MBLC advised to hire architect, manager for library
By Caitlyn Kelleher Journal Reporter

The Library Board of Trustees and the Library Building Committee have been told the next step is to hire a project manager and an architect to develop a feasibility study and schematic design for the expansion project.

Anne Larsen, of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, spoke with the two library boards and the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday, Jan. 30. She told them they should look at many options for either a new building or a renovation and expansion project, now that Library Director Heidi Fowler has finished a program design.

Larsen advocated the need for the project to be successful.

"I have serious concerns when I sit in that library," Larsen said.

She cited the lack of handicap accessibility, the difficulty in staffing multilevels with hidden corners, and a lack of multi-egresses.

The town can hire the project manager and the architect using the money they have from a planning grant from the MBLC.

Fowler developed a program for the library based on 20-year population projections, the collections size and the expanding technology that would require 16,000 square feet.

"It's your business plan," Larsen said.

The MBLC will consider the plans for construction grants if they meet specific regulations. Most construction grants fund about 40 percent of the project, but the formula is about to change because of rising construction costs.

The library is currently 4,000 square feet.

No one knows what size building will fit on the current site on Main Street because there is a river on one side of the building, Main Street in front of the building and the access to Town Hall a third side.

Selectman David Chenelle said the local bylaws do not make exceptions for municipal buildings, so will have to be adhered to.

Larsen said an architect should be able to answer the group's questions.

Town Administrator Gregory Barnes asked what items will be considered under the grant.

Larsen said a building with multiuses could be acceptable, so long as the library is clearly separated.

"It's fine as long as it functions as a library," she said. "We pay for libraries, we don't pay for anything else."

In other business, selectmen …

+ Agreed to support Dana King's request to the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority to get an easement across their unused tracks.

+ Interviewed Michael Ciota of Ciota, Starr, and Vander Linden law firm of Fitchburg for the position of town counsel.

+ Accepted a $3,600 for a Click It or Ticket Mobilization grant and an Impaired Driving Mobilization grant.