Community Support
As a young girl growing up in Tiverton, I have very fond memories of the Essex library. The librarians were so helpful to me and formative in teaching me the research skills that I would come to use for the rest of my life. Many degrees later, with more hours spent in libraries than I could ever count, I am a mother seeking to teach my children to be life- long learners. To this end, in the last three years, I have checked out 476 books from the library to read to my children. Because of this free and locally convenient service we have been able to pursue a search for fine children's literature, complete unit studies on subjects like the solar system, and annually read books on the four seasons and various holidays. I read to my children before they go to sleep and when they wake up groggy and just want to snuggle on my lap. I also read to them while they eat their meals and sometimes even conduct a "dinner theater" by singing the tune of the book or acting it out in the middle of the kitchen floor while they look at the big pictures in my hand. Having access to so many good books keeps reading interesting for me and for them. To think that a kindle or the internet could replace a local library would be a serious misuse of these technological advancements. My three year old is currently enjoying a three dimensional French pop-up book and my one year old is delighting in the different tactile sensations on every page of his book about autumn.
Last year we attended a weekly story hour at the library. I was motivated and inspired by the giftedness of the story teller as well as all his accompanying props to further illustrate the lessons of the stories. My son was able to handle dinosaur fossils, musical instruments from around the world, and complete a craft every week. Furthermore, it was an excellent opportunity for children and parents alike to gather together and socialize, learn from one another, and network together. I cannot imagine a community today raising the future leaders of America without a local library.
— Sincerely,
Molly (Black) Wainio, BA, RN, MPH, CNM, Mother
Fall River, MA
Last year we attended a weekly story hour at the library. I was motivated and inspired by the giftedness of the story teller as well as all his accompanying props to further illustrate the lessons of the stories. My son was able to handle dinosaur fossils, musical instruments from around the world, and complete a craft every week. Furthermore, it was an excellent opportunity for children and parents alike to gather together and socialize, learn from one another, and network together. I cannot imagine a community today raising the future leaders of America without a local library.
— Sincerely,
Molly (Black) Wainio, BA, RN, MPH, CNM, Mother
Fall River, MA
The Tiverton School Department has fostered a strong, decades-old relationship with the Tiverton Public Library, and our children’s education will benefit from the expanded collaboration that a new library building will make possible.
Programs that reflect our diverse heritage, traditions, and history that are being planned will enhance our civics curriculum at all levels. Students can get involved in the local history projects, such as oral/written/video history interviews with senior citizens and Pocasset Tribe members. The state of the art video-conferencing will allow for our students to link with others anywhere in the world in real time to work on mutual projects or share ideas from multi-cultural perspectives.
The teens will have space for homework, tutoring, and generating book reviews and online interviews with authors for the library’s “Strictly Teen” web page and blog. The Reading Programs for Grades K-12 that are held during the school recesses, after school, and in the summers are valuable in sustaining the literacy skills learned in class and fostering a love of reading. Last year the Children’s Summer Reading Program had 536 participants, the fourth highest in the State.
The new site is near Tiverton High School, Middle School and the largest Elementary School, making it easily accessible. The school-library relationship has strengthened the bonds with parents, which has resulted in a steady increase in library usage, and has underlined our commitment to a learning community that includes staring student, parents and community involvement.
I strongly support this application. In my professional opinion, a state of the art 21st Century Tiverton Library will provide significant educational advantages for our students.
— Sincerely,
William J. Rearick, Superintendent of Schools
Programs that reflect our diverse heritage, traditions, and history that are being planned will enhance our civics curriculum at all levels. Students can get involved in the local history projects, such as oral/written/video history interviews with senior citizens and Pocasset Tribe members. The state of the art video-conferencing will allow for our students to link with others anywhere in the world in real time to work on mutual projects or share ideas from multi-cultural perspectives.
The teens will have space for homework, tutoring, and generating book reviews and online interviews with authors for the library’s “Strictly Teen” web page and blog. The Reading Programs for Grades K-12 that are held during the school recesses, after school, and in the summers are valuable in sustaining the literacy skills learned in class and fostering a love of reading. Last year the Children’s Summer Reading Program had 536 participants, the fourth highest in the State.
