Milne Library Withdraws Grant Application for Expansion
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The state library construction grant would have covered $2.8 million of the $7.2 million project. But the board decided that a capital campaign to raise the remaining $4.4 million from private sources was not possible at this time. Factors contributing to the decision included the very short fundraising timetable required as a condition of the grant, other competing fundraising efforts in Williamstown, and the uncertain economy. (The Williamstown Youth Center recently completed its $3.8 million capital campaign to break ground this fall on a new building.)
The board of trustees is already under way with identifying the most urgent and vital operating needs for the building, and will invite suggestions from the entire Williamstown community. Following that, a comprehensive plan for a more limited renovation will be put forward, along with a campaign strategy to secure the funds required for such a capital project.
The expansion would have added 3,422 square feet to the former school building and doubled the parking. The town meeting approved two warrant articles authorizing the board to pursue the grant and accept the initial schematics.
The board expressed its gratitude to the Selectmen and Finance Committee for recommending the adoption of the warrant articles that were required for the state application and to the community which overwhelmingly supported those articles at the recent town meeting. It also thanked the building consultants of the state board for their counsel and guidance.
The trustees expect to explore possibilities for future cooperative efforts.
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