March 19, 2024

Seekonk Library Awarded Grant

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The Seekonk Public Library has 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 Board of Trustees for the library, 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.

Durkay thanked the members of the library’s Facilities Study Committee Wednesday for the work they did in order to obtain the grant.

The library may also get an additional $250,000 if the construction of the new building meets certain lead certification guidelines, Durkay noted.

Selectmen Chairman Justin Sullivan said the state needs to approve a ballot question before the special election can be held. Sullivan explained a date would also need to be worked out with the town clerk.

Voters at the spring 2021 town meeting rejected funding for an ambitious library building project. The $19.6 million was to be used for the construction, renovation, and expansion of the current facility at 410 Newman Avenue. The money would also have covered the costs for demolition, landscaping, paving, utility, and architectural and engineering services.

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