The new site is near Tiverton High School, Middle School and the largest Elementary School, making it easily accessible. The school-library relationship has strengthened the bonds with parents, which has resulted in a steady increase in library usage, and has underlined our commitment to a learning community that includes staring student, parents and community involvement.
I strongly support this application. In my professional opinion, a state of the art 21st Century Tiverton Library will provide significant educational advantages for our students.
— Sincerely,
William J. Rearick, Superintendent of Schools
In 1820, a Subscription Library opened at Seabury Store in Tiverton. In 1846, Whitridge Hall Library opened on Lawton Avenue. In 1881, Garfield Hall Library opened at Main Road and Canonicus Street. In 1888, the Subscription Library was converted into a Free Public Library. In 1929, North Tiverton Library opens at Hooper Street and Main Road. In 1937, during the Great Depression, Lydia B. Essex bequeathed a new library to Tiverton. These
historical highlights show that our Town of Tiverton has always exhibited
the legacy of learning and supported equal access to the pursuit of
knowledge and intellectual and social growth in each and every corner of our
town.
November 8, 2011 will be our turn. On this day we will be asked to continue our support for our Public Library. It is this new Library or NO Library. The current one can only accommodate 17 patrons upstairs and 13 patrons downstairs in the Children's Section, and that includes staff, and is not handicapped accessible. This is absolutely unacceptable in a Town of 15,780 (highest growth in Newport County - 520 new residents since the last census). Tiverton is an amazing place to live and raise a family or retire.
Section 1 of the Rhode Island Constitution makes clear our State's long commitment to library services. It says, "The diffusion of knowledge, as well as of virtue among the people, being essential to the preservation of their rights and liberties, it shall be the duty of the general assembly to promote public schools and public libraries, and to adopt all means which it may deem necessary and proper to secure to the people the advantages and opportunities of education and public library services."
Please find it in your hearts and in your budgets to support the building of our new library, which will provide much needed construction jobs in our area! It will be our legacy for generations to come; a living, breathing space that will adapt to the future needs of our community; a place where our citizens of all ages can gather and truly be lifelong learners in our "Knowledge Based Economy".
— Sincerely,
Sally A. Black, Tiverton
November 8, 2011 will be our turn. On this day we will be asked to continue our support for our Public Library. It is this new Library or NO Library. The current one can only accommodate 17 patrons upstairs and 13 patrons downstairs in the Children's Section, and that includes staff, and is not handicapped accessible. This is absolutely unacceptable in a Town of 15,780 (highest growth in Newport County - 520 new residents since the last census). Tiverton is an amazing place to live and raise a family or retire.
Section 1 of the Rhode Island Constitution makes clear our State's long commitment to library services. It says, "The diffusion of knowledge, as well as of virtue among the people, being essential to the preservation of their rights and liberties, it shall be the duty of the general assembly to promote public schools and public libraries, and to adopt all means which it may deem necessary and proper to secure to the people the advantages and opportunities of education and public library services."
Please find it in your hearts and in your budgets to support the building of our new library, which will provide much needed construction jobs in our area! It will be our legacy for generations to come; a living, breathing space that will adapt to the future needs of our community; a place where our citizens of all ages can gather and truly be lifelong learners in our "Knowledge Based Economy".
— Sincerely,
Sally A. Black, Tiverton
The Union Public Library Association (UPLA) supports the construction of the new and innovative library building proposed for our community. We commend the dedicated and enduring effort of the members of the Tiverton Library Services Board of Trustees and library staff, the Tiverton Library Building Committee, the Friends of Tiverton Libraries, and the many volunteers and supporters who have contributed time and resources to provide Tiverton with a thoughtfully designed and easily accessible building that will serve all residents far into the future. We commend the vision and enterprise of those who have secured 78 percent of the funding for this new community-centered facility. UPLA looks forward to the many additional benefits and opportunities patrons of both libraries will enjoy once the new library has been built.
