Library, Council on Aging to unveil new library delivery service

Canton Public Library Director Andrea Capone announced at Tuesday night’s selectmen’s meeting a new program that will give people who cannot get to the library due to disability or other reasons the chance to have books and library materials delivered to their residences.

Capone is working with Council on Aging Director Diane Tynan to sort out the details of the program.

“If you can’t get to the library, the library can come to you,” Capone said. “The books and materials can be delivered to you.”

Capone made the announcement following her budget presentation for FY 2021, which included a request for an additional $52,310 for Saturday hours, additional assistant salaries, and library materials.

Capone said the library has seen an increase in participation, particularly from youth and young adults, as well as strong interest in the e-book program.

Tynan also presented her budget and asked selectmen for an increase of $54,512 to cover outreach workers’ and bus drivers’ salaries. Like the library, the COA’s services are increasing due to more participants. Tynan said there are currently 6,007 residents who are 60 years and older. Additionally, she said the COA administers services to people under 60 who are disabled. The COA assists residents with fuel assistance, transportation and food supplies as well as programming events. Tynan estimated that between 105 and 150 people visit the Canton Senior Center daily and the COA receives 136 phone calls per day.

In other budget news, Parks and Recreation Director Liz Francis has budgeted almost $26,000 for maintenance, utility costs and care of the town park at the Paul Revere Heritage Site. She mentioned to selectmen that one of her concerns is how to control geese, which now frequent the park.

DPW Superintendent Mike Trotta now has public building maintenance under his purview. He requested a budget increase of $131,000, which includes an additional $50,000 to $70,000 for snow and ice removal and $81,000 for roof repairs at Town Hall, stormwater costs and repairs, and electrical costs for street signs.

In other news from Tuesday night’s selectmen’s meeting …

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Posted by Mike Berger on Jan 24 2020. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.