Library is taking shape, but not without controversy.

Byline: Sarah Hamby

DUDLEY - In the six months since the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Pearle L. Crawford Library at 40 Schofield Ave., the site has been transformed into a 16,750-square-foot shell that new Library Director Matthew Hall hopes will become a source of community pride.

The Charlton resident has experience with library construction and renovation through his work from 2002 to 2006 as the director of library services at Quinebaug Valley Community College in Danielson, and as the associate director of library services at Worcester Polytechnic Institute from 2006 until he took the Dudley post July 1.

Mr. Hall, 39, has plans for the sometimes controversial new library. He expects to continue the children's programming already in place, speaking highly of current activities such as weekly story time and the summer reading group. But he sees an area of need in the young adult department.

"The tween group gets overlooked," he recently said, then expanded upon his vision to engage young adults and preteens. "They will have an entire room ... we made sure their needs were taken into consideration." Mr. Hall said a teen advisory group has been established to determine what teens are looking for in a library. The group has been working with a library aide and making suggestions to the architect as the project goes forward. "That's been a lot of fun," said the new director, "to engage them and not just guess what people want."

Adults visiting the new library in April 2010 will be similarly accommodated; with new, specially designed furniture and large conference rooms enabling library staff to introduce new programs.

While Mr. Hall moves forward with his improvement plans, controversy continues to surround the massive new media center that is now more than visible to passers-by.

In February, the Board of Selectmen authorized the Library Building Committee to accept a bid of just over $3.5 million to begin the project during a hiring freeze designed to help offset a current fiscal year deficit. Brian K. Germain, chairman of the Board of Selectmen at the time, raised questions about the availability of future funds. "I just don't see us being able to hire anybody," he said last winter.

Mr. Germain spoke at the groundbreaking in April 2009 and indicated that, while he did not vote to approve the new library construction, he felt it was a good move for the town. "We're facing one of the worst economic times in history," he said. "But when the smoke clears, and it will, we will have a great resource."

Selectman Jo Ann Szymczak continues to express her concerns about future library maintenance and staffing. She voted against the new library in May 2007. During a recent board meeting, she said, "I am concerned about the town owing money. We're on the line for the difference for what's supposed to be raised. If we don't raise it, where does it come from, other than coming back from the taxpayer?"

Selectman Anthony B. DiDonato Sr. responded, "The Library Building Committee said they will not go back to the town for any money."

The library is being funded through a variety of sources, none of which require money from taxpayers or the town. State grant money, along with private donations and capital campaign funds, are intended to cover all projected costs. Mr. Hall said recently that the Capital Campaign Committee should be coming forward soon with an announcement about its fundraising campaign goals.

"I want to say that all construction costs are covered by the funding that is already in place," he said. "There is no expectation that we would have to ask the town for more money, so that's taken care of."

He also noted there is money in the library's annual budget for materials and supplies, staffing and maintenance. "We're going to install some technology that will assist," he said, "One of the things we're looking at is a self checkout machine ... It's not to replace staff, it's to offset any increases."

There will also be plenty of free help. "We've been inundated with requests for people to volunteer," said the director, acknowledging that "volunteers are wonderful and terrific but the staff has to run the library."

"As far as the collection goes," he said, "I would tell people that there are going to be some empty shelves - but that's good. That leaves room for growth. We're planning. The town of Dudley is growing."

While some continue to have fiscal concerns, Paul Joseph, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, recently said, "My only concern is, will we evolve the services and the staffing to meet what is sure to be the changing future role of library services? The building is of less importance than the staff's ability to adjust to the changing needs of the people."

Members of the Pearle L. Crawford Library Building Committee addressed selectmen at a meeting in late August to provide an update on the library's finances and physical status. At that time, Building Committee Co-Chairman Robert Grzyb said construction was going well, with site utilities nearly complete. Currently the new Pearle L. Crawford Library is scheduled to open on time, in April or May.Library Building co-chairmen Robert Gryzb and Anne-Marie Safaee addressed the Board of Selectmen at a meeting on Sept. 28. Ms. Safaee told the board, "The Capital Campaign Committee has reached its goal of raising one million dollars ... it is my understanding that over 93 percent of that one million dollars is in hand."

In response to questions from Ms. Szymczak, Safaee reiterated, "Our building committee will not be going back to the town (for funds.)"

"I think the community has been great," Mr. Hall said. "It's been a very positive experience for me personally and I think the community has been overwhelmingly supportive of the project. When it's all said and done, it's going to be a humongous source of pride for the Dudley community."

For more information about the new library visit www.dudleyma.gov/library.

ART: PHOTOS

PHOTOG: T&G Staff Photos/MARK C. IDE 

CUTLINE: (1) Matthew Hall, library director, at the site of the new Pearle L. Crawford Library at 40 Schofield Ave. (2) Framework inside the new library.