Washburn library closed
Staff Writer
WASHBURN — Patrons of the Washburn Memorial Library found the doors of the public facility locked on Friday and a sign in the window indicating the decision was made by the Town Council to close the site “until further notice.”
Little is being said as to the reason for the sudden closure, leaving residents with more questions than answers. Like a good mystery novel, citizens in town are left to guess what might have occurred to lead to the closing of one of Washburn’s most popular stops.
When asked what brought about the decision, Town Councilor Fred Thomas kept his comment brief.
“I’m not in a position where I can comment about the action that has been taken at the library at this time,” said Thomas.
Officer Roy Guidrey, of the Washburn Police Department, said he doesn’t know any more than the general public.
“I was told by Town Manager Bev Turner and Chief Doug Conroy (WPD) that the library is closed indefinitely by order of the Town Council. I was asked to keep an eye on the building,” said Guidrey, noting the whole matter seems to be “shrouded in mystery.”
Town Council Chair Mike Umphrey said the issue was discussed during a recent executive session.
“It’s a personnel issue. I have no idea when it will be discussed further,” said Umphrey, noting it is common practice to discuss personnel matters privately in executive decision.
The library employs a full-time librarian, Kathy Corey, and a part-time staff member whose name was not available at press time. Volunteers also assist at the library from time to time.
Umphrey said at this time, councilors were not at liberty to discuss the matter.
“We’re under advisement not to discuss what brought about our decision,” said Umphrey.
In the meantime, at least one other library has offered assistance to keep the facility open.
“I spoke with the town manager on Monday and made the offer (to provide staff to keep the library open at least a few hours a week). She thanked me but I’m not sure she’ll take me up on the offer,” said Sonja Plummer-Morgan, director of the Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library in Presque Isle and president of the Maine Library Association.
Attempts to reach Turner for comment were unsuccessful at presstime.
Plummer-Morgan extended an invitation to Washburn library patrons to use the Presque Isle facility until their library re-opens.
“We are offering a temporary library card, without charge, to Washburn residents for the next month or until they resume library and information services,” said Plummer-Morgan.
Contact the Presque Isle library, located at the corner of Second and State streets, at 764-2571.
A note on the library door advises anyone with books, movies, etc., that need to be returned should place them in the drop box on the step. Payments of any kind can be left at the Washburn Town Office.
LIBRARY CLOSED — Washburn Memorial Library has been closed until further notice, by order of the Town Council. Little is being said as to the decision other than it pertains to a ‘personnel issue.’ Patrons visiting the building on Friday found a note in the window noting the Council’s action and where to drop off materials and payments until the library is once again operational.
