2006 Annual Report

Among the most important library events of the year is the installation of a new boiler at the Wheeler Library branch. This was mandatory because of the decrepit condition of the old boiler and the increase in attendance and activity. Removal of asbestos from the pipes near the boiler added considerably to the cost. Work is expected to be completed by spring, 2007. The more than $100,000.00 final bill is being covered by the library itself, not by the town.

A great deal more must be done to bring the Wheeler Library up to the requirements for certification. The problems which existed town voters declined to meet those requirements, in cooperation with the Commonwealth’s Board of Library Commissioners, still exist and must be aggressively faced. At present, no public meetings may be held at Wheeler because the building is not handicapped accessible. Failure to comply with state regulations can only result in future grief for the taxpayers of Orange.

The present Board of Trustees, together with our new librarian,Walt Owens, is committed to seeking a solution to the crisis. Consequently, the Board has authorized an application to the Board of Library Commissioners for a $40,000.00 planning grant to work toward that end.

The Friends of the Library, under the leadership of co-presidents, Pat Larson and Joanie Cohen-Mitchell, have been meeting regularly and attracting new members. Library volunteers have seen an increase in numbers, as well.

The Moore-Leland branch in North Orange is sparkling from the new paint job contributed by area volunteers. Library Trustees have increased the number of hours the branch is open to the public. It is to be noted that, with library membership in the Central Western Mass Regional System (CWMARS), library visitors can now pay virtual visits to the branches via their home computers. They may request books, even those from faraway libraries or download (burn) CDs from a data base of over 42,000 titles.