Mary P. Collins, Chair of the Friends of the Library for the Middleport Free Library, points out her group’s tag line on the yard signs that the group is using to get the word out about the importance of a “NO” vote on Proposition #2 on the May 15 ballot at Roy-Hart, that will keep library funding in place.
The Friends of the Library are working hard to let the Royalton-Hartland School District residents know about the upcoming May 15 vote on Proposition #2 that would remove funding for the Middleport Free Library. They are mailing residents a two-page flyer about the vote, handing out reminder handbills and door hangers as well as posting yard signs throughout the whole school district. “The wording of Proposition #2 is very confusing, but it’s important that people know that to keep the library funded and open, they need to vote “no”,” said Mary P. Collins, Chair of the Friends of the Library.
“We have a large number of volunteers and the number is growing,” said Collins. “It’s been overwhelming, and we are elated to have so much help to get the word out.”
This volunteer group, that began nearly 12 years ago to advocate for the library, thought that Royalton-Hartland residents should be aware of the importance of the upcoming vote on Proposition #2. The importance of the vote was what motivated The Friends of the Library to put some of their resources into letting voters know that their “no” vote will keep the funding for the library in place.
The Friends of the Library’s 25 members, joined by dozens of residents from Middleport, Gasport, and from the Towns of Royalton and Hartland, began to get the word out about the importance of everyone’s vote this week.
The vote takes place on Tuesday, May 15 from 12 Noon to 8 PM at the Royalton-Hartland Senior High School Gym. Absentee Ballots can be obtained from the District Office by calling 735-2000, Ext. 2318, and The Friends of the Library have been encouraging residents who will be away for the vote to call for their application for an Absentee Ballot.
The Middleport Free Library has been serving the residents of the Royalton-Hartland School District for 83 years, and recently celebrated with a Birthday Party to mark the milestone. About 100 people attend the event that included short presentations by Carolyn Wagner, President of the Board of Trustees and Senator George Maziarz as well as recognition for Virginia Frasier, age 93, and Noelle LaFountaine, age 16 months, the oldest and youngest library patrons present at the celebration.
Circulation numbers for 2011 show that 31, 295 books, periodicals, AV and other materials have made the Middleport Free Library a popular place, which is perhaps why there is so much support from volunteers for this information campaign about the vote on May 15.
For details about the work of The Friends of the Middleport Library, Mary P. Collins can be reached by leaving at message at 735-3281. For more information about the upcoming vote on Proposition #2, contact Rose Bernard at the Middleport Free Library at 735-3281.
