To the editor:
We, as trustees of the Fayetteville Free Library (FFL), wish the FM community to be well informed. Today we respond to accusations the self-appointed “FM library study group” has made. In repeated public trustees meetings throughout 2016-17, this small group has raised issues over and over that distort the reality of the finances, history, charter, governance and structure of the FFL and suggest that the library is secretive.
It is important to note here that decisions related to a library’s charter are determined by the NYS Board of Regents, not the library. This small group is fully aware that the FFL is currently undertaking a full review of the 1909 charter to bring it into alignment with our 21st century organization and we await action from the NYS Board of Regents.
Citizen engagement is always welcome and encouraged at FFL Board meetings. However, what has been disappointing is that repeated clarifications of many of these distortions have not resulted in any change of allegations or attitude by the “FM library study group.”
As a board, we wish to clearly state our support of the library and its responsible fiscal stewardship as highlighted in the recent publicly reported audit results which are available on the FFL website.
In addition, we refer all interested to detailed, comprehensive financial reports that both inform our general public and address this group’s concerns on our website at fflib.org/boardoftrustees. We believe that all who visit the website will have these fractious issues well answered and feel confident that continued support through an affirmative vote serves the needs of all in the Fayetteville-Manlius area as well as the larger community.
Most importantly, we affirm our support for the leadership of the library and its exceptional and highly regarded service which has earned countless industry and community awards.
Finally, we have an excellent, well-managed, highly endorsed organization and beautiful facility for which we are both humbly responsible and proud to serve as trustees. We encourage your support of the proposed budget to continue this tradition of excellence.
Board of Trustees
Fayetteville Free Library
