Library Trustees Approve RFP Push for Lower-Level Renovation

HUBBARDSTON — December 4, 2025 — Hubbardston Library Trustees greenlight a request for proposals for the library's lower-level renovation, targeting a mid-December release with bids due January 10, 2026. The board voted unanimously at its December 4 meeting to authorize the working group — which includes Library Director Christine Barbara and a staff collaborator identified as Travis — to finalize and submit the RFP, which covers demolition of an interior partition, mold remediation, environmental testing, electrical and plumbing upgrades, floor refinishing, and ADA review. A $40,000 Community Preservation Committee grant covers the demolition and structural scope; remaining costs would draw on library trust funds. The board also endorsed a minimum FY27 budget submission of $91,927 — the state-mandated floor for maintaining Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners certification — while directing Barbara to explore a higher figure that would fund additional programming hours for staff in anticipation of expanded use once the lower level is complete; the budget is due to the town by January 5, 2026.