It’s been great to see so many people interested and engaged with the plans for the Ilsley Library addition, whether they support it or express some skepticism.
Personally, I’m 100 percent in favor of the library getting the addition, especially if the librarians there believe it will enhance the work that they do and enable them to do more for the community. I have complete faith that the plans they have in place have been designed to retain the charm and beauty of the existing building with new spaces that will allow them to do even greater things in Middlebury.
The college library, of course, is always there, and always welcomes everyone from the community and beyond. But academic libraries and public libraries serve very distinct and different functions, and there are some things (child and youth programs, technology programs, etc.) that the Middlebury College library, where I am a librarian, simply can’t replicate or provide.
I’d love to see both libraries enhanced by the other, and growing from the foundation of a Ilsley Public Library that has the spaces and facilities it needs to meet the changing needs of our community. We can always use some more library love.
Amy Frazier
Middlebury