Heather Alford, who is running for a seat on the Rochester Board of Library Trustees, said that she was excited by the “new energy” surrounding the library.

“I would love the opportunity to play a part in overseeing library activities and helping [Kristen Cardoso] to get her objectives accomplished,” said Alford.

As an executive board member of the Rochester Memorial School Parent Teacher Organization, Alford said she has learned how a board runs and how to effectively fundraise for a cause.

“You're working with different aspects and different groups and boards,” said Alford. “I feel that my expertise from going from the PTO will help me be able to work with these other groups.”

If elected, Alford said she hopes to help the library form programs for a variety of age groups including teenagers.

According to Alford, she would like to see step-by-step painting and mosaic workshops.

“I find that arts and crafts, no matter how old you are, are just fun,” she said. “I think that will bring a different age group. I think the library needs to look at not just the little kids, but also the tweens.”

Coogan said that she believes one of the library’s strengths is the accessibility allowed through the Southeastern Automated Integrated Library Services (SAILS) network. The SAILS network provides resource sharing through technology.

If elected, she said she hopes to improve the library’s advertising by “utilizing social media more to get the word out about what our library offers.”

When it comes to the issue of the removal of controversial books, Alford said that she has the “utmost faith in [Director Kirsten Coogan] making the best decisions regarding what books are available in the library.”

“I think she has great vision for a library and I think the library will only get better so the new residents of our town know what our little library has to offer,” she said.

Alford is facing challengers Jane Taylor and Sarah Verbyla for a seat on the Rochester Board of Library Trustees in the town election on Wednesday, May 24.