Library requests funds

WEST PARIS — Trustees of the West Paris Library requested funding, during the board of selectmen meeting November 21, to support the town's Old Home Days.

"We need your support and your advice," trustee Terry Merrill told the selectmen. 

Merrill asked if the town had any funds available – around $3,000 – to support Old Home Days. She said the library is also doing some fund raising to cover costs.

She said the board of trustees was recently given an old mobile home frame it will use to build a covered stage for activities. It will cost approximately $3,000 and volunteers will provide labor, said Merrill.

In February, said Merrill, there will be a Love your Library fundraiser to raise funds to stain the library's new wooden walkway and to complete some groundwork. "We want to pretty it up a bit," she said.

She said trustees are currently looking into additional outside lighting, which is being paid for by an anonymous donor.

According to Merrill, "numerous" people have commented on how pleased they are with the library's new wooden walkway leading to the municipal parking lot behind the library, and how much more safe and convenient it is for people to use.

Library trustee Bruce Downing also said that, since an addition was added to the existing library it has been able to host art exhibits, which people enjoy.

"We would really like to continue with that ... and make it annual thing maybe," said Downing.

"Our philosophy is, the more we can do with the community, the more we can get the community involved and get them into the building to see what we have to offer," Downing explained.

"Our numbers have skyrocketed in the last three to four years, and each year it gets better. We are actively seeking new people and more business," he said.

In addition, Merrill said Ann Toepeker, an active member of the Friends of the Library who served as a librarian every Saturday morning, has tendered her resignation.

Merrill said one resident, Brenda Gould, "has put in hundreds of hours of volunteer and would like the position."

According to Downing, Gould has worked with the head librarian Patricia Makley for awhile.

"Patty highly recommends her," Downing told selectmen. She has also worked as the substitute librarian, added Merrill.

Merrill asked selectmen whether the trustees could hire Gould to replace Toepeker; selectmen said they trusted the opinion of the trustees and supported hiring Gould as a librarian.

Merrill said the library also decided to purchase flags that say "closed" for dangerous, inclement weather days. 

In other news, the board:

• Signed an order pursuant to 17 M.R.S.A 2851 for a dangerous building, located at 69 Morse Hill Road, to be removed from the property.

• Agreed to order signs to be installed at both ends of Greenwood Street.