Patten Free Library in Bath is asking Woolwich for a 2020-2021 contribution of $60,702, $5,007 more than last year. Library officials told the selectboard the increase is needed to keep the library open on Mondays. Voters will consider the request at the annual town meeting April 29.

Arrowsic, Georgetown, West Bath and Bath also contribute to Patten Free. Next year’s proposed operating budget of $901,681 is also funded through endowments, fundraising, business support and contributions.  

Library Director Lesley Dolinger told the selectboard Woolwich’s increase  is 9 percent, or $19.76 per capita annually. In September, the library began opening Mondays from noon to 8 p.m. and is now open six days a week. Dolinger said the library was able to do this thanks to a one-time $25,000 grant from the City of Bath. Because the grant monies run out June 30, the library is asking member communities to contribute more.

In a letter to the selectboard, Dolinger stated Monday visits to the library are averaging about 450 patrons. A fact sheet the library provided stated there are 873 active Woolwich cardholders, including 657 adults, 27 young adults and 189 children. There were 116 new library cards issued to Woolwich residents in 2019. Sixty-one Woolwich children participated in last summer’s reading program.

Woolwich’s contribution represents six percent of the library’s total operational budget.

“We’ll put your request on the warrant and see what voters want to do,” commented Selectmen’s Chair David King Sr. He said the library’s request will appear as its own article, separate from one seeking donations requested from community organizations and non-profit groups. “We started doing it that way a few years ago and will continue doing so,” he said.

In other business Monday night, the board approved Fire chief Mike Demers’ request to buy an SCBA air pack unit from Winthrop-based Fire Tech & Safety of New England for $5,075. Also approved was the purchase of a new $2,600 hoist for the Nequasset fishway off George Wright Road. And the board signed off on an easement agreement for Wiscasset Water District for a meter building near the municipal building.

Two public hearings were scheduled. One at 6 p.m. Monday, March 16 will be to discuss implementing an ambulance fee for repeat calls to patients who refuse transport. And a hearing at  6 p.m. Wednesday, March 18 will discuss four proposed marijuana ordinances. Both will be held upstairs in the municipal building.