Legislative Breakfast - 2008
Libraries: Working for Massachusetts
Pollard Memorial Library in Lowell - March 7, 2008
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/
