​Will you increase the number of weekend events/activities if the library expansion was to take place? What is the barrier to having weekly events on the weekends for young children? I am a working parent and cannot benefit from any of the current programs for my son. I hope to participate in some programs while on maternity leave but would like to have opportunities available to my children on the weekend in their community.

​Hello and thank you for your question.
 
The last expansion proposal (from November 2017) included the ability to offer programs for kids in a dedicated area so that they wouldn’t have to compete with the other departments and community for space on evenings and weekends. We anticipate this space will remain in the next draft. The Library plans to continue offering programs on evenings and weekends, especially for kids. Upon demand we will happily increase the number.
 
Currently we offer monthly Saturday programs and they have the lowest attendance of our children’s programs. Below is a list of our upcoming Saturday programs (planned through August. Stay tuned for our fall events calendar) along with some of the ones we have offered in the past for examples. Our Children’s Librarian, Miss Meg, is incredibly receptive to ideas so if you have any for the fall or winter, I am sure she would love to hear them.
 
I hope this answers your questions and feel free to ask any additional ones. We truly hope you do share your ideas with us.
 
UPCOMING
Saturday, July 14th at 11 am – Lion King Movie and Craft
Saturday, August 11th at 11 am – Read to the Dogs
Saturday, August 17th at 11 am – Up Movie and Craft
 
PAST
Saturday, June 30th at 11am – Coco Movie and Craft
Saturday, June 16th at 11am—Read to the Dogs
Saturday, April 28th at 1:30pm—Pop Up Cupcake Shop (A yummy way to celebrate and learn during Money Smart Week)
Saturday, March 24th at 11:30am—A Performance by the Thread City Dancers
Saturday, February 3rd at 1pm—Fairy Tale Ball

Is the library membership fee optional or is the cost 20$ for an individual?

The Booth & Dimock Memorial Library is a free public library. There is no cost to borrow items, attend programs, or to get a library card. To get a card from the Booth & Dimock Memorial Library you will need to show proof of identity and residence. Usually, a driver's license will suffice. If you have just moved here, bring along a piece of mail with your photo id. If you live out of town, you will need to obtain a library card from your home town (within Connecticut) and then you can borrow items here. A CT public library card is good in all public libraries within the state, but must be obtained from your home town. 

The Library Membership is an annual fundraiser. Membership is not required to benefit from the resources and services of the Booth & Dimock Memorial Library. 

​I'm curious to know. I see that with the expansion it will cost the tax payers an additional 72.00/yr approx. However, it doesn't say what the expansion will do to the need for additional employees and how much that will cost the taxpayers? Can you please elaborate and advise on the costs for additional projected staff. Thank You

Thanks to an extremely efficient design, we estimate only needing to add the equivalent of one full time employee, or two part time employees, to ensure there are always two people available on each floor to assist the public and for safety purposes. This change will also facilitate staff ability to provide more programs, classes, and events. Regarding costs, that will be determined when it is time to fill those hours, but will be comparable to what staff members currently earn.