— Union Public Library Association Board
Barbara Martin, Lois Kane, Raymond Lundgren, Phyllis Rowland, Gayle Lawrence
— Union Public Library Association Board
Barbara Martin, Lois Kane, Raymond Lundgren, Phyllis Rowland, Gayle Lawrence
Raise your hand if you live in Tiverton and have visited the Essex Library. Now, if you've been to the Essex Library, you've met the wonderful staff, who you will also get to see at the new Tiverton Library, assuming voters approve the bond referendum Nov. 8. You've also squeezed through the very small cramped shelves for books, maybe tried to vie for some limited time on the few computers you'll find. Maybe you even attended a meeting in the very small reading room that doubles as a conference room. And, if you have children or are a young reader, you have had the opportunity to visit the small, cramped and somewhat mildewy (that happens when your space is below ground level) basement room where all of the books and materials for young readers are kept.
Don't get me wrong. The Essex Library is a beautiful building, a wonderful stone structure that on the outside is exquisite! On the inside, it just doesn't meet the needs of the Tiverton community any longer! At some point we simply have to accept that, for many good reasons, our town needs a modern library.
Our opportunity is at hand. The Tiverton Library Foundation, the Library Board of Trustees and the Friends of the Library have gone above and beyond due diligence in developing a plan that will give us a beautiful new and modern library that will serve all of the residents of our community for many decades. Not only have they designed a wonderful space, they have put together a financing plan which gives us a “green” library worth $11 million and Tiverton taxpayers will pay only 25 percent of the cost, or less than $3 million!
More books on shelves, safe and healthy space for young readers to call their own, room for special events, opportunities to bring small meetings and conferences to town which can generate income for the library and surrounding businesses – that's what you'll find in the new Tiverton Library. Networked computers for research and job searches. Programs to help the unemployed find work. More programs for older citizens. One more benefit – just like good schools, modern libraries are a draw for business to locate in a community. Healthy businesses know that an educated community that supports community infrastructure is one that thrives and grows and helps their business thrive and grow! Wow! What an opportunity we have!
On behalf of the Tiverton Democratic Town Committee, which voted overwhelmingly to support this important economic development project, I ask each of you to vote for the library bond referendum on Nov. 8!
— Mike Burk
Chairman, Tiverton Democratic Town Committee
Don't get me wrong. The Essex Library is a beautiful building, a wonderful stone structure that on the outside is exquisite! On the inside, it just doesn't meet the needs of the Tiverton community any longer! At some point we simply have to accept that, for many good reasons, our town needs a modern library.
Our opportunity is at hand. The Tiverton Library Foundation, the Library Board of Trustees and the Friends of the Library have gone above and beyond due diligence in developing a plan that will give us a beautiful new and modern library that will serve all of the residents of our community for many decades. Not only have they designed a wonderful space, they have put together a financing plan which gives us a “green” library worth $11 million and Tiverton taxpayers will pay only 25 percent of the cost, or less than $3 million!
More books on shelves, safe and healthy space for young readers to call their own, room for special events, opportunities to bring small meetings and conferences to town which can generate income for the library and surrounding businesses – that's what you'll find in the new Tiverton Library. Networked computers for research and job searches. Programs to help the unemployed find work. More programs for older citizens. One more benefit – just like good schools, modern libraries are a draw for business to locate in a community. Healthy businesses know that an educated community that supports community infrastructure is one that thrives and grows and helps their business thrive and grow! Wow! What an opportunity we have!
On behalf of the Tiverton Democratic Town Committee, which voted overwhelmingly to support this important economic development project, I ask each of you to vote for the library bond referendum on Nov. 8!
— Mike Burk
Chairman, Tiverton Democratic Town Committee
My name is Todd and I am a small business owner in Tiverton, RI. My company encourages new technologies and energy efficient products with all of our projects. It is Sixteen On Center’s belief that we can all take part to reduce our waste and consumption. We challenge ourselves to lead by example. I am happy to hear that the new Tiverton Library will be doing just that: showing an example of cost savings by utilizing advanced technologies and constructing smarter buildings. I look forward to getting more involved in our community and to learn from the stewardship of the Tiverton Library. It is setting a benchmark for our town to meet or exceed, and I think that is important for us to support.
