Select board candidates and other speakers described a plan to increase collaboration — and possibly legal consolidation of trustees — between Acton Memorial Library and the West Acton Citizens Library, prompting mixed reactions from residents at the forum.

Dean Shatter, who said he previously served as a trustee of the West Acton Citizens Library, said the small facility “does not have enough critical mass to be able to have the proper staffing” and that closer collaboration with the memorial library would provide more reliable staffing and program support. “I think the closer collaboration… is probably the best route for all,” he said.

Several speakers said the trustees of both libraries have already increased coordination of hours and programming. Select Board member David agreed, saying rotations and staff support from the memorial library have improved operations and that an integration plan for the two sets of trustees may soon come before voters.

Not all residents supported the change. June Leslie, who identified herself as the petitioner challenging the proposed conjoining of trustees, said the West Acton library has been “self-supporting with some assistance by the town” and that volunteers have historically staffed it. Leslie urged voters to oppose changes at town meeting and noted that municipal legal fees are being spent to advance the consolidation effort, which she said could cost “thousands of dollars.”

Forum leaders said the select board and library trustees plan to bring a proposal to town meeting; no formal town meeting action occurred at the forum. Speakers recommended voters review the integration plan and its financial and operational details ahead of any vote.