2007 Annual Report

Despite the downturn in the economy and the fear of recession, 2007 was an encouraging year for our two library branches. Patronage of the libraries was ahead of the previous year and there was an increase in the number of new library cardholders. The trustees approved the installation of a new furnace at no cost to the town and ordered a replacement for the outdoor lighting which had been vandalized. An anonymous donor provided the funding for this. Automation of the Moore-Leland branch was finished and three new computers were put in place.

The libraries received a $7500.00 grand for “On the Same Page” community reading program. Wheeler Memorial Library is in the second year of a $19,950.00 Literacy grant. The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners gave $40,000.00 for planning and design of improvements to the Wheeler Memorial Library. Committees are being organized to assess the present and future needs of the library in order to comply with state demands for handicap accessibility and other statutory requirements. Several personal grants were also received, one of which, $10,000.00 came from former Orange resident, Marilyn Spooner.

Former librarian Janice Lanou researched our donor lists and provided the town with a magnificent booklet on the generous people who have supported the libraries since their inception. Janice also gave a welcomed workshop to the trustees of Massachusetts libraries at their annual convention in November, 2007 on “our hidden treasures.” The booklet is on sale at our two branches and makes very interesting reading.

Valued trustee, Richard Ballou, did not seek reelection to the board in 2007. His successor is former trustee, Lisa Vaughan, who had resigned in order to become a registered nurse. The members of the board are Kathy Reinig, Michaele Wright, Rev. Jean Thompson, Rice Flanders, Lisa Vaughan and Richard Senier.

As always, the board is grateful for the support of the residents of Orange, and look forward to a productive 2008 as we face new hurdles and new opportunities.

Richard M. Senier, Chair