Betty Chelmow announces candidacy for re-election
By GuestSubmitted by Betty Chelmow
I was first elected to the Library Board of Trustees in 1977 and served 13 terms before stepping down from the board for six years. During COVID, I thought perhaps once again I could be of help to the board and sought reelection. It has been one of the joys of my life to have served on the board and worked with the most incredible, hardworking and dedicated staff and group of trustees.
It is difficult to believe that the Canton Public Library renovation and addition project is now more than 20 years old. I was chair of the board during the entire renovation project, which was a joint effort between the public and private sectors. The project had the distinction of coming in on time and under budget.
The library has always been forward looking and celebrates the need to provide services for all its citizens. It maintained services throughout the pandemic, bringing books outdoors on carts so that patrons would not lose access to their library. Story hours were made available daily for children to enjoy. In the past 20 years the number of new patrons has soared. The Community Room provides a diverse number of programs for people of all ages. The internet was in its infancy 20 years ago and today is used daily by patrons for everything from instruction to free online book lending. Hot spots were made available during COVID so that families and students would have internet access, and they remain available today for all who need them.
The Board of Trustees recognizes the need for a building as important to the town as the Canton Public Library must be maintained and kept up to date. As the needs of the community change, the trustees will evaluate how best those needs can be met and plan for them in the future. I want to be a part of that process.
For 25 years I was a special educator and consultant for the town of Holbrook. Upon retirement I became an educational surrogate parent providing for the educational needs of special education students in foster care. I currently serve as an educational surrogate parent for three students at the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital in Canton.
It has been my privilege to serve on the Board of Trustees. The library is the one building in town that is available to people of all ages through its many programs. I respectfully ask for your vote in the upcoming election so that I can continue my work with the Board of Trustees.
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=106606
Posted by Guest
on Mar 16 2023. Filed under Town Election.
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