Patten Free Library of Bath is asking Woolwich for a 2023-2024 contribution of $63,231, an increase of $2,928 from last year. Voters will consider the library’s request at the annual town meeting set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 17 at Woolwich Central School. WPL Director Lesley Dolinger reviewed the library’s budget with the select board Wednesday afternoon, March 8.

Both in-person visits to the library and item withdraws were back to pre-pandemic levels and growing, Dolinger told selectmen. As of the end of January 2023, little over a thousand Woolwich residents were patrons, she added. Patrons – people having made use of the library over the last two years – have increased between 8 and 9%.

The library is proposing a 2023-24 operating budget of $1,016,289; last year’s budget was $960,332.  Besides Woolwich, other member municipalities include Arrowsic, Georgetown, West Bath and the city of Bath. All help fund the library. Bath pays the largest share of the operating budget; $180,667 is sought for the 2023-24 fiscal year. The library is requesting contributions of $39,365 from West Bath, $21,805 from Georgetown and $9,831 from Arrowsic. The library supplements its operational budget with revenues generated from endowments, fundraising and gifts.

In a letter to the select board, Dolinger stated the library has seen a resurgence of visitors following the pandemic. “We have broadened our programming and now offer hybrid programs to reach more people in our communities. Cardholders enjoy a wider variety of digital collections that now include streaming video and online magazines as well as our popular eBooks and audiobooks,” she wrote. The library continues to provide delivery service for homebound patrons.

“From what I see, you’ve worked very hard at keeping this year’s increase to a minimum,” Selectman Jason Shaw told Dolinger.

As in past years, the library’s request will appear as its own article at annual town meeting and separate from one seeking donations for community organizations and non-profit groups.

Monies sought from alewife fund

Selectmen met with Bill Potter and Bob Stevens, members of Woolwich’s Fish Commission to discuss using funds from the fish way account for repairs to the municipal building. Over the last few years, monies generated from the sale of alewives during the annual harvest have been used to fund repairs to Woolwich’s historic buildings like Nequasset Meeting House across from the town office.

The fish commissioners have about $59,000 in their account; the select board asked for $25,000. “Our municipal building maintenance line is pretty much depleted. We could really use your help,” said David King Sr., select board chairman.

Potter replied monies collected from alewives’ sales belonged to the town. “There’s really no way we can say no to you,” he commented.

Shaw explained the select board was obligated by the will of the voters to negotiate with the fish commissioners. The select board received $10,000 from them last year.

Potter said he would prefer to have a minimum balance in the fish way account to cover emergency expenditures. Before deciding how much to turn over to the select board, he said he would have to talk to the other commissioners – Ray Robson, John Chapman and Bruce McElman.

“The sooner we know how much you can provide, the better,” King said. He added, the funds will be used in the current fiscal year. Potter said the Fish Commission took in about $10,000 from the sale of alewives last year.