Wayland Free Public Library Hosts Library Legislative Breakfast

Wayland, MA – Town Manager Michael McCall joined Wayland Library Director Chris Lindquist on Friday, March 8, at the Wayland Free Public Library for a Library Legislative breakfast featuring remarks from library leaders, state and local officials.

In attendance included Chair of the Wayland Board of Library Trustees Aida Gennis, Senator James Eldridge, Representative Carmine Gentile, and Representative David Linksy. Massachusetts Library System consultant Michele Eberle and Karen Traub representing the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

McCall shared remarks expressing his enthusiasm for the library and celebrating the space it serves for everyone regardless of income or background. Other remarks included the importance of securing state aid as well as the educational opportunities the library provides. The Wayland Free Public Library was able to secure state-aid which has allowed the library to purchase mobile book shelving in the Children’s Room, furnishings, and to pay for a new website allowing access to the library’s electronic resources and other remote services.

 “Libraries are a place where people come together in the community to meet and discuss different issues. It’s often sometimes difficult to find a place in certain towns or cities where people have that meeting space to make progress in their community. Library meeting spaces really provide a critical role with that”, said Senator James Eldridge.

Wayland native and resident Amy O’Donnell expressed gratitude for the library and the staff as it has provided a place for her family to engage with the community as well as provided educational and entertainment opportunities for her children. “This place does it all and it does it for everyone on every level….I was a kid here, I brought my kids here, now my kids are teaching the next generation of kids and that’s really special and not something you can find in so many places. We can put our heart and souls into new buildings and improvements and whatnot but the people here are what make this place special”, said O’Donnell.   

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