Local libraries seek legislators' support at annual breakfast
The fourth annual Southeastern Massachusetts Library Legislative Breakfast on Jan. 29 featured some familiar faces. Held at Lakeville Public Library, the purpose of the event was to bring together library advocates and state legislators to discuss issues affecting libraries.
State decision makers heard about programs and services provided by the SAILS Library Network, which includes Rochester, Marion and Mattapoisett. Tri-town library directors, Elisabeth O’Neill of Taber Library, Susan Pizzolato of Mattapoisett Library, and Gail Roberts of Plumb Library, were present and spoke to attendees about their collaborative STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) project named MOBY, or “My Own Back Yard.”
The project was funded in part through federal monies from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Sixth grade Mattapoisett resident Alexandra Macallister spoke of how using one of the snow-themed MOBY backpacks affected her wintery day. Alexandra explained how she explored her yard for an hour in the snow.
“I probably wouldn’t have done it without the backpack…kids’ experience with [a MOBY] backpack is a great inspiration to try something different and new...it’s amazing what all the libraries did for the kids and the families to come together as a group of people,” she said.
Public libraries in Massachusetts rely on state funding each year to provide resources to their communities, whether it is in providing high speed Internet for patrons to fill out government forms, in the physically delivery of library materials to neighboring libraries, or paying for rising utility costs.
Representatives from library organizations across the state spoke on the need to improve library funding, particularly state aid to public libraries and automated networks/library technology, and resource sharing.
During the breakfast, library advocates were urged to visit with legislators throughout the calendar year, and again at the State House on Library Legislative Day, March 8, to show public support for libraries across the Commonwealth.
