Thumbs up to the Libby Memorial Library in Old Orchard Beach for looking to the future with plans for expansion. As the town’s only public library, Libby is charged with providing not only books but Internet access, children’s programming and audio visual offerings.

The current small space is not adequate for either these growing expectations or the growing population. We hope the town will be supportive once the library’s plans are completed and presenting for funding.

Thumbs down to the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service for issuing a notice of deportation to English citizens Laura and Dean Frank in Wells. The two own Laura’s Kitchen there and have been told they will have to leave ”“ after nine  years of living in nearby Arundel ”“ because they only make “marginal” profits. These reasoning seems an impractical standard for no longer allowing contributing, taxpaying community members to stay. Hopefully, the powers that be will take a closer look at the Franks’ case and realize that they’ve made a mistake in telling them to leave.

Thumbs up to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and local Environmental Protection Agency for helping the Kennebunk/Kennebunkport and Wells coastline earn the designation of a No Discharge Zone. The change makes it illegal for ocean vessels to dump their sewage into the water. This should help keep the beaches more sanitary and the water healthier for aquatic life. After all, it is curious that discharge of sewage is allowed in any waters.

Thumbs up to the Arundel Fire Department and the Town of Arundel for taking steps to remedy the personnel problems that have plagued the department for years. A study has been commissioned to look into relations among the fire/rescue crews and come up with a plan to shore up the operation. Installing a full time chief, which is also under consideration, may go a long way toward offering the department stability and clear leadership.

Thumbs down to the high-stakes decision that will face Biddeford voters this year ”“ whether or not to approve a $34 million high school renovation bond. Given the state of the economy, it could be defeated, setting back necessary improvements. Several councilors urged an incremental approach to solving the many problems at the school complex. On the other hand, piecemeal efforts in the past created today’s sprawling, inefficient facility. Biddeford must make long-term investments in this important asset. The question is whether to undertake a comprehensive project, or face pressing problems first. We hope there will be ample opportunity to debate this difficult choice.

Thumbs up to School Administrative District 6’s proposal to expand and renovate Hollis Elementary School using a federal program that allows the district to take out an interest-free bond. Voters in the district should take the federal aid while they can get it ”“ the school is already 30 percent overcrowded and growth is not going away.

Thumbs up to the Go Greene group of community activists who are working to clean up the city of Biddeford through several projects. The murders of their friends, Derek and Gage Greene, were a wake-up call that a positive youth-based force was needed in downtown Biddeford. Their efforts will undoubtedly influence their peers to set more lofty life goals and contribute to society positively. These youth should be commended for turning a tragedy into an opportunity to grow.

Thumbnails is a Monday feature of the Journal Tribune’s opinion pages. If you would like to respond, please write the Reader’s Forum via e-mail at jtcommunity@journaltribune.com or by dropping your letter off at our Biddeford or Sanford offices.