— Todd Strunk, Sixteen On Center
— Todd Strunk, Sixteen On Center
Did you know that there are over 300 LEED-certified “green” libraries in the United States with many more on the drawing boards? LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is one of the nation’s foremost green building standards developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. In Rhode Island, certain size projects like this one utilizing public funds must adhere to a high performance, green building standard. Why? Because Green buildings generally consume less energy and natural resources, decrease harmful air emissions, minimize waste and water, increase occupant comfort through daylighting and improved indoor air quality, and otherwise, cost less to operate and maintain over time than traditional “stick-built” structures. Depending on the design and thoughtful integration of durable, quality materials and energy efficient heating, cooling and lighting systems, a green building can achieve significant return on investment, performing upwards of 30%-40% over existing building codes during its lifetime. Add to that other intangible value-added benefits such as increased productivity of workers, fewer sick days, and a building that doubles as a teaching/learning tool in terms of environmental awareness and sustainable, smart design.
Tiverton has demonstrated exceptional vision and responsible practicality in specifying a green library for its residents, students and visitors. The facility is sure to be a dynamic addition to the fabric of the community and an investment for the ages.
— Connie McGreavy, Founder and Board Member Emeritus, U.S. Green Building Council — RI Chapter
Conserve By Design LLC
Tiverton has demonstrated exceptional vision and responsible practicality in specifying a green library for its residents, students and visitors. The facility is sure to be a dynamic addition to the fabric of the community and an investment for the ages.
— Connie McGreavy, Founder and Board Member Emeritus, U.S. Green Building Council — RI Chapter
Conserve By Design LLC
There are many reasons why I support this library project and most have been well covered in this excellent website. Please let me add extra emphasis to these five:
First, please remember that these are infrastructure investments and will benefit our town for many decades with real brick-and-mortar results to show for it.
Second, please consider that Tiverton recently approved spending $30 million on three new elementary schools. This project asks less than one-tenth of that for a project that every resident in Tiverton can benefit from, and particularly those in need.
Third, the incremental cost of this project to our budget is small enough that it should not be used as another excuse to break the state property tax cap. If the voters approve, I will advocate for its cost to be absorbed into the regular budget as I continue to stand up for taxpayer protections under the state tax cap law.
Fourth, the library leadership has demonstrated its dedication to ensure that the entire Town, including those without cars, has access to library resources through a staff delivery service, and they are working towards further collaboration with our Senior Center for potential satellite service.
Finally, the leadership and efforts of this public-private partnership have been simply remarkable. It's not just the $9 million of outside money the allied library groups bring to the table. It's also the manner they've done it: A ten-year commitment of steady diligence and making the case in a thorough, honest, and straightforward manner while professional and attentive to all concerns and respectful of all voices. It's a much needed example of our Town at its best.
Writing this as one voice on the Town Council, a former Vice Chair of the Budget Committee, and an advocate for the Tiverton taxpayer, I feel this project is in our best long-term interests, and I applaud and support the fine example the trustees, staff, and supporters of the Tiverton Public Library, the Tiverton Library Foundation, and the Friends of Tiverton Libraries have shown, in both process and results.
— Rob Coulter, Tiverton Town Council
First, please remember that these are infrastructure investments and will benefit our town for many decades with real brick-and-mortar results to show for it.
Second, please consider that Tiverton recently approved spending $30 million on three new elementary schools. This project asks less than one-tenth of that for a project that every resident in Tiverton can benefit from, and particularly those in need.
Third, the incremental cost of this project to our budget is small enough that it should not be used as another excuse to break the state property tax cap. If the voters approve, I will advocate for its cost to be absorbed into the regular budget as I continue to stand up for taxpayer protections under the state tax cap law.
Fourth, the library leadership has demonstrated its dedication to ensure that the entire Town, including those without cars, has access to library resources through a staff delivery service, and they are working towards further collaboration with our Senior Center for potential satellite service.
Finally, the leadership and efforts of this public-private partnership have been simply remarkable. It's not just the $9 million of outside money the allied library groups bring to the table. It's also the manner they've done it: A ten-year commitment of steady diligence and making the case in a thorough, honest, and straightforward manner while professional and attentive to all concerns and respectful of all voices. It's a much needed example of our Town at its best.
