2 May, 2014
We are excited to be writing to encourage residents to support the long planned and much-needed expansion and renovation of Hopkinton Public Library at the Annual Town Meeting on May 5 and the Town Election on May 19. With your vote and those of your fellow residents, the library project will move forward and Hopkinton can expect to open the doors to a state-of-the art library in December 2016!
Built in 1895, our library has been an icon of downtown Hopkinton for generations. The last renovation was in 1967 when the library was expanded to the current size of 5,783 square feet. Since then, our library has remained unchanged; however, our population and our technology needs have changed dramatically. Not fully accessible and not compliant with the American with Disabilities Act, many Hopkinton residents are unable to use our library, or choose to use more accessible libraries with larger collections and resources in neighboring towns.
The improved 22,000 square foot library will be state-of-the-art and environmentally friendly, yet maintain the character of the original historic building. Once completed, the new library will provide meeting space for community groups, a technology classroom, and boast age appropriate Children’s and Young Adult sections. The modernized and expanded building will provide up to 38 computers for Internet access and more space to utilize Wi-Fi. The fully accessible building will serve all segments of our community, from infants to seniors, complete with an elevator to access the second floor and 21 patron parking spaces on-site. To view full plans, a virtual tour, and a timeline of all the project milestones, please visit HPLFinc.org and hopktinonlibrary.org.
Most importantly for Hopkinton, the new library will provide a space for the community to gather and meet, attend cultural, historical, educational and entertaining programs, access computers and new technologies, and provide expanded access to free print and digital resources. The benefit of an improved library goes beyond the walls of the new building; the modernized and expanded library will bring much-needed vitality and economic stimulus to Hopkinton Center.
The overall cost of the library project is $11.7 million. With a state Library Construction Grant of $4.5 million and private fundraising expected to raise $1 million, the cost to the Town is $6.25 million. The initial cost to Hopkinton residents breaks down to approximately $95 per year (or $8 per month) in taxes per average household, starting in 2017. That amount will go down each year over the 20 year period as the Town pays back the principal on the bond. Through the generosity of hundreds of Hopkinton families, businesses and local groups, Hopkinton Public Library Foundation has raised $450,000 in pledges and contributions toward a goal of raising $1,000,000 by time the library opens in 2016.
We will be voting “YES” on May 5 at Annual Town Meeting and checking the "YES" box for the Library on May 19 at the Election. We hope you will join us in doing the same! Town Meeting starts at the Middle School at 7pm on May 5. Polls are open for the Town Election on Monday, May 19, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Middle School.
Very truly yours,
Board of Directors, Hopkinton Public Library Foundation, Inc.
Laura Barry, 7 Nicholas Road
Katherine Davenport, 112 Ash Street
John Ferrari, 6 Barbara Road
Stephanie Hodge, 15 North Mill Street
Amanda Losada, 30 Chestnut Street
Michelle Marzi, 41 Eastview
Lindsay McDermott, 78 Hayden Rowe Street
Amy Montalto, 203 Wood Street
Kathryn Principe, 268 Pond Street
Scott Richardson, 77 Main Street
