As past Chair/Member of the Cranston Public Library (CPL) Board of Trustees, I ask that Cranston residents vote to “APPROVE” Question #10. Passing Question #10 will give CPL the authority to bond up to $1.2 million dollars to finance much-needed and long-overdue capital repairs to aging infrastructure at CPL’s six branch locations.

Proposed projects include two new roofs, repairs to parking lots and sidewalks, upgrades to phone and network wiring systems, and installation of energy-efficient lighting. Many of these systems are at the end of their useful lives and beyond temporary fixes. Upgrades are desperately needed to avoid catastrophic failures of existing systems.

Being one of Rhode Island’s largest and busiest library systems, CPL offers something for everyone: books, e-books and e-readers; multilingual media; computers and printers; programs for all ages; job training resources; ESL and citizenship classes (childcare provided); delivery services; and quiet space for studying and tutoring. Additionally, CPL partners with organizations to provide services for the general public, including document shredding, museum passes and concert series. No discussion of library programs and services would be complete without mentioning CPL’s experienced and knowledgeable staff, which, with their professionalism and commitment, is truly the backbone of CPL’s existence.

Despite funding cuts, CPL has seamlessly met challenges of an increasing demand on its services. CPL’s ability to accomplish more with less is due to exceptional management leadership; adherence to sound fiscal management practices; oversight by a committed (volunteer) Board of Trustees; and again to the dedicated CPL staff, which works (often volunteering time and money) toward a singular goal of serving the public.

In considering a vote on Question #10, a frequently asked question is, “What will be the fiscal impact/cost of passage on taxpayers?” In this case, the answer is “negligible.” Though – since we all benefit from having an educated, informed and enfranchised population of self-supporting and contributing members – perhaps we should ask instead, “What will be the fiscal impact on/cost to taxpayers if our libraries cease to exist?”

In light of all that CPL provides, for many, consistently, and on a comparatively small budget, I ask and urge Cranston residents to support the Cranston Public Library on November 4, 2014 with a vote to “APPROVE” Bond Question #10.

Nancy M. Davis is a Cranston resident, library user and supporter and past chair/member of the Cranston Library Board of Trustees.