Hubbardston Library Trustees Approve Story Walk Grant Application, Table Basement Phase 2

HUBBARDSTON -- January 8, 2026, Hubbardston Library Trustees voted 4-0 to submit a Community Preservation Act grant application for a permanent story walk installation before a January 15 deadline. Chair Chris Kisiel reported a ceiling collapse in the library's main foyer caused by a pinhole steam pipe leak, and the board agreed to have heating contractor Royal Steam conduct a broader pipe inspection before spring renovation work begins on the lower level's south side. Library Director Christine Barbara presented a December 2025 director's report showing storytime attendance doubled year over year to 225, and an ROI analysis showing the library returns $4.26 for every dollar spent. The board tabled a proposed phase 2 CPC renovation grant for the lower level's north side until the July 2026 grant cycle, citing the need to complete the existing $40,000 south-side project first. Trustees also learned the Select Board voted unanimously Monday to adopt a KP Law-reviewed liability waiver for library programs, now in use ahead of a struggling readers program launching January 17 at the Gardner Animal Shelter.