The following candidacy statement is for the local Reading Election of April 4, 2023
Dear Reading Voters,
My name is Monette Verrier, and I am excited to run for re-election to the Board of Library Trustees. I was appointed to the Board in 2018, re-elected in 2020, and I once again seek Reading voters’ support for re-election so that I can continue to champion the great work of our library and its amazing staff.
My husband, Peter, and I moved to Reading in 1996 settling into the community to raise our two daughters. As a resident, I have continuously volunteered my time and energy to improve our town. I was a founding member of PEP (Parents for Educational Progress), a grassroots organization that supported school building projects: RMHS renovation, Barrows renovation and Wood End construction. I am a former town meeting member. I spent 10 years volunteering in the Wood End School library, further deepening my commitment to the library institution. I worked diligently, as part of the Library Ballot committee, to champion the incredible facility we have today. In addition, I have been a longtime volunteer at the Reading Food Pantry.
I have a BA from College of the Holy Cross. Following a rewarding career in consulting, I hit pause to spend time at home raising our daughters. Over the ensuing years, I have built a fulfilling career in Human Resources, with a focus on hiring, employee development, retention and conflict resolution.
I believe that our library is and should continue to be a welcoming place for all, providing a collection and programming that is robust and inclusive with something that appeals to everyone. I am fiercely supportive and proud of our library staff and the tireless effort they give to support this ideal, planning and implementing over 500 programs in FY22, managing physical item circulation of 343,000 and electronic content use of 176,000. During my tenure on the Board, the staff resourcefully navigated the pandemic, created an RPL app, began utilizing social media exciting a new generation of library lovers, expanded outreach adding a Dementia-friendly collection, purchased the Library Book Bike and provided lockers enabling access to materials beyond library hours.
I am committed to continuing to dedicate my effort and energy to ensure that OUR library continues to be the best library in Massachusetts. I will continue to tirelessly support the RPL’s Core Values of Education, Equity, Accountability and Access and our Mission to be a center and resource for learning and civic engagement. I humbly ask for your vote on April 4th.