Writing this as one voice on the Town Council, a former Vice Chair of the Budget Committee, and an advocate for the Tiverton taxpayer, I feel this project is in our best long-term interests, and I applaud and support the fine example the trustees, staff, and supporters of the Tiverton Public Library, the Tiverton Library Foundation, and the Friends of Tiverton Libraries have shown, in both process and results.
— Rob Coulter, Tiverton Town Council
Many in this town, including myself, do not use the Library because of work and family commitments. Simply because we do not frequent the library doesn't mean there isn't a dire need to upgrade the current facility. Please do yourselves a favor before the November election and visit the Essex Library and speak to the dedicated staff and view the operational conditions. No different than the ancient Fort Barton and Ranger Schools, which were recently replaced, the Essex Library is outdated, non-functional and in need of replacement. There would be little return on investing significant sums to upgrade the existing footprint due to lot size, parking constraints, ledge, and conformity to ADA and Fire standards. Community capital investments are very difficult to support, especially in these difficult financial times, but we simply cannot continue to ignore our assets when they no longer work for the community. Yes, the critics say that with the computer age and technology there isn't a need for a functional library. They are just plain wrong. There is a significant population in every community that does not have the resources to support a computer or internet services and they rely heavily on the local library for their personal research needs or reading pleasure. I know there are many elderly and youngsters in Tiverton who regularly derive great value from our local library. Please consider this proposal by seeking as much information as possible. I for one greatly appreciate the efforts put forth by the Library Building Committee and the Library Trustees. I believe the financial proposals on their web pages are fair and accurate. I support this project. For clarity purposes, the above is my own personal view and not a representation of the Budget Committee.
— Christopher Cotta, Chairman, Tiverton Budget Committee
— Christopher Cotta, Chairman, Tiverton Budget Committee
I whole heartedly support the Library bond. I believe that this is the focal point that our town needs to insure its growth and service to our residents. The Library Board should be commended for its insight, dedication and commitment to Tiverton.
— Ed Roderick, Tiverton Town Council
— Ed Roderick, Tiverton Town Council
There's not enough talk about how specific initiatives and programs can get us where we want to be in the future, but the library project is doing just that. A new library can contribute to economic and community growth. I just read a book that talked about the investment philosophy of Andrew Mellon during the first half of his career. It outlined how he would find companies or inventors with innovative products or ideas that needed cash and fund their creativity and then stand back and allow them to build and grow. It was almost universally successful and, so much so, that it led to the eventual creation of the Mellon Institute. The institute acted as a central resource for innovators, scientists, and inventors of the time to find intellectual, financial, and business resources they needed to create new technologies and methods in industrial science. A new library can serve a very similar function. We know that a library is not just a box full of books, but far, far more than that. It can be a catalyst for increased individual participation, a center for the exchange of ideas and knowledge on a local level, and Tiverton's own little incubator for innovation.
— Brett Pelletier, Tiverton Town Council
— Brett Pelletier, Tiverton Town Council
Modern small town libraries across the country are playing a vital role in economic development; lifelong education; exciting programs for children, teens, and seniors; meeting facilities for local businesses and organizations. Tiverton deserves to reap these benefits that other small towns across the US are already enjoying. An excellent return on investment for residents, countless studies show the ROI is $2 to $4 for every tax dollar invested in library services. Given the Trustees funding plan that delivers at $11.6 million facility to the Town for only $2.9 million, this is a fiscally sound investment — and one the State is committed to supporting.
— Rhode Island Senator Louis DiPalma
— Rhode Island Senator Louis DiPalma
As parents of three young children, the new library is something my wife and I stand behind one hundred percent. Our family has come to rely on Essex for so much over the years; it's almost like a second home rather than just a destination. The new library — with its expanded offerings and amenities — can only deepen that experience.
As a tax payer and advocate for environmental sustainability, it is the new library's LEED certified design that stands out. It is a progressive solution for a time in need of progressive ideas, with an eye towards the long-term viability of the project -- for both the community and environment. It is my hope that this design approach sets a new precedent for other building projects in town.
