We fully recognize that a final decision about building a new library belongs to you, the residents of Tiverton, and you will have the opportunity to let your voice be heard on November 8 in a special Town-wide referendum.

Our goal for the next nine months is to engage the community in a positive, fact-based discussion about this important step in Tiverton's history. We have developed a fact-filled website to keep you up to date about our progress toward a new library. We are scheduling presentations for Tiverton organizations and groups; 14 have already invited us. We are also publishing this monthly E-newsletter, to deliver news about our progress toward a new library directly to your e-mail box.

We hope you find this E-newsletter informative. Most of all, we hope it encourages you to join in this important discussion about the future of library services in our Town. If you have any questions or comments, we'd love to hear from you. E-mail us at  newlibrary@tivertonlibrary.org. 

Thank you,

The Trustees of Tiverton Library Services

One fact is clear. If we do not build a new library, Tiverton loses over $90,000 a year from the State, the Essex and Union Libraries lose access to all interlibrary lending services, and Tiverton would no longer offer library services to its residents. However, one question that we