For several years, I served on Walpole’s Municipal Facilities Study Committee, which recommended a new library be built at the Town Hall and that it be part of a municipal campus plan.
Presently, I am serving on the Library Building Committee working with the trustees to select an architect, a project manager, and to review plans and designs. The new library is well designed, will seek LEED certification, and will meet the needs of all of Walpole’s citizens from the very young to teens to adults of all ages. The new library also will serve as a center for all the community with public meeting/lecture rooms and a historical archival room.
Hard and soft costs are estimated to be $12 million. The library has received a grant of $3.9 million from the state and may receive an additional $190,000 upon LEED certification.
That being said, taxpayer support is being sought for $7 million of the cost. This will result in a $79 addition to the tax rate in year one and $39 in year 20.
Simply stated, a new green library translates into buying two books on Amazon.com or a small cup of coffee every seven days. The cost to the taxpayer is 22 cents per day ay in the first year and 10 cents per day in year 20.
This community has persevered with a library in need and its needs can be addressed for 22 cents per day.
