I love reading, books and libraries. However, I think it’s time for Harpswell to stop appropriating money so anyone in Harpswell can get a free library card at Curtis Memorial Library, as it’s not a good use of tax dollars.
A library card at Curtis costs $75 a year, as stated on its website. In 2025, 1,427 of Harpswell’s 5,012 residents actually used this privilege. That is a dollar value of $107,025, $57,375 less than the $164,400 being requested. Or, in other words, we paid $115.21 for each library card issued, not $75.
The public hearing handout states Curtis library will be seeking an additional $5,000 for each of the next two years to purchase bestsellers for the bookmobile, so the appropriation will increase to $174,400. Why the difference of $57,375 between the cost of 1,427 library cards and the appropriation? Our tax dollars pay for operational support of the library — supporting staff and utilities.
Why do we need to make it possible for everyone to get free library cards when only 1,427 of our 5,000-plus residents actually do so? We have wonderful community libraries at Cundy’s Harbor and on Orr’s Island. There are also other options — the interlibrary loan system, the Kindle, audiobooks, buying used books online or at stores like Twice Told Tales, and buying one’s own library card at Curtis for $75 a year.
I suggest Harpswell keep the $164,400 and apply it to better use — like making up some of the financial shortfall on the renovation of the recycling center. The town could subsidize the $75 fee for anyone for whom it is a hardship.
Yes, Curtis library is a treasure, but not one Harpswell needs to subsidize. Please vote no on the article requesting $164,400 for Curtis Library.
Liz Taylor, Orr’s Island
