"In these uncertain ... times, this is probably one of the only and easiest ways you're going to be able to meet the candidates," library trustee incumbent Edward Bertorelli said.
Three of the five candidates running for two open seats on the Board of Library Trustees faced off in a joint video conference. The inaugural remote debate was the first in a four-part forum series organized by Citizens for Milford, and was moderated by member Jose Costa.
Debates for the remaining three races on the June 16 ballot are scheduled for later this week and next.
Milford candidate debates go virtual
Current library trustees Bertorelli and Alfred Spittler, as well as former Walpole Selectwoman Ann Ragosta, talked about everything from finances to audience outreach to building improvements. COVID-19 tinged several answers, and drove a continuing vein of conversation on remote access to materials.
"This is a new thing, and it's a tough thing," Spittler said. If something like this happens again, "It would be good for us to put a plan in place and hopefully we don't have to implement that plan."
The trio discussed reopening approaches, and how to make the public feel safe in a public place like the library. Suggestions included masks, gloves for handling books, limiting the number of people allowed inside, and curbside pickup for reserved materials.
"I think it would certainly be a requirement for a period of time that people will wear masks," Bertorelli said. "We have to protect other patrons, we have to protect staff as well."
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The three candidates agreed on most topics, but had slightly different focuses when asked what they would do to improve the library.
Spittler said he would focus on technology, Ragosta on reaching teenagers and adult readers, and Bertorelli mentioned the park project next to the library, as well as reaching out to residents for their thoughts on what should change.
"A library is a treasure trove of imagination and information, and residents should want to come to a library and want to avail themselves of it," she said. "As a trustee member, I would like to help craft that policy of what a library can do to get residents to come, particularly older adults."
All three agreed that the library reach out to the public more. Spittler said he would encourage continuing library representation at local events like Celebrate Milford, while Ragosta suggested coffee hours and open houses.
"We may know what we offer, but the public may not know," Bertorelli said. "Oftentimes, the groups of people who most need the library are not aware of its services. We've got to try to reach out to those groups."
The full debate is expected to be available on the On Demand section of Milford TV's website, at https://www.milfordtv.net/.
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