Six libraries get millions from state

But aid hinges on raising the bulk of project cost locally

Six local libraries have won multimillion-dollar awards from the state as a hefty down payment to help build or renovate their buildings. But there's a catch - the libraries need to raise the rest of the money by the end of 2009, or they lose the state cash.

The state money generally amounts to about 30 percent of construction costs. The rest is expected to come from the town and private donations.

Librarians, frustrated with older, crowded buildings, have already started scrambling to raise the funds before the deadline. New, larger buildings would allow them to offer new programs and services, they said, as well as comply with disability access laws.

The systems received between $1.9 million and $3.9 million. The libraries are in Foxborough, Holbrook, Hull, Norwell, Walpole, and Westwood.

"This is good news for all of us," said Jerry Cirillo, the library director at Boyden Library in Foxborough. The library now needs to "make a good case for Boyden" so residents give it more money, he said, noting that the building is 40 years old and filled to capacity.

The system has received about $3.5 million toward costs of about $10 million. The current library would be expanded from about 20,000 square feet to about 32,000 square feet by building a two-level deck over the parking lot.

The money is part of $100 million for libraries that the state plans to hand out. Money is going to 31 communities across the state. Libraries applied in 2005 in a competitive process.

The library money is part of a $3 billion bond bill passed by the Legislature at the end of July, with much of the aid going to infrastructure. Local state colleges, such as Bridgewater and Massasoit, also benefited from the bond bill.

Walpole is further along in its planning for a proposed $12 million library than many communities. A vote on a $7 million override is scheduled for Nov. 4, the presidential election day. The system received $3.9 million from the state and needs $1.1 million more in private donations.

Director Jerry Romelczyk said the current building on Common Street, built in 1903 with an addition in the 1960s, is tired and old. A new two-story library, a few blocks from the old one and near Town Hall, would almost double the space and would have a room that could hold about 150 people that could be used for public meetings. The area for young adults and the children's area would be greatly expanded. The current children's room draws up to 60 people a morning during the summer.

"It gets incredibly crowded," he said. Plus, "it's dingy and ugly and not appropriate for children."

The oil heating system dates to the 1930s and breaks down every year, and the building has no insulation. Even though the new building would be twice is big, he hopes energy costs are about the same.

After several flat years, circulation of books, videos, and other items is up about 8 percent this year. That's no surprise, he said. In tough economic times, people turn to the library because it's free.

In Holbrook, the nearly $2 million from the state would go toward expanding the 10,000-square-foot library by 5,000 feet. The lower level would be made handicapped accessible, the children's area would be enlarged, and there would be a new main entrance.

Library director Ruth A. Hathaway said the system has lined up about $500,000 in private funds and grants, and she plans to work hard to raise more.

However, since the total project would cost about $4.2 million, the financially strapped community has a long way to go before the proposals become reality. A meeting with selectmen about raising money will be scheduled soon, she said.

The library faced closure just a few months ago, after Holbrook voters in April rejected a $2.8 million override request. In June, a second pared-down override attempt - including $357,000 to keep the library open - succeeded. How the community responds to the expansion plans remains to be seen.

Norwell Library, awarded about $3.1 million, is in an unusual position. The state money is supposed to go toward the current site at 64 South St. However, the town is exploring the idea of rebuilding and expanding Town Hall so it holds both town offices and the library, said library director Rebecca Freer. A feasibility study is underway.

If the architect says the Town Hall site will work, the library would decline the state award and reapply to use the money for the Town Hall site. However, if the study finds the Town Hall plan lacking, the library will use the money for its current site.

Westwood would like to expand from 18,000 square feet to 32,000 square feet. The building dates to 1959, with an expansion in 1967.

Space is limited. "We are at the point where when we add a book, we remove a book," said director Thomas Viti. "The staff spends an extraordinary amount of time trying to fit stuff on shelves."

Matt Carroll can be reached at mcarroll@globe.com.