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TURNER — The Turner Public Library recently released news of increased circulation and patron visits in 2018, and hopes to add a new growth statistic to the 2019 figures: physical space.
The library is seeking to lease a room on the second floor of the Leavitt Institute to add square footage to help handle growing demand as early as this summer.
The room, currently unoccupied, would be painted and outfitted with furniture the library already owns and would be available for adult patrons who need a quiet place to read, work, meet or study.
“For the past two years, requests for meeting space from the community have steadily increased,” said Kelli Burnham, Turner Public Library director. “With the rise in patron use, especially group meetings, we’ve had to get creative, and at times had to decline requests. The last thing we want to do as a community resource is to tell people we can’t help them.”
Students from School Administrative District 52 drawn to the new Teen Space in the Oakes Kilgore has heightened the need for a second space. Requests have come from students, families, recreational groups, college counselors, family support advocates and government services personnel, all looking for a convenient and comfortable place to meet.
A new cribbage group sponsored by Varney Chiropractic began meeting at the library in January and the library’s own groups, including fiber arts and gaming groups, also meet regularly in the library.
“Libraries are more than just a bunch of books available to patrons,” said Board President Anthony Shostak. “They are being increasingly called upon to be civic anchors offering space for gatherings to discuss ideas, share knowledge, and participate in cultural activities. To meet those growing needs, we’ve had to develop strategies that allow us to serve our community,”
The rent for the space, approximately $2,000 annually, would be drawn from the town’s annual contribution to the library’s operating budget and is reflected in the library’s request for funding for the 2019 fiscal year. This is the first time since 2013 that the library has requested a funding increase.
Since the town owns the building, the rent money will go back to the town.
The library budget goes before the town’s voters at the April 6 Town Meeting.
“We’re are grateful for the support of the taxpayers in Turner,” Shostak said. He said the library is cognizant of the need to be responsible stewards of the money allocated.
“We’re very active in raising funds from as many sources as possible,” he said. “But we can only do so much with grants, since many foundations don’t give to libraries, and those that do generally do not underwrite operating costs such as rent, utilities, wages, or benefits.
The library recently raised the annual membership for out of town patron cards to $10 and has the contribution for interlibrary loan services to $3. Students and staff of MSAD 52 are still eligible for a free card regardless of residence, and all Turner resident cards remain free.
PHOTO: A room at the Leavitt Institute in Turner would be turned into an adult reading room if the Turner Library budget is approved at the April 6 Town Meeting. (Submitted photo)
