Select Board presses library to cut $18.6M ask
Northbridge Select Board presses library trustees to trim an $18.6 million local ask. Architect Noel Murphy and project manager Dave Hurley presented a $31.9 million plan to renovate and expand the 1913 Whitinsville Social Library, with the state covering roughly 40 percent, or $12,497,000.
Select Board · Meeting of September 28, 2026
Northbridge Select Board presses library trustees to trim an $18.6 million local ask. Architect Noel Murphy and project manager Dave Hurley presented a $31.9 million plan to renovate and expand the 1913 Whitinsville Social Library, with the state covering roughly 40 percent, or $12,497,000. Library Board of Trustees Chairman Carol Brower said the library already contributes "40 percent of the operating budget" from its roughly $8 million endowment plus a new $1.8 million Keeler family bequest.
One selectman called the overall price tag "a frightening number," noting the town recently built a $14.5 million senior center and a roughly $24 million fire station. The board also voted unanimously, following a 4-0 roll call to open and close the hearing, to lay out three Camelot Subdivision roads as public ways ahead of fall Town Meeting. No town-funding figure was set Monday; a two-thirds Town Meeting vote and a ballot question are expected in spring 2027.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,893 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of September 28, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
Members read the rest of this story and every Worcester County meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this story
Know someone in Worcester County who follows town government? Share Townbrief Worcester County: they can sign up free.