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James Potter announces candidacy for re-election to Milton Public Library trustee

My name is James Potter, and I am running for re-election for a second term as a Trustee of the Milton Public Library. My wife Kathleen and I have been proud residents of Milton for over 27 years raising three children through the Milton Public School System. Active in the community, I am currently a Town Meeting Member and have been a past Warrant Committee member. My background is in Financial Services with an emphasis on Learning and Development.

I am running for re-election to continue the amazing work and achievements the library has accomplished during these challenging times. Providing programs and services, the library’s work during the COVID19 Pandemic has been quite remarkable. I, along with all Trustees, eagerly supported the library director’s push for the immediate re-opening of the library adhering to government safety guidelines ensuring that the library was meeting the needs of the community. This is a powerful testament to the commitment and dedication of our library leadership, staff, and trustees and our belief that our library is an essential resource to the town.

The library has meaningfully enhanced its services and programming. Children, teen, and adult programming has increased both in diversity of topics and size of events. The range of programming at the library is impressive: from pajama-clad story time to book clubs and guest speakers, there is something for everyone. The library has also moved into the digital age with an updated webpage and digital platform that includes a number of digital subscription apps and e-resources. The library has also created an extensive “library of things” which offers useful items for residents such as tools, laptops, and VHS to digital converters. Satellite programming and services has expanded with the library’s outreach into the community, including programs and events at Fuller Village and in all six public schools.

As a Trustee, I have supported the above expansion and modernization of library services and programming. I currently serve as Secretary to the Board of Trustees. I am also on the Strategic Planning Subcommittee which has recently developed the library’s current five-year strategic plan. I am actively involved with the Building and Grounds Subcommittee which is currently researching much needed additional parking for the library. I have worked with the Library Director and the Trustees to help create and execute the library’s annual community survey, with the goal of hearing from voices across our diverse town, and then analyzing the survey results to inform the library’s priorities and programming.

We must ensure our library continues to strive toward its goal to be a fully inclusive organization serving all citizens of Milton from every demographic group. A modern library is much more than a quiet place to read. It is a modern cultural, educational, and community center for Milton, and should be an accessible resource and gathering place for citizens of all ages and demographics. If re-elected, I will continue to bring my commitment, experience, and dedication to the town ensuring that the library continues to grow.