First-time candidate Jane Taylor has thrown her hat in the ring for a seat on the Rochester Board of Library Trustees.

Taylor said she has over 50 years of experience in education including 23 years as an early childhood coordinator in the Old Rochester Regional School District. There, she worked to develop a program called “grow” which aims to integrate special education students into classrooms with general education students.

“Through that work in the district I was able to develop a strong connection with and understanding of the needs of Tri-Town children and their families,” she said.

Taylor said that her involvement with the library began when she first moved to Rochester. She used used library resources to research her home.

“I remember early on when the new Plum Library was opening, moving the books from the town hall over to that library with a bunch of volunteers,” she said. “So my involvement with the library goes back a long, long way.”

When it comes to the topic of removing controversial books, Taylor said that she encourages family involvement when selecting books.

“I feel that children's values and understandings come from their families,” she said. “I really feel that it's in the hands of families but that the library is for all people, and so it should serve all people.”

Taylor said that one of the biggest issues that the library is facing is a decrease in patrons and program participants.

“I [am] thinking of creative ways to bring whatever services people feel they would like to see out into the community in different ways other than coming into the library,” she said.

Taylor said that she hopes to explore more opportunities for library patrons to be involved virtually.

“The development of technology, from my perspective, is explosive,” said Taylor.

As a long-time Plumb Library patron, Taylor said that she hopes to see the welcoming atmosphere of the library continue.

“It's a place where people in the community can come together,” said Taylor.

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