WESTBOROUGH – The Westborough Public Library repair project is currently estimated to cost $13.6 million – a reduction of the amount presented earlier this year.
Director Kate Coraccio made her first appearance at Town Meeting on Monday, Oct. 21.
She was there with Bob Petrocelli, vice chair of the Library Building Committee, to present an update on the library repair project.
They said that design development goals were “on target,” with final cost estimates to be ready before year’s end. Bids are expected to be announced around December or January, and they will be due and opened in time for the March 2025 Town Meeting.
The estimate is below the projection of $16.2 million presented at the Annual Town Meeting in March. Since then, the Library Building Committee has worked with the Library Trustees and the design team from Vertex to trim the budget.
Recently, the library was notified that it did not have to rebuild the front entrance to have it comply with ADA standards. That resulted in a savings of about $500,000.
If approved, the repair project would replace the 1908 slate roof; replace the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; restore the historic windows; install more restrooms; upgrade the electrical and fire suppression systems; meet Americans with Disabilities Act compliance; restore the adult areas in the historic building; create a dedicated teen space; and improve program space.
Coraccio said there will be opportunities for the public to learn more about the project.
Learn more at https://www.westboroughlibrary.org/about/repair-project/
