Sarah Dunn Davis

Political platform statement

My name is Sarah Dunn Davis, and I currently serve as a Library Trustee. I am seeking re-election to continue supporting our Library as a vibrant, accessible, and enriching resource for everyone in our community.
My husband and I have lived in Manchester for several years. We have two children: a daughter in second grade at Memorial School, and a son who will start kindergarten there in the fall. After living in Boston, we were drawn to Manchester for its natural beauty, tight-knit community, and excellent public institutions—including the schools and the Library.
Professionally, I’m an attorney at Ropes & Gray in Boston, specializing in mergers and acquisitions. Previously, I was a vice president and senior counsel at a public asset management company and served as a law clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals. This experience has equipped me with the skills necessary to handle the complex planning, budgeting, and advocacy responsibilities involved in effectively supporting and guiding a public library.
I grew up in Duxbury, a coastal town on the South Shore with a strong public school system and charm similar to Manchester’s. The town library was a cornerstone of my childhood—whether using the card catalog for researching projects in elementary school, studying with friends in high school, or quietly writing my college essays. Beyond academics, it was a community hub, especially for school-age kids—a place to go after school or meet friends on a rainy afternoon.
As the only current Trustee with school-age children, I bring a unique perspective to the Board, shaped by my personal experience and active involvement with the Library. This is especially valuable given the Library’s central role in the lives of children in our community. As a regular visitor with my family, I deeply appreciate the joy, discovery, and educational value the Library provides—particularly for young families.
We are fortunate to have an exceptional Library staff that curates an outstanding collection, offers engaging programs, and provides essential literacy and technology education. With these elements in place, my focus as a Trustee has been on ensuring the Library has the resources needed to sustain and grow these offerings.
Since joining the Board in 2023, I’ve worked to strengthen Library operations through budget planning, responsible capital requests, and pursuit of grant applications. As Trustee, I’ve played a key role in:
•Advocating for building repairs and accessibility improvements—including an ADA-compliant restroom—as well as expanded programming space, by working closely with town boards, Library staff, and community organizations. Given that the Library building is 138 years old, maintaining and enhancing it remains a priority.
•Commissioning a professional building condition assessment to guide capital planning, allowing the Trustees to prioritize critical needs and collaborate with the Finance Committee, Select Board, and town voters on long-term planning.
•Securing an agreement for weekly programming space at Community Hall (at First Parish Church). With the loss of the Community Center, providing additional space for downtown community gatherings and programs has become more important than ever.
Looking ahead, one of my top priorities is ensuring the Library’s long-term financial sustainability and growth. This goal has become more challenging due to rising demands on town resources, especially for aging infrastructure. Additionally, potential cuts to government funding add to the strain on public libraries.
Given these challenges, it is essential that the Library Trustees launch a capital campaign to secure private donations for necessary renovations and thoughtful expansion. These funds will be crucial in ensuring the Library evolves into a resource that continues to meet the needs of our community. We are in the early stages of this effort, and I’ve been designated by the Board to lead this initiative.
I’m proud of what the Library has achieved since I joined the Board in 2023. Over the past two years, the Trustees have met more frequently than any Board in recent memory, building momentum toward realizing the Library’s full potential—both as a physical space and a cultural institution. I’m eager for the opportunity to continue advancing this progress in the years ahead.
If re-elected, I will continue to serve as a dedicated advocate for the Library—championing this vital community resource, addressing the challenges facing public libraries, and working diligently to secure the funding needed to sustain and expand its services for future generations.
I respectfully ask for your vote on May 20 so I can keep working to help the Library grow, thrive, and serve our community for years to come.