New Group Aimed at Library Ballot Vote

supporters have formed a committee to advocate for a win at the Dec. 13 special election.

A yes vote is required that day by a simple majority for the expansion of the library to go forward.

The Grafton Public library was awarded a grant of $5 million from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners in July for the $11.7 million project. The town voted by a two-thirds majority to accept the grant money and move forward with the project at the semi-annual Grafton town meeting on Oct. 17.

Supporters have formed a Ballot Question Committee, which is required under state law. The Massachusetts Office of Political and Campaign Finance regulates all campaign finance laws in the state.

Contributions can be made to the committee by individuals, any corporation, labor union, state or local party committee. There are no limits on at the amount of contributions that can be made.

 All funds used to support the passage of the debt exclusion ballot question will be accounted for under the auspices of the Committee to Support Expansion of the Grafton Public Library. The committee is required to file campaign finance reports.

Robert Lewis, longtime Grafton resident, realtor and former selectmen will serve as chairman. ''This is a historic opportunity for the taxpayers to undertake a much-needed rebuilding of the library with the state paying a significant share of the costs,” he said in a prepared statement.

"We hope that the people of Grafton will vote in favor of this need and resolve a long-standing serious problem,” Mr. Lewis added.

Len Ryer, former library trustee and Grafton resident will be the treasurer. “We have filed all of the appropriate paperwork necessary to create the committee and will ensure that all financial transactions will be handled with complete transparency according to state law,” he said in a prepared statement. “I am excited that the town of Grafton is moving forward to renovate and make the necessary improvements to the public library which is a mainstay of the community.''

The library expansion project will make the library 100 percent ADA compliant and accessible for everyone in the community. The library will be used as a resource for information, a repository of books, computer and Internet access, periodicals and media, a 150-person meeting place, private study rooms and collaborative study areas.

Advocates hope it will be a center for children’s and youth’s programs, adult and senior lifelong learning.