July 15, 2005
SHREWSBURY - The Board of Trustees of the Shrewsbury Public Library
recently received notification that the Massachusetts Board of Library
Commissioners has approved a grant of $3,447,211 for the proposed
renovation and expansion of the public library building. The community
has been placed on a waiting list for the eventual funding, dependent
on future approval of the local share of the project cost. The community
is number 7 on a list of 25 communities waiting for grants that
will partially fund their public library construction projects.
Trustee Board Chair George Strom, expressed the Boards delight
with the news. “The Board is thrilled with the news. It was
a very competitive grant round with over 40 communities submitting
applications, and we are very pleased to b e
approved for eventual funding by the state”
Library Director Ellen Dolan reported that library patrons have
voiced their happiness over the grant results. “Many patrons
have heard the news and are excited to know that a building project
is closer to becoming a reality.” She was careful to explain
that this is the first step in a multi year process that could lead
to the eventual improvements if the library building. The state
legislature must first approve a capital bond bill to fund the communities
on the waiting list, and then Governor’s administration must
decide over how many years they will release that funding. Dolan
cautioned “this might take a few years.” The Board of
Trustees must then return to the community and seek approval of
the local share of the project, estimated at $7.5 million. The project
could then move forward.
Dolan reports that “We’ve had library patrons inquire
when the construction can start. We love the enthusiasm, but we’ve
had to tell them this only an initial step in bringing the project
to completion."
Dolan also noted her great appreciation to those who secured this
grant. George Brown, who served as Acting Director, before Dolan’s
hire, actually wrote the complex and lengthy grant application.
“He did an incredible job on a tight schedule. He deserves
great credit for this wonderful result.” Dolan also expressed
her appreciation to various town officials: Town Manager Dan Morgado
and his staff, the Board of Selectmen, the Engineering Department,
the Finance Committee, and the Light Department, all who aided the
Board of Trustees in this process. “It’s important to
remember that this is a grant application on behalf of the community,
not just for the library. We were so fortunate to have so many town
officials and employees support the application process.”
Although it might be a few years before the town is notified that
the state funding will be released to the town and the Board of
Trustees returns to community for local funding, Dolan reports that
the library officials will be not be sitting idly. “We have
a lot of work to do between now the eventual release of state money.
We are forming a fundraising committee, working on addressing parking
issues, and making sure that we inform the community about the needs
for the building and the proposed solution. We won’t be sitting
still” concludes Dolan.
Proposed Shrewsbury Library Renovation & Expansion
Artist's Rendition of New Library
View Of Children's Room
View From Reference Desk
View From Main Entrance
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