Take Action for Massachusetts' Libraries!

There are 12 public libraries across Massachusetts that are getting their shovels ready to break ground on building projects.

Jaw-dropping increases in construction costs related to Covid-19, however, have put those projects in jeopardy. Many have already received a Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners capital building grant or were told they'll get the grant once their towns approve.

These library directors and their boards have put pencil to paper to determine just how much more their projects will be. In total, we're looking at $87.6M in additional construction costs.

We need you to send an email to your state representative and state senator asking them to allocate these funds in the state's supplemental budget. The state has the money--Massachusetts has $2.2B in unused ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021) funds. Money that is "to provide relief to address the continued impacts of COVID-19 on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses.” The amount we're asking for is just 4 percent of the ARPA funds.

We don't have a lot of time. Decisions will be made at the State House in the next few weeks. Please take action now.

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Dear [recipient position will go here] [recipient name will go here],

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Right now, there are 12 communities —Amherst, Brewster, Deerfield, Fitchburg, Gloucester, Lynnfield, Orange, Seekonk, Sharon, Swansea, Westborough and Westford — whose library construction projects are facing dire straits because of the skyrocketing escalation in construction costs.

Many of these communities--children, teens, families and retired adults among them--may have to give up their dreams of enhanced library programs and services because they now lack the capital money needed to complete the project.

There is a way out of this dilemma. But, we need you, as our [recipient position will go here],  to take action now.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) was created specifically “to provide relief to address the continued impacts of COVID-19 on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses.” The jump in construction costs is directly related to the ripple effects of the COVID epidemic.

There is $2.2B in ARPA funds that have yet to be allocated. Providing just 4% of those funds--$87.67M--to these 12 libraries will put these projects back on track.

My ask is simple. Please include $87.67M in ARPA money earmarked for these library construction projects in the supplemental budget this is being developed right now.  The residents of Amherst, Brewster, Deerfield, Fitchburg, Gloucester, Lynnfield, Orange, Seekonk, Sharon, Swansea, Westborough and Westford need your help today.

Sincerely,
[your name will go here]
[your email address will go here] [your location will go here]

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