EDITORIAL: Library’s new chapter

Four weeks ago, as we were preparing an editorial celebrating the Abbot Library’s scheduled June 20 reopening, we hit an unexpected speed bump: a last-minute delay due to design flaws with the front entrance ramp, which failed to comply with American with Disabilities Act regulations.

Caught off guard, we pivoted to a different topic. Meanwhile, contingency plans to reopen the library as soon as possible were set in motion. Thanks to temporary occupancy permits issued by town officials, the library finally reopened July 10, while programs resumed July 15.

Last month’s postponement was unfortunate. One decision we did not make then, however, was to ignore a significant, if disheartening, news story that we felt townspeople deserved to know about — and in a timely fashion.

That seemed obvious, considering most of the $10 million project was funded by local taxpayers. Also, knowing that fleshing out the story would require further reporting to determine who knew what, and when.

Still, not everyone agreed. We heard from several readers that by immediately making the ADA issue public, we were detracting from a June 14 fundraising gala (held as planned) and, with the Festival of the Arts approaching, putting library-related events in potential jeopardy (not so).

A reminder, then: On principle, we do not “sit on” news some might find inconvenient or uncomfortable. That’s a slippery slope for any independent news organization. Other local media may feel differently. But when we pledge to report the news without fear or favor, we mean it. And we trust Current readers expect no less.

Now, as we were saying…

There is much to celebrate about the impressive library renovation and those who made it happen, beginning with the privately funded Abbot Library Foundation, which raised $1.5 million towards the total project cost.

Others include the library’s Board of Trustees and Building Renovation Committee, Second Century Fund, Shattuck Memorial Fund, Friends of the Abbot Public Library and Driftwood Garden Club.

All merit a round of applause, as does longtime board member Nancy Perkins Arata, who unfortunately passed away in May. Arata believed in public libraries as cornerstones of a healthy democracy, and the refurbished library admirably reflects her vision and values.

Let’s not forget either the effort it took to keep the library functioning during its nearly two-year relocation to the Eveleth School. Most library resources, privileges and services continued to be made available without interruption. Not an easy challenge, but to everyone who met it, well done.

So, what does a $10 million upgrade look like?

Major improvements include a much more open and light-filled main floor plan; significant infrastructure work (HVAC, electrical, fire protection, etc.); three new meeting rooms with presentation screens; a makerspace with 3D printer and sewing machines; self-checkout kiosks; a podcasting studio; upgraded Internet service; digital signage displays; and new landscaping.

Beyond expanding key resources, according to Abbot Library Director Kimberly Grad, the library’s core mission — to serve as an educational and cultural centerpiece where people can find trusted sources of information in a time of widespread distrust and disinformation — will only grow stronger in the repurposed facility.

That includes fostering literacy among young people while providing valuable services for teens, seniors and other community groups.

“We are a unique resource for the town and have something for everyone,” says Grad, who started her job as the COVID pandemic hit. Abbot’s reopening also marks a return to full service at pre-pandemic levels.

Meanwhile, across the U.S., public libraries are under attack by groups seeking to limit access to, or remove altogether, materials they find offensive. In some cases, these well-funded, mostly right-leaning groups have threatened the jobs and well-being of librarians themselves.

According to the American Library Association, book titles targeted for censorship totaled 4,240 in 2023, up 65 percent from 2022. Nearly half reflect the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, while many others deal with racial and sexually sensitive coming-of-age themes.

These censorious campaigns should disturb anyone who believes in the freedom to choose reading materials for themselves and their families, without interference from outside forces.

According to Grad, Abbot Library has largely avoided such confrontations. Yet she’s keenly aware of the bigger picture, one reason the library co-sponsored an Introduction to Intellectual Freedom panel last October and displays an ALA Bill of Rights poster by the front entrance for all to read.

Against this backdrop and at a time when towns like ours face tightening budgets, it’s heartening to see this level of support for a resource like our public library, now beginning an exciting new chapter in its nearly 150-year history.