TELL US: How Can Manchester Improve Its Library System?

Manchester has one of the most utilized library systems in the state, but Manchester voters rejected a $12.5 million referendum this week to expand the town's main library. 

Now, in the wake of the defeat, it remains to be seen what the town will do to improve its library system, or if it even can given the face of such public resistance. 

The Mary Cheney Library in the heart of the downtown area, which was to receive the $12.5 million upgrade, is the larger and more trafficked of the two branches of Manchester's public libraries. The 26,000-square foot building was built in 1937 and last expanded in 1961. The Whiton Memorial Branch Library, its "junior partner," was built in 1932 and is approximately 12,500-square feet. 

It remains to be seen what the future of Manchester's library system will hold, with some saying that a "first rate" town like Manchester deserves a modern library, while others point out the dwindling circulation of books and magazines in favor of the Internet and eReaders. 

But Manchester Patch wants to hear your ideas? Does Manchester need to upgrade its library system? And, if so, how? Or are the town's current libraries more than adequate for the needs? 

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