The Big Picture: what’s going on at DLSM

April 2026

Hello Everyone!

March 18 marked my two-year anniversary with the Dyer Library/Saco Museum. It’s been an absolute joy, largely because of the incredible Saco community. Whether you are attending a new program or being patient with us as we navigate technical shifts, you show up with kindness and curiosity. This spirit of collaboration is what makes our work possible.

While much of my daily work involves the (admittedly dry) world of emails and spreadsheets, my goal is to ensure our service is seamless. Here is what’s happening behind the scenes this month.

Bathrooms

We recently opened our staff restroom to the public – a major win for everyone and a huge relief for the post-storytime crowd currently mastering their potty-training skills! That said, we know our facilities need work. One faucet has been stubborn for months; what looked like a quick fix turned into a significant plumbing challenge. We’re aiming for a resolution by early April. Beyond the pipes, the decor needs an upgrade. Thanks to the Board of Trustees, we are using endowment funding for a facelift to make these spaces more functional, attractive, and welcoming.

Planning for the Future

We are currently in the early stages of a Strategic Plan to ensure we remain agile and responsive to your needs. You may have seen our survey around town – please take a moment to fill it out! To ensure true community-driven feedback, we need to hear from everyone—including those who aren’t traditional library or museum users. We want to hear the diverse perspectives that make Saco unique. If you have thoughts that don’t fit into a survey box, please reach out directly.

Book Drop

Now, for the question on everyone’s mind: What’s up with the book drop? Winter was tough on our equipment, leading to some structural failures. We’ve used this as an opportunity to order a new, larger-capacity drop that should be installed by mid-April. This upgrade ensures that even on long holiday weekends, your access to returning materials remains easy and efficient.

Whether we are fixing a leaky pipe or planning the next decade of service, we do it with you in mind. Your kindness, your curiosity, and your presence make Dyer Library and Saco Museum more than just buildings – you make it a community. I want to know what’s on your mind – please reach out any time.

Sophie Smith, Executive Director — Dyer Library

Best,

Sophie
ssmith@dyerlibrarysacomuseum.org