— Bill Gerlach
Parent, Tax Payer and blogger at The New Pursuit and Sustainable Sakonnet
As a tax payer and advocate for environmental sustainability, it is the new library's LEED certified design that stands out. It is a progressive solution for a time in need of progressive ideas, with an eye towards the long-term viability of the project -- for both the community and environment. It is my hope that this design approach sets a new precedent for other building projects in town.
— Bill Gerlach
Parent, Tax Payer and blogger at The New Pursuit and Sustainable Sakonnet
The Essex and Union Libraries are staffed with extremely helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable professionals, but the facilities themselves have become woefully inadequate for our town.
The new Tiverton Library will transform Tiverton. It will become a hub of community service and activity, offering expanded services to local businesses, clubs and organizations, children, teens, adults, the elderly, the unemployed, the retired - everyone. The new library will not only be a real source of pride for our community, it will play an active role in revitalizing and energizing it.
It is has been our great pleasure to produce the short video presentation: Transforming Tiverton, as our contribution to this worthwhile and necessary cause. Tiverton is a great place to call home and the people of Tiverton deserve this new facility.
— Bob & Renée Perron, South Coast Multimedia
www.southcoastmultimedia.com
The new Tiverton Library will transform Tiverton. It will become a hub of community service and activity, offering expanded services to local businesses, clubs and organizations, children, teens, adults, the elderly, the unemployed, the retired - everyone. The new library will not only be a real source of pride for our community, it will play an active role in revitalizing and energizing it.
It is has been our great pleasure to produce the short video presentation: Transforming Tiverton, as our contribution to this worthwhile and necessary cause. Tiverton is a great place to call home and the people of Tiverton deserve this new facility.
— Bob & Renée Perron, South Coast Multimedia
www.southcoastmultimedia.com
There are many things that set a community apart including institutions of higher learning; natural assets such as topographical beauty, water and recreational resources; vibrant school systems; and effective local government. These are not just quality of life characteristics. They are features that contribute greatly to the direction of future growth and Economic Development. Missing from this list is mention of the value of a comprehensive, modern library system.
Did you know that the proposed Tiverton library is a system and facility that is designed to assist in leading the town into its Economic Development future? In addition to conventional library services it is a business meeting facility; a management and employee training center; a business research and development center; an employment search facility; a local, national and international communication center; and much, much more. Having this facility available to the business community creates a path to enhanced personal economic growth and as an Economic Development resource it contributes to the town¹s regional competitive advantage.
The library is designed as a resource that sets the pace for effective community growth and compatible Economic Development. Anyone who has looked for a job, sought self improvement, considered starting or expanding a business, or has in any way struggled with future plans or the elements of community growth will be enabled by this facility.
— Leonard Schmidt, President, Tiverton Economic Development Commission
Did you know that the proposed Tiverton library is a system and facility that is designed to assist in leading the town into its Economic Development future? In addition to conventional library services it is a business meeting facility; a management and employee training center; a business research and development center; an employment search facility; a local, national and international communication center; and much, much more. Having this facility available to the business community creates a path to enhanced personal economic growth and as an Economic Development resource it contributes to the town¹s regional competitive advantage.
The library is designed as a resource that sets the pace for effective community growth and compatible Economic Development. Anyone who has looked for a job, sought self improvement, considered starting or expanding a business, or has in any way struggled with future plans or the elements of community growth will be enabled by this facility.
— Leonard Schmidt, President, Tiverton Economic Development Commission
I so look forward to the new library becoming the much needed community center that Tiverton lacks.
— Leslie Lindeman, Effective Marketing Strategies
www.LeslieLindeman.com
— Leslie Lindeman, Effective Marketing Strategies
www.LeslieLindeman.com
One of the missions of the Pocasset Wampanoag Tribal Council is to educate and inform the community about the rich history and culture of the Pocassets in Tiverton. The archival area planned for the new Tiverton Public Library will be able to make digital copies of historical information, documents, and artifacts that are in our hands and make them available to our Tribe, to Tiverton, and to the world.
