We were surprised to learn that the public library is considered by the state Board of Library Commissioners to be serving a town of more than 10,000 people, a classification that dates back to when Fort Devens residents were counted in the town’s population. Apparently there is a financial benefit to the town to have this classification—the percentage of town library funds required to be spent on lending materials is lower than it would be if the library were classified as one serving a population of 5,000 to 9,999 people. Library Director Mary Wilson told selectmen this week that there seemed to be no reason to move down to the lower classification. We can think of one good reason: Harvard is not in fact a town of more than 10,000 people. Why has this not been questioned at the state or local level?