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Southborough trustees say MBLC MPLCP grant denial driven by needs rating; plan space assessment and possible reapplication
Summary
Town of Southborough library was not awarded an MBLC MPLCP construction grant. Trustees heard that the application scored low on a new ‘‘needs rating’’ and discussed hiring an independent consultant to update a space assessment before reapplying.
The Town of Southborough Library was not selected for construction funding through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners’ (MBLC) Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP), Library Director Ryan (Library Director) told trustees, who discussed next steps including an independent space assessment and the possibility of reapplying.
Ryan said the application received a ‘‘needs rating’’ of about 2.44 out of 20, and that program reviewers awarded most grants to communities rated roughly 11 to 16. ‘‘There were 22 total applicants into this program. Fifteen of them are getting some level of funding,’’ Ryan said. ‘‘We were one of the seven that received no funding at all.’’
The low needs score — which trustees said is linked to regional socioeconomic data used by the MBLC — appears to have been the decisive factor. ‘‘My take on it is that we didn’t get it because the mean income here is too high and did not look like a town that was as needy as other recipients,’’ Trustee Jane (Library Trustee) said during the meeting.
Why it matters: an MPLCP award can underwrite large renovation or expansion work; without it, the library must identify alternate funding, stage smaller projects or reapply in a future, competitive round. Trustees emphasized that a stronger, up-to-date space assessment could strengthen any subsequent application and give the town a clearer plan for interim improvements.
Trustees discussed next steps. Ryan said he has begun seeking consultant referrals and can perform much of the work himself if necessary, but trustees urged hiring an outside consultant rather than relying on in-house staff because of time constraints and to preserve independence. ‘‘I think we need someone independent,’’ a trustee said. Ryan said he would pursue referrals and bring options to the board in February.
Trustees also noted process changes at MBLC: this was the first competitive round using a formal needs rating, which reviewers said the MBLC introduced to speed disbursement and reduce long waits between award and construction. Ryan described the consultants reviewing applications as former library directors now working for MBLC and said the MBLC encouraged unsuccessful applicants to reapply.
Trustees asked for clearer feedback from MBLC about scoring. Ryan said he had asked consultants whether the application had gaps; he was told the application itself was complete and that the needs rating was the primary determinant. He said the library’s 2017 space assessment and other supporting materials had been included in the application.
Trustees asked the director to: - gather consultant referrals and cost estimates for a new space assessment; - request fuller scoring information from MBLC if possible; and - coordinate a unified public message explaining the outcome to the town and library supporters.
The board did not take a formal vote on reapplying at this meeting.
The library director also flagged related town planning matters that could influence any future application, including planned or potential projects at nearby municipal facilities (referred to in the meeting as Finn and Neary), and the board agreed that concrete data and a polished space assessment would help public communication and fundraising if the library applies again.