— Daryl Black Eagle Jamieson, Co-Chair
— George Spring Buffalo, Chairman
— Daryl Black Eagle Jamieson, Co-Chair
— George Spring Buffalo, Chairman
The Tiverton Open Space Commission was established by Town Charter to manage Tiverton's open space properties, thereby preserving our local natural and cultural heritage. Two elements needed to meet our public outreach goals are a space for educational presentations and a centralized repository with digital archiving capabilities for the Town's extensive history. TOSC believes the new proposed library will meet these goals. We strongly endorse funding of this community-oriented library.
— Ginger Lacy, Chair, Tiverton Open Space Commission
— Ginger Lacy, Chair, Tiverton Open Space Commission
Space designed for children’s programming is what I look forward to most! I envision a children’s area bustling with expanded storytimes, book discussions, after-school workshops, crafts, holiday programs, and more, presented in a space designed especially for the children and families of our community.
— Janet Kosinski, Coordinator of Children’s Services
— Janet Kosinski, Coordinator of Children’s Services
The new Tiverton Library will benefit the community in many ways, offering meeting space and exhibit space available to the whole town. But most of all, it will expand all the good things we can offer to the town now — service, a broad selection of books, music, movies, etc, and guidance to their uses — in a pleasant and accessible environment.
— Jason Eckhardt, Circulation Assistant
— Jason Eckhardt, Circulation Assistant
Libraries in Tiverton have been grassroots efforts for nearly 200 years. We need this investment now. I've been part of the planning for 10 years to address concerns on energy, cost, maintenance, workflow, numbers of staff, water use, waste disposal. This project will put Tiverton on the map with the Library showing how smart investment benefits all of us. And this project asks us to commit only 25% of the costs — the cost of a hardcover book per family per year — or a cup of coffee a month.
— Kathy Ryan, President, Friends of Tiverton Libraries
— Kathy Ryan, President, Friends of Tiverton Libraries
The area really needs a community center with space for meetings, programs, tutoring, the arts and more. Tiverton lacks a decent meeting area for its citizens. This impacts the library’s ability to offer the town the wide variety of free resources we can provide. Libraries are not just about books, but content. The delivery system for the content may change through computers, e-readers and other technology, but the space needed for people to utilize that content remains the same.
— Prudence Fallon, Adult Services Reference Librarian
— Prudence Fallon, Adult Services Reference Librarian
I would love to see the library be a cultural center for our town which would encourage a sense of community, a place of shared learning for people of all ages. A library of today isn't just about books. It should be adaptable to music, theater, arts, as well as providing rooms for study, meetings, programs, presentations, computer access, download stations for eBooks; a balanced view of past, present and future striving to meet technology changes of the next 100 years.
— Sheila West, Circulation Assistant
— Sheila West, Circulation Assistant
While I am excited about all the great things that the new library will be able to provide for the citizens of Tiverton, as an 11-year employee of the library I tend to look forward to the little "day to day" things that we will be able to offer and improve upon...simple things like adequate parking, easy access to the building for seniors without having to climb stairs, modern restroom facilities, handicapped access to the children's area and restrooms, quiet areas where people can read a newspaper or a book or someone passing through the area can catch up on their e-mail, where students can study alone, with a tutor or in a group.
I also look forward to being able to host state library board meetings whichwill bring library employees from all over Rhode Island to our beautiful area, which will also provide an economic boost to local shops and restaurants.
— John Fitzgerald, Circulation Coordinator
I also look forward to being able to host state library board meetings whichwill bring library employees from all over Rhode Island to our beautiful area, which will also provide an economic boost to local shops and restaurants.
— John Fitzgerald, Circulation Coordinator
It is exciting to see the new library program coming together. With an accessible site near three of our schools; a handsome, energy-efficient, spacious building design that will be staffed at our present level; and a fund drive that is coming together nicely, we are on the move. Just think, the new library will provide more space for the 1,000-plus visitors we currently serve each week, with plenty of room for more folks and programs all on site. Let's get it done!
— Richard Bixby, Tiverton Library Building Committee
— Richard Bixby, Tiverton Library Building Committee