The Lynnfield Library Board of Trustees met last Tuesday to discuss multiple topics, including renovation updates for the library.
At the Lynnfield Town Meeting on Nov. 13, the town approved an article for a $18.3 million renovation of the Public Library, with 305 voting in favor of adding the the renovation to the ballot for the Jan. 6 election, and 89 voting against.
The renovations will fix various long-term maintenance issues and add different rooms, such as teen rooms and private meeting rooms. At the meeting on Tuesday, board members emphasized the importance of teens feeling welcome and safe at the library, creating that want for the teen rooms.
At the Tuesday meeting, the Board’s largest focus was on teaching the community about how to vote come Jan. 6. There are options to vote by mail-in and in person. Currently, the library staff is only allowed to provide information on voting styles, as opposed to campaigning for the community to vote in favor.
However, The Friends of the Lynnfield Library are campaigning for the vote, and more information can be found at https://foll.org/library-renovation/.
The library is looking into sending out postcards with specific information on how to vote via mail-in. It can be a confusing process, and the library wants to make clear it is still an option for those who may not be able to make it to the ballots physically.
Vice-Chair Anne Malenfant said there has been good communication already from the community regarding the renovations, providing hope for a passing vote.
An important note is both the Public Library renovations and roads project would raise taxes over the next ten years. The community of Lynnfield will be able to vote on Jan. 6, 2025 to fund Public Library renovations.
