It is time to speak up for community. I fear that Middlebury may be losing its way, as it appears to plunge ahead with one project after another seemingly without deliberation as to the combined effect on the Town as a whole. I applaud the letters written by Janine McDonald and Sheila Khalladeh about the proposed Ilsley Library project.
I was raised to revere libraries and books, not glass atrium towers for “natural “light. So many of us moved to Middlebury from places that have such library entrances, that have endless gourmet options at their markets, expensive art galleries and apartments with “European appliances.” Why bring this vision here? The combined effect creates a reality of upscale exclusivity rather than community. Susan Humphrey wrote a concise list of things that need to be fixed at the Ilsley. These repairs and updates can and should be done. But care must be taken to preserve our beautiful library and our community.
Catherine Braun
Ripton