Chandra Boudreau

I respectfully ask that you DO NOT support HB 1214. This bill allows municipalities to assume governance of their public libraries, which I believe is not in the best interest of the citizens of New Hampshire. New Hampshire has a long tradition of independent libraries (being the first state in the country to have independent public libraries) that provide the public with free access to a wide variety of materials and programs, including free Wi-Fi, literacy-building opportunities, and space for community members to come together. Providing these services is a complex process that requires attention and reception to community needs, lean budgets, and detailed awareness of all applicable library laws. This process is managed by the library staff and most are overseen by an elected board of trustees that is independent from the town board of selectmen. The benefits of having an independent library board of trustees are many, including: - Library trustees have a vested interest in the mission of town libraries to promote literacy, provide information on resources and serve as town community centers. - Library trustees receive education on the specific laws governing libraries and obligate themselves to uphold them. - Library trustees focus solely on the library, devoting hours of work each month to supporting the library staff. I have lived in Exeter nearly my entire life and grew up in the Exeter Public Library. I have developed relationships with library staff and trustees as an active library member. I feel my voice matters because there are dedicated trustees there to hear my ideas and concerns. The library works hard to serve our residents and is a source of pride in our community, like so many libraries in the state are. The library staff is able to fulfill its mission because it is supported by an independent board of trustees. Select boards are hardworking and capable, but they have many responsibilities and cannot be expected to devote time and energy to understanding the day to day needs of the library's patrons. They build relationships with the Library Trustees to allow the library to serve its community in the most efficient and effective ways possible. Passing HB 1214 and moving library governance to the selectboard would result in a weaker library that is less able to provide excellent service to our communities.