“The next step is the presentation of the final project budget in February. I encourage everyone to voice their support for the Royalton Public Library project. Talk to Selectboard members. If possible, attend the upcoming meeting in February.”
15 January 2019
To The Editor:
  For at least 20 years, the Royalton Library Board has been trying to find a way to upgrade the Royalton Public Library. They are very close to making their dream a reality.
    First, they began serious fundraising and grant applications. Both have been very successful. Then the voters of Royalton passed a bond vote for $750,000 for the library project. Next came the contentious meeting at which the Selectboard rejected the initial architectural plans. The overriding concern of the Selectboard  was the difference between the $1.25 million price tag and the $750,000 bond.
    The Library Board then spent months working with the architect and construction company to find a way to meet the$750,000 budget. Again, they were successful. Last week they presented a revised project proposal to the Selectboard with the goal of getting “confirmation from the Selectboard that they approve the progress and will release the bond funds when the final budget is presented in February.”
    Theron Manning, retired Gifford Facilities Director, who in his 40 year career oversaw Gifford Hospital’s many successful construction projects, explained the new proposal in great detail; outlining the cost-saving measures that could be taken without undermining the library’s ability to provide full accessibility as well as the space needed for books, technology and community programs.  He then answered questions from the Selectboard.
     Unfortunately, this was not enough to convince the Selectboard to approve the new plans.
    The next step is the presentation of the final project budget in February. I encourage everyone to voice their support for the Royalton Public Library project. Talk to Selectboard members. If possible, attend the upcoming meeting in February.
    “A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people.” Â
– Andrew Carnegie
Sincerely,
Frances Flannery