What Is the Library Expansion Project?


And why do we need it?

The current library was built in 1927 to serve a population of 6,000 residents. Grafton now has almost 18,000 residents, and the existing library cannot support the contemporary needs of the town.

  • Our library is one of the smallest in the state for a town our size.
  • The library is not handicapped accessible. Many community members cannot take full advantage of resources and programs because they cannot get into the building.
  • The children’s room is often crowded during storytimes and programs. It is the only possible program space in the building and has to be closed to users while performances are taking place.
  • There is no safe area in library or town for teens to study or hang out.
  • The heating and air conditioning systems are antiquated, making hot and cold months uncomfortable for users.


The community of Grafton has information needs for the library to fulfill, and in order to meet those needs the library has to expand its physical presence. The information needs of our community are:

Life-long learning: The library can offer a diversity of programs to benefit the entire population from infants to seniors.

Information literacy: The library can provide access to a variety of resources both electronic and in print and assist users in locating, using, and evaluating those sources. The library can also offer computers with Internet to access online content, and enable school- or job-related research.

Current topics and titles: The library can build a collection that meets the changing needs of the community – a collection that includes books, audiobooks, DVDs, music, periodicals, and newspapers.

Commons: The library can create a central community gathering place with a children’s room, toddler space, teen room, technology center, and flexible program and meeting spaces for community groups.

Want to read the Long Range Plan? (PDF)

See Site Plan and Lower and Upper floor plans (all files are PDFs)


How much is this project going to cost?



When Is Everything Happening?


There are a number of key dates for the expansion project:

October 2010 Information Meetings at the Library and Municipal Center

The presentation provided an overview of the long-range plan, reasons for expansion, and the MBLC grant process.


October 2010 Town Meeting

The town approved the Library Committee to apply for the 2011 grant from the MBLC.


May 9, 2011 Town Meeting

The town approved preliminary project design plans. These plans are based on MBLC requirements and the long-range plan. The grant application was contingent on approval of these plans. No funding request at this time.


May-October 2011

A number of activities will happen that include:

Fundraising campaign

Information sessions

Raising awareness

 

July 2011

MBLC announced grant awards

 

October 2011 Town Meeting

Authorize the borrowing necessary to fund the project.


Get Involved!

Visit the Grafton Library Campaign website and click "Contact Us" to get involved.


“If you build it, they will come:” The town of Mashpee recently opened their expanded library. In the first five months after opening, library usage was up 55% and 1,700 residents signed up for new library cards.

Grafton can do even better!


Library Use in the US:

Source: 2010 US IMPACT Study, Institute of Museum and Library Services