Arty DeMattia for Select Board OF West Newbury MA

Tonight, I had the opportunity to attend our Annual Town Meeting, where residents came together to vote on a number of important issues affecting our community.

One issue, in particular, stood out for the overwhelming level of support it received: funding for our town library.

When the initial budget proposal was released, it included a reduction of more than $23,000 from last year’s library budget—specifically impacting books and periodicals. This would have had a significant effect, cutting access to audiobooks and e-books by nearly half, and eliminating key resources such as databases, newspaper access, and digital services. Most importantly, it would have jeopardized the library’s state certification—something that allows residents to access materials from libraries across Massachusetts.

If there is one thing I’ve consistently heard from residents, it’s how much this town values its library. It is a cornerstone of our community—open more frequently than many neighboring libraries and continuously adapting to meet modern needs.

I’m proud to share that the community came together to take action. Residents voted to restore critical funding and ultimately ensure the library remains fully funded, preserving the level of service our residents rely on and expect.

This outcome sends a clear and unified message: our library matters, and our community is committed to protecting it.

If elected, I will make it a priority to ensure that our library is always properly funded, supported, and cared for. We cannot afford to fall behind or risk losing the resources that serve so many residents every single day. I will continue to advocate strongly for the library and for the vital role it plays in keeping our community informed, connected, and thriving.

Thank you to everyone who participated and made their voices heard.