The same union that represents nurses at several Pioneer Valley hospitals went on strike in Boston on July 8. About 4,500 nurses and other hospital workers in Boston were on strike. They have a web site at www.MassNurses.org.

Unions are good for democracy because they reduce inequality.

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The Brattleboro library is hiring a new director following the resignation of the previous director. In April, the annual town meeting approved a town budget that restored an 8 percent cut to the library budget that the select board had proposed.

In addition to books and current and archived newspapers, libraries usually have free computer access and wifi. This helps people who can't afford a computer, smartphone or home internet access. At a library people can use a computer to apply for jobs and government benefit programs like Medicaid. In winter, libraries are a place for people to warm up, and in summer they let people cool off.