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As mentioned several weeks ago, I’ll be highlighting different Town departments in my weekly columns. Through the many forums and community conversations I’ve attended in the past months one thing repeatedly comes out – our community doesn’t know about the many services available to them or what their Town departments do and are responsible for. This is one of several ways we have planned to provide this information to the community.
This week’s department, Cragin Memorial Library, opens doors for so many in our community in so many different ways.
The public library serves the very youngest residents to the most senior. There is something for everyone, with a collection of more than 60,000 items, almost all which may be borrowed. The library is open to all six days, 56 hours per week -- Monday-Thursday 10-9, Friday & Saturday 10-4. Library visitors are encouraged to browse through the stacks to find just the right book, audio book, relax with a magazine or newspaper, unwind in a comfortable chair, read to a child, listen to music, search the internet, sit and gaze out a window or attend a cultural or educational program.
Part of the library’s mission is to be a place for early literacy, which is supported by a collection of high quality, high interest, age appropriate books, year round story hours, craft times and special events. The library works cooperatively with the Colchester schools to help support reading and research and acts as a homework center for students of all ages. Teens have their own space with popular books and music, six computer workstations and comfortable seating. Many lifelong learners use library computers for coursework and to take exams, which the staff proctors. Job seekers also use the library’s resources to prepare resumes, applications and letters.
The library offers up to date books on health topics, home decorating, travel resources, hobbies, gardening; a strong historical collection, a local history room, and thousands of biographies, as well as music from across many genres and award winning entertainment and documentary dvds. Our professional and friendly staff is committed to providing excellent customer service; they have
a genuine desire to assist visitors of all ages.
As Siobhan Grogan, Director of Library Services, says, “Answers are our business…please ask!”
Watch for more information on our newest project. In response to citizens’ requests to learn more about our departments and services, we will be releasing a series of five half hours shows on Channel 14 (Public Access) later this month. The shows will each highlight three departments and their services, as well as answer questions frequently asked by our residents. The best part? We’ll be producing them in-house with the help of volunteers.
Previous Selectman Notes can be viewed at
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