We are writing to you with a plea to stand up for the library and to vote yes on the FY27 budget override, both in person at the town meeting (May 2, 10am, Norris School) and on the ballot (May 19).
What the Override Vote Means for the Library
Simply put, if the override fails, we risk the library ceasing to be what it is today.
If it fails, we risk all library programming being eliminated. This includes the cancellation of all youth programming, summer reading (both youth and adults) and Story Time Play Group.
If it fails, we risk 75% of staff positions being eliminated. This would mean significantly reduced library hours, increased restriction on community room access, significant reduction of tech help and other personalized assistance, end of home delivery services, and much more.
If it fails, we risk library decertification and exclusion from the state library system. This would mean no more access to e-books or the Libby app, your library card would not work at other libraries in the area, no more interlibrary loan, and much much more.
In fact, we risk the library be decertified in 3 different ways:
- Not meeting the minimum required level of operational budget from the Town of Southampton (the Municipal Appropriations Requirement, $210,563 for FY27, almost double what is proposed without the override)
- Not meeting the minimum required level of spending on books and materials (the Materials Expenditure Requirement, $44,000 for FY27)
- Not meeting the minimum required open hours (25 hours/week for our population level)
While the library today relies on supplemental funding from the Friends of the library and volunteers to help staff library hours and programs, neither can make up for the losses that would result if the override vote fails.
We are asking you two do 3 things
#1 – Please, please share this information with your friends and family in Southampton.
If you are interested, we will have some (free) lawn signs available. To express interest, fill out this form or send an email to eplfriends01073@gmail.com.
#2 – Please, please come to the Town Meeting (May 2, 10am, Norris School) to vote YES to get the override onto the ballot.
#3 – Please, please vote YES on the override ballot measure (if it passes at the Town Meeting) on May 19.
If you are interested in doing more, please share your questions, concerns, objections by calling or emailing
- Select Board – selectboard@townofsouthampton.org
- Town Administrator (Scott Szczebak) – townadministrator@townofsouthampton.org or sszczebak@townofsouthampton.org
- Select Board Finance Committee – fincom@townofsouthampton.org
- Library Board of Trustees – epltrustees@gmail.com
Information is posted to the Friends of the Edwards Public Library website, with more being added as we have it.
Thank you in advance for your help with supporting our beloved Edwards Public Library.
Best,
Eleanor Cartelli, President
On behalf of the FEPL board
Friends of the Edwards Public Library | Southampton, MA 