October 5, 2021

After raising more than $3.8 million in private funds, a $3.6 million construction grant by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissions, and committing $1.2 million by the Town of Sherborn, the Sherborn Library Renovation began in Fall 2016. Initial projections for the opening of the library were by January of 2018. 

However, we are now in October of 2021, and at present, there is no timeline for the completion of the Library Renovation, nor is there clarity about the fiscal implications for the State, the Town, and the taxpayers regarding the work completed to date, nor are there details about the projections for additional work.  Contingency plans have not been provided.

While some Library services are available at the Community Center, this space does not meet the needs of our community, especially our school-aged children, who have now been without a library that provides adequate space for over 5 school years.

We acknowledge that the Sherborn Board of Library Trustees and Select Board recently wrote an Open Letter to the Town of Sherborn, which is available at: https://sherbornlibrary.org/uploads/news/img/Library_Open_Letter_Oct_4.pdf

They also created an online repository of legal documents related to ongoing litigation.  These are available at: https://www.sherbornma.org/home/news/library-construction-public-legal-document-repository-updated-october-4-2021

However, these measures are both overdue and woefully inadequate to account for the incomplete status of the Library Renovation.  They do not replace engagement of the Town residents in open dialogue, nor do they provide sufficient detail about the project to date, anticipated plans, and the fiscal implications of the Renovation.

We the undersigned have lost faith in the approach to and management of the Library Renovation.  We demand a transparent and accountable review of all proceedings to date. 

We specifically petition the Sherborn Board of Library Trustees and Select Board for the following:

1)     An interactive forum(s) that is accessible to a wide audience with advertising and accommodations made to allow for full community engagement during which the Trustees and Select Board will explain in detail the status of the Library Renovation and allow for transparent and interactive community engagement about the project.

2)     A review of the state of all funds, including details of funds spent to date, outstanding projections for future costs, and the source of said funding.  Any uncovered expenses to date, anticipated expenses, and the anticipated cost to taxpayers should be detailed.  The status of the Massachusetts State Board of Library Commissions grant should be reviewed, including whether such funding is in jeopardy.

3)     An explanation for current and projected operating costs for the temporary location of the library at the Sherborn Community Center, detailing all expenses and sources of funding (public and private).

4)     A plan for developing a means of providing continued transparency and accountability to the residents of the Town of Sherborn, including involvement of external accountability organizations if and where warranted.

5)     Detailed contingencies for the completion of the Sherborn Library Project within the 2021-2022 School Year.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned Concerned Residents of Sherborn