A battle of opinions over Pine Plains Free Library

A battle of opinions over Pine Plains Free LibraryThere’s been a lot of “he said, she said” recently, regarding the status of the Pine Plains Free Library building. Specifically, whether or not a deal has been struck by the town to purchase the building for $1 million, with a net cost to the town of $500,000 (to be bonded over 25 years) and the remaining $500,000 to be covered by donations passed on from the Friends of Stissing Landmark (FOSL) to the town and then onto the bank. Library Board of Trustees President Jim Mara has gone on the record stating such is the case. “The purchase price has been agreed to,” he told The Millerton News. “I would understand the use of the word ‘deal,’” he said, referring to a headline that ran on this paper’s front page Aug. 1.The Pine Plains Town Board, headed by town Supervisor Brian Coons, has said otherwise.“A deal has not been reached,” proclaimed Coons following that article’s publication.The only one not to comment, so far, has been Bank of Millbrook President George T. Whalen III. But it’s not for lack of asking. Repeated calls to Whalen’s office have gone unanswered. So whether he’s playing coy or just too busy to speak, the (intended) seller has remained mum on the matter.That leaves the library board and the Town Board to battle it out. But since it’s the Town Board that would be the buyer, and not the library board, it seems best to accept the municipality’s PR (although perfectly acceptable to converse with the library board for its perspective). But if you’re going to listen to the town, it’s best to listen closely.In a sit-down interview with The Millerton News on Aug. 8, negotiating team member Sandra David did not say that a deal isn’t in the works. She simply said, “it’s not a done deal,” meaning matters are not yet finalized. On that point the Town Board has been fairly frank. Issues like what should be done with the Odd Fellows and the HoPP community center, not to mention the expense of operating a building as large and reportedly inefficient as the library, weigh heavily on board members’ minds. (For more details read the full story on Page A1.)Additionally, voters need to back the buy (if one goes through) because there must be a public referendum on the purchase during November elections. If the majority of voters don’t grant their approval then all of the agreements in the world between the town and the bank won’t make an iota of difference.“I’ll be glad when it’s over one way or the other because it’s been a headache,” said Councilman George Keeler.It’s hard to blame him as the situation has been trying, and local residents haven’t been shy about expressing their feelings. Some are angry the Foundation for the Pine Plains Community Center and Library ever attempted to raise $2.5 million in the first place, angrier yet that it came up $1 million short and simply furious that it defaulted on its loan — forcing the bank to foreclose on the building back in January.But the town must move forward, and should rightly step in to save the library, even though it’s not obligated to do so. Libraries are integral to our towns and villages. They are cultural and educational centers and offer valuable resources to one’s community — free of charge. Their worth is incalculable; they are typically among a town’s best assets and a source of pride.For these reasons and more the town should do its best to protect the library. And, truly, it appears the board is doing just that. It is only asking for a bit of privacy so it can take full advantage of the negotiation process. Fair enough.For those who would like to weigh in on the process, or learn more about it, there’s an important public hearing right around the corner. The town has promised facts and figures will be available at that meeting to help inform voters come November. That public meeting is set for Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. at Stissing Mountain High School. If you’re concerned with the future of the Pine Plains Free Library, make a point of being there. The library’s final chapter has yet to be written.