Change the governance of the Woodstock library

Dear Editor, Why can’t a library just be a library?

The Woodstock Library views itself as a social service.

The library, in an attempt to grow its bureaucracy and funding, has expanded its charter from being a dispenser and repository of information and knowledge to “do anything that will bring folks through the door.”

The library wants a bigger edifice, but not to accommodate more books. But to build classrooms. Hence, the library’s plan for destroying the historic charming building.

We have a town hall and a community center for classes. These free classes at the library are taking away from local business people. How much are these free classes costing the taxpayer?

Beginning in 1990, the trustees have had the authority, from the referendum, the legislation and the charter, to act as an independent municipality under state law and to set their own tax rates. The town collects the tax on our bills and gives the library one check in March every year. This year it was $576,867, or 92 percent of the library’s income.

Salaries and benefits hover over $400,000. All the other libraries in the Onteora school district (your school taxes go to the library, as well) have salaries at less than half of Woodstock’s.

How many more people will Woodstock Library hire to accommodate for a new larger building? How high will the salaries and benefits go?

I encourage all registered taxpayers in the town of Woodstock to sign the petition to change the governance of the library district. Go to www.librarypetition.org for more information. Natalie Cyr Mellin Woodstock, N.Y.