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An Iconic, Appealing Presence

As a Madison resident for more than 20 years, I have valued our town library as a resource for books on tape for my daily commute, a venue for local art shows and musical performances, and a place to pop in to browse, relax, and run into neighbors while shopping downtown.

Designed by the renowned American architect Henry Bacon (whose last project was the Lincoln Memorial in D.C.), the Scranton Memorial Library is an iconic, appealing presence for the town center. Inside, selected rooms retain their historical charm. However, as many residents have been saying for years, the interior is dated, the community spaces dingy and dark, and the parking is inadequate. In its current state, the building is not suitable for the needs of a 21st-century library and community resource.

With the Library Board’s highly successful fundraising, we have a terrific opportunity for a well-designed and affordable project that will benefit our town in so many ways. Town of Madison residents of all generations as well as local businesses, afforded a vibrant town center, will reap the payoff for many, many years to come.

I encourage your readers to make it a priority to learn more about the project proposal and join me in voting “Yes” on the Tuesday, Feb. 7 referendum.

Matthew S. Ellman

Madison