Smithfield is more than a town on a map. It is a community made up of distinct villages, each with its own history, character, traditions, and sense of identity.
From Esmond to Greenville, to Georgiaville, Spragueville, Stillwater and places in between, these neighborhoods help define who we are as a community. Preserving that uniqueness should remain an important consideration whenever we make decisions about our town’s future.
That is why I believe residents should take a closer look at Question 17 on Smithfield’s ballot, which, if passed, will dilute the village history and uniqueness by establishing a politically appointed Board of Trustees for our public libraries.
I have tremendous respect for our libraries and the important role they play in the lives of residents of all ages. Libraries are places of learning, discovery, connection, and opportunity. They provide children with a love of reading, students with resources to succeed, seniors with opportunities to remain engaged, and families with welcoming places to learn and grow.
My concern is with interjecting politics into the administration and management of our libraries. This proposed change threatens the preservation and unique village character that makes Smithfield so special.
The East Smithfield and Greenville Public libraries are more than just buildings where books are borrowed. They are part of the fabric of their respective villages, places that reflect the needs, traditions, and community spirit of the people they serve.
For many residents, a nearby library is an important part of daily life. Its value lies not only in the resources it offers, but also in its accessibility, its familiarity, and its connection to the surrounding community. Preserving these local connections helps ensure that our villages remain vibrant places where residents feel a genuine sense of belonging.
Question 17 would establish a new municipal library structure and create a Board of Trustees appointed by the Town Council. Before making that change, I believe residents deserve a clear understanding of how the proposed system would operate, what responsibilities the board would have, how funding and accountability would work, and how the distinct needs of both library locations would be protected.
We should always seek ways to improve public services, encourage learning, and make responsible use of taxpayer dollars. But we should also ask whether a proposed structural change is necessary and whether its benefits are clearly established. Those are reasonable questions for residents to consider before voting.
Smithfield’s strength comes from its people and from the individual communities that make up our town. We should celebrate those unique characteristics, not overlook them. The goal should be to preserve the character of Esmond and Greenville while ensuring that residents throughout Smithfield continue to have access to valuable library resources.
I encourage every Smithfield voter to read Question 17 carefully, understand what it would establish, and consider its implications for our town’s future before casting a ballot. There appears to be more questions than answers at this point and in my opinion, this is not something to rush into.
Our libraries matter. Our villages matter. And preserving the character of Smithfield matters.
Respectfully,
David P. Tikoian
Smithfield
The writer is a state senator.
