Seekonk Town Administrator Supports New Public Library

Town Administrator Shawn Cadime has voiced his support for a new town library.

Voters will decide whether or not to approve the funding for the $24 million project at Monday’s special town meeting.

The new building would replace the current 14,880 square foot facility at 410 Newman Avenue.

“I do feel the Town needs a new library or at a minimum a renovation,” Cadime said Wednesday. “The building is in need of significant repair. The question if the taxpayers can afford it, is one that I cannot speak to. The affordability question will vary based on each taxpayer and the assessment value of their home. That question will be answered at Town Meeting and if passed at Town Meeting at the Ballot. That is when the voters/taxpayers will answer the question of affordability and desire for a new library.”

According to Tappe Architects: “The proposed new Seekonk Public Library will be a 23,000 square foot building designed to meet the current and future needs of the community. More than just books, the library will provide community programming such as local business assistance, job seeker help, senior services, events, and a gallery.”

Last July, the Library had been awarded a $7.3 million grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners for the construction of a new building.

Michael Durkay, chairman of the Library Board of Trustees, said the grant was “provisional”, which means the voters need to approve the grant at a special election to be held before January 9, 2023.

Cadime is hosting a Town Meeting Preview on TV9.  “I started the Town Meeting preview as a result of numerous residents claiming that they were learning about the warrant articles on Town Meeting floor,” Cadime noted.  “I asked Mr. Durkay and (Library Director) Kathleen Hibbert if they would be willing to join me on the program to discuss the project and answer questions that people may have about the project. They were kind enough to accommodate my request and I thank them for it. I think it was a very informative show, but I'm biased because I formulated all the questions.” Cadime was criticized on the latest episode of “Seekonk Concerned Citizens” (also on TV9) for being involved with the program. “Why was he doing something like that?,” Host David Saad asked. “That, to me, was way off base.”  Co-host Doreen Taylor said the Library Board of Trustees could have hosted their own show about the project. “Why did they need the Town Administrator there as a prop?,”  Taylor said. “He’s employed here. He doesn’t vote. He doesn’t pay taxes here.” “I can confirm that I will be participating in future Town Meeting Preview Shows hosted by the Town Administrator, obviously assuming that I am still Town Administrator,” Cadime added. “I'm currently in the process of scheduling the show for Fall Town Meeting, which is on November 14th at 7pm at the Seekonk High School. From time-to-time I will have department heads and individuals on the program to discuss and provide information on the warrant articles.”