Cottage Grove, Wis. - Nov.13, 2008
A Letter to the Editor of the Herald-Independent:
The members of the Cottage Grove Library Board would like to thank all Village residents who took the time to vote in the November Presidential Election. Though disappointed at the outcome of the advisory referendum, as taxpayers we understand the community’s reluctance to support new projects at this time.
Based on past surveys and community support, we believe the residents of Cottage Grove want a full-service library in the Village. However, given the uncertain economic climate, we recognize that now is not the right time to begin this project.
The Library Board and Capital Campaign Committee will continue to work with the Friends of the Library to raise private funds so that we are ready to move ahead with construction when the economy rebounds. Our fundraising efforts allowed us to purchase a building site this year near the new Glacial Drumlin School. This land serves as a measure of the progress we have made and will be a reminder of the building that is to come.
In the meantime, our part-time staff will continue to host the weekly Story Hour and Book Babies programs. Staff are also busy cataloging the generous book donations we continue to receive.
Again, we are grateful to all who participated in the community dialogue on the referendum question. The open houses and Village Board sessions gave us an opportunity to meet many new library supporters, as well as to respond to those who opposed our effort.
Our fundraising efforts will continue. One day we will have a full-service community library in Cottage Grove. We look forward to a more stable economic future when today’s vision can become tomorrow’s reality.
The Cottage Grove Community Library Board Trustees
