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Barring any last minute glitches, the newly renovated Canton Library will open Dec. 1. The traffic jam caused by its official dedication last Sunday indicates it's it's likely to be a popular destination.
Canton Library officials say they consider themselves lucky. The economic downturn of recent years has forced many communities to reduce library services and hours. According to the state Board of Library Commissioners, more libraries are asking the state to overlook the local cutbacks so they can still qualify for a state library funding program. The program requires libraries to meet certain service standards.
David Gray, a spokesman for the state library board, said some communities continue to make their libraries a high priority.
"In many communities where the library has really showed its usefulness and its importance, the citizens have stepped up to the plate," Gray said.
In Canton, Town Meeting approved a $7.9 million debt exclusion override, to refurbish the deteriorating and cramped library, which was built in 1902. The $9.3 million project included $6.3 million in town money, a $2.6 million state grant, and about $450,000 in privately raised funds.
Last Sunday, many residents got their first look inside the new facility. Many marvelled at the craftsmanship, and some tapped on the marble counter tops and admired the refurbished glass dome. Downstairs, children buzzed around the expansive new children's room, greeted by characters dressed as Harry Potter, Willy Wonka, and the Cat in the Hat.
Library director Mark Lague said the project finished about three months ahead of schedule and $500,000 under budget. He said everyone involved in the project fostered a spirit of cooperation.
"Perhaps because it wasn't something that we need but something that we want for our human well-being," Lague said. "It speaks to the preservation of our past as well as investing in the future of our children."
But Lague, who has worked at the library since 1984, said he understands there will be fiscal challenges ahead. He and the library's board of trustees plans to establish a long-term fund-raising foundation to help cover the estimated $800,000 annual operating budget. He has also compiled a list of volunteers and will likely rent the library's meeting room to generate revenue.
Similar cost-saving measures would not have helped in some communities. Facing a $10.5 million shortfall, the city of Haverhill considered closing its library in mid-August until hundreds of residents protested the proposal. Library director Nancy Rea said the town discovered some unexpected funding and restored $1.1 million of the library's $1.3 million budget.
Haverhill is among a growing number of public libraries -- 67 of the state's 339 -- to apply for waivers that will allow them to qualify for state funding this year despite cutbacks. According to Dianne Carty, who heads state aid and data coordination for the state library board, only 11 applied last year.
Carty said library use increases during slow economic times. Librarians say many people visit the library to research jobs or simply occupy their time in a productive manner.
In Canton last Sunday, Helayne Cerruti pledged her long-term support for the library. Flanked by her four young children, Cerruti said the building is a smart investment for the town. "The parents with children tend to be the ones to vote on issues that will benefit our children, even if it raises taxes," she said.
Her son, Logan, 9, said he plans to visit the library at least once a week. His favorite books are biographies on baseball players. He has already read books about Nomar Garciaparra, Ivan Rodriguez, and Barry Bonds. "I like finding things out," he said.
Lague hopes that support from families like the Cerrutis will continue.
"The library has been around for 100 years and it will be around for another 100 years," he said.
© Copyright 2003 Globe Newspaper Company.
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