MBTS PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS & EVENTS

Annual Town Meeting is Tomorrow, April 24 at 6:30PM at Memorial School. The Library has been approved to participate in a state grant process sponsored by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). If selected by the MBLC, the grant would cover approximately half of the eligible costs of a renovation/expansion of the building, depending on the cost of the project. As part of the grant application, the town must approve Article 9 of the Town Meeting Warrant, which speaks to the reappropriation of $150,000 to be spent on the initial “planning and design” phase of the grant. The funds would be spent only if the Library is selected to advance. 

• Why now? This is the first time in seven years the grant round is being held, with the next round expected to be in 2028 or later. 

• Why do we need an expanded/renovated library? The building faces many challenges due to its size and age, most importantly accessibility issues and lack of adequate meeting space. 

Find out more info about Article 9, the full town meeting warrant and resources using the links below. 

• Library Building and Renovation Project

• Town Meeting Warrant

• Annual Town Report - hard copies available at Town Hall, Library, Police Station, Fire Department, and at Town Meeting

• Finance Committee Report 

• Free Childcare will be provided by Parks & Recreation. Register your child here.

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Manchester Reads 2024

This May discover the stars together with a space-themed Manchester Reads. Check out books, programs for all ages, crafts and even a telescope! Manchester Reads will culminate with a visit from Kelly Weinersmith on May 28 at the annual meeting of the Friends of the Library. Weinersmith is co-author of one of our keynote books, “A City on Mars: Can We Settle Space, Should We Settle Space and Have We Really Thought this Through?”, a NY Times bestseller and Scientific American’s #1 book for 2023. Find out more on our website. 

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