Special to the Transcript
Stating that he wants to ensure that the Winthrop Public Library and Museum continues to provide a variety of “Free Public Library Services and Programs” to Winthrop residents of all ages, Bill Schmidt has officially announced his candidacy for the Board of Trustees of the Public Library.
“I believe that the Winthrop Public Library and Museum plays a crucial role in our community by providing free access to a wide range of information resources, by promoting literacy and a love of reading through programs for children, adults and families, and by serving as a vital community cultural center fostering creativity and connection”, stated Schmidt.
“My priorities will be to promote a wide range of books, periodicals, video, audio, and other materials, to preserve the Museum Collection of Winthrop’s History and Art for our community, to protect the physical condition of the Frost Public Library Building constructed in 1899 and the George M. Hyde addition built in 1972, and to prevent future town budget cuts to the library and museum”, added Schmidt.
Most recently, Bill Schmidt served the town as a member of the Board of Health for eight and a half years, including nearly seven years as its Chair. He has also been an Adjunct Faculty member at Suffolk University in Boston.
The Town Charter stipulates that the Board of Library Trustees is charged with the responsibility of managing the library, overseeing the expenditure of all funds, developing all necessary policies, and delegating daily operations through a qualified library director.
The Winthrop Public Library and Museum averages around 1,000 active patrons per month with about 6,000 total patrons in the community, which means that nearly one-third of the town’s residents have a library card. The Library’s programs, particularly for the children, have great attendance. These include reading programs, story times, craft making, and other activities. For adults there are book clubs, guest speakers, craft making, museum passes, and other services.
Bill Schmidt is a graduate of Winthrop High School and possesses a Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia University, a Master’s Degree from Harvard University and a Master’s Degree from Suffolk University. He has worked in government at the federal, state and county levels.
Schmidt concluded by stating, “If elected, I look forward to working with my fellow Library Trustees to preserve, protect and promote this essential public resource. I humbly ask for your vote on November 4th for Library Trustee.”