Letter to the Editor:
The Watertown Free Public Library’s efforts to gather community input for its 2026–28 Strategic Plan are commendable and reflect a genuine desire to serve the needs of residents. However, as a former resident of Watertown, I was surprised and disappointed to see that Armenian is not among the survey’s available languages (“Watertown Library’s Survey Will Help Plan for the Future,” Jan. 6, Watertown News).
Estimates suggest that Armenians make up around 20 percent of Watertown’s population, making Armenian one of the most widely spoken minority languages in the town. The Armenian community has been vital to Watertown’s cultural and social fabric for decades, contributing to its unique identity. This oversight is particularly striking given that the survey is offered in languages spoken by much smaller groups in Watertown. While inclusivity is important, it must extend to all significant communities to ensure fair representation.
The Library plays an essential role in bringing the community together, and including Armenian in its survey would demonstrate a commitment to honouring Watertown’s diversity. I respectfully urge the Library to add Armenian to the survey options, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued in shaping its future.
Rupen Janbazian
Former Watertown resident
Former Editor of the Armenian Weekly (Watertown)