by Sarah Davis
To the Editor,
The Manchester Library Trustees have recently been notified that the library will no longer be eligible to receive a significant state construction grant if the town votes “no” to the MBTA zoning amendment at Special Town Meeting on November 18th.
The construction grant is an important opportunity for the library to address its current structural challenges, including accessibility issues and lack of programming space.
The construction grant would cover approximately 50% of the cost of a renovation/expansion. For example, if the Library undertakes a $10,000,000 renovation/expansion, the grant would cover $5,250,000.
The Manchester Library Trustees and Library Director dedicated over a year to preparing the grant application. After overwhelming voter support for pursuing the grant at Annual Town Meeting in April 2024, the application was submitted in May 2024. The Library is currently one of seven finalists for this competitive grant, and the grant will be awarded in January 2025.
If the Library is not awarded the grant, the next opportunity to apply for it is expected to be in 2028 or later.
At a time when there are unprecedented fiscal demands on the town, loss of this grant opportunity if the town votes “no” at town meeting makes it more likely that an expansion/renovation of the library will be significantly delayed.
Sarah Davis
Manchester Library Board of Trustees
