SuttonHighNews conducted an interview with each candidate running for an office. Our goal is to provide a more comprehensive look at each candidate so voters can make an informed decision.
SuttonHighNews is not endorsing any candidate. The interviews are being released in a random order with no intent to give anyone more or less time.
All candidates were given the questions in advance. We asked the same questions, in the same order, to each candidate for a particular position.
Q: The Budget: If the library received a surprise amount of money, what would you spend it on? Why?
A: Since I’m not familiar with what the Library staff & users have as needs/priorities/wish lists, it’s hard to say. I think of books, perhaps ones – Adult/Children – that have longer wait lists for “Holds”. Also, are there magazines, periodicals, audiobooks that are requested but not owned/available to the Library? I know we have a Library of Things but am not familiar with this. Perhaps there are programs/events the Library staff/users would like to add. As a new Trustee gets familiar with Library needs and wants, this would be easier to answer. Also, how much money are we surprised with? That’s a whole other question that could take this answer to a whole other level.
Q: Keeping Things Fair: Some people might want to remove a book from the library because they don’t like what it says. How will you protect everyone’s right to read whatever they want?
A: The Library’s website notes that Library standards are set by the Trustees and the MA Board of Library Commissioners. Their website references the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association, which the Trustees utilize. This Code starts by saying, “We provide the highest level of services to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources, equitable service policies, equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.” I’ll refer you to the rest of the Code of Ethics, which continues this first point and addresses your concern.
Q :The Building: How will you convince the town to provide the money to fix physical issues at the library?
A: The Library’s Management and Trustees prepare and submit an annual budget for approval by the town. This submission provides the Directors/Trustees justification for the budget, including increases and capital requests. I know the Directors/Trustees are about to begin a new planning process, which also would include justifications for any requests for increased spending. I think comparisons to similar sized towns and their assets and resources could provide some benchmarks for Sutton. A case usually also needs to be presented in person one or more times to help persuade constituents/voters. During my career, I have participated in successfully presenting the case to the Commonwealth of MA for approval to increase assets and capabilities. It can be done.
Q: Technology: Many people use the library for the internet and digital books, not just paper books. How will you make sure the library stays modern as technology changes?
A: This is a challenge these days as AI and other improvements present themselves, all with a price tag. The Director/Trustees need to stay abreast of changes, innovations that are happening, and coordinate to balance the Library’s holdings in these regards to the extent possible. Also, are there intern or other opportunities for students to provide input? This could be helpful.
Q: Picking a Leader: One of your biggest jobs is hiring the Library Director (the person who runs the library every day). What is the most important quality that person should have?
A: I think the most important quality a person in this type of position should have is the ability to listen and communicate as to needs/interests of our various “customers” and respond as best as one can to these needs/interests.
Q: Listening to the Community: If students say they need a quiet place to study after school, but adults want more room for community meetings, how will you decide who gets what?
A: This is another challenge, especially with the limited space currently available. Options might include scheduling community meetings for times/locations other than after school, perhaps during the school day, evenings, Saturdays. Also, can the community meeting be held in a different location, such as the Community Room at our Police Station, if it needs to occur during “after school” hours?
Q :Spreading the Word: A lot of people in town never visit the library because they don’t know what’s there. How could you get more people to go to the libraries?
A: Again, the physical space constraints present an additional challenge in Sutton. My first “go-to” answer is food – I have found that usually works to attract people, not sure the specifics, but that’s one idea to expand on and get people in the door. Partnering with organizations in town can be a way to attract their members, family, friends in the door. Also, the Director/Trustees seem to me to have done a nice job of offering different types of programs/clubs that might attract new visitors so continued “brainstorming” and needs assessment is warranted in this regard.
Q: What specific message would you like to share with the voters?
A: I try to help my community where I can as a volunteer. This is something I believe in. I have been active in the Sutton Garden Club for a number of years, my husband and I are alternates for Meals on Wheels in Whitinsville, and I am active in my Church. If I can help Sutton as a Library Trustee, I love libraries, books and learning in their various formats. “Growing up”, I was a work -study student in a city and was able to rotate through the various departments and a branch library for a year+, which I enjoyed, and considered a career as a librarian. My first full-time job out of college was in health care planning and health care management is where I landed instead.
