends of the Pollard for
their diligent efforts in making this a successful event, and the
Breakfast Planning Committee members who assisted the Library and with
publicity, see:
http://www.nmrls.org/about/committee.shtml#leg
We also thank the many Friends of Libraries
who provided
financial support to make this event possible:
http://www.nmrls.org/legislative-update/breakfast-supporters2008.pdf
Special Thanks to
the elected officials who were able to join us:
Mayor Edward C. Caulfield, Mayor, City of
Lowell
Bernard Lynch, City Manager, City of
Lowell
Congresswoman Niki Tsongas
Sen. Steven Panagiatakos
Rep. Thomas Golden
Rep. David Nangle
Rep. Thomas Golden’s Aide: Jennifer
Barrell
Rep.David Torrisi’s Aide: Kate Rozzi
Rep. Kevin Murphy’s Aide: Karen Moynihan
Rep. James Miceli’s Aide: Margaret Wilson
Sen. Bruce Tarr’s Aide: Barry Pett
Sen. Susan Tucker’s Aide: Joe Rich
See NMRLS Flickr site
for additional event photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nmrlsphotos/sets/72157604065659960/ |
