I am sorry that it has taken me so long to post another update. However, I am happy to report that the total number of signatures from both online and paper petitions is now up to 72!

I presented the petition at the October 7th Pawlet Public Library Board of Trustees meeting. Although I requested to be put on the agenda well in advance of the meeting, and then again at the meeting, I was not allotted any time by board chair Cori Rail. She did, however, allow a few extra minutes of public speaking time before cutting me off. I also read a prepared statement that I will link to once the minutes are posted. Next, I will be emailing the petition to the Pawlet Select Board and will find out how they would like to proceed.

The three board members (who are friends of the previously fired director) do not seem to care about staff, volunteers, patrons and donors. They were voted in by Pawlet residents, and so they feel empowered by Pawlet voters to do what they want, even if it means completely disregarding a large portion of the library community. Essentially, the Pawlet “Public” Library is becoming a private library controlled by these three.

The update about the contract being offered to the previously fired director is that lawyers are still negotiating the terms and it has not been agreed upon and signed.

We are still collecting signatures. If you would prefer to sign (or even circulate) a paper copy of the petition, please contact me via the jotform petition. All comments and emails there go directly to me. Or you may message me on Facebook or ask someone for my email.

Please continue to help us spread the word about this petition. It is not too late to write letters and speak out. If you are a Pawlet resident, it may be more effective to write and/or speak to the Pawlet Select Board instead. Thank you for your signature and support!