With all the focus in Waterville centered on Colby’s remake of downtown, it has become easy to miss the real prize. As the chrome and steel structure begins to dominate the city’s façade, our library’s prominent position for Main Street is diminished. That is a shame.

For me, our library represents all that is right in this community: open doors, open events and opening minds. Little public attention has been paid to its very prestigious national award (”Waterville Public Library wins national recognition for community service,” Aug. 15). We have one of the very best libraries in the whole country. The library trustees, director Sarah Sugden and her excellent crew have brought Waterville the national recognition that no other event in recent memory can equal. It just seems a shame to see its physical stature — its thoughtful fit with the rest of the city’s architecture — diminished in any way.

What goes forward, goes forward. I’m just saying, when was the last award of such scope brought home to here; an award verified to everyone by the use and usefulness of the Waterville Public Library. This is what I and many others are proudest of.

Stephen R. Aucoin

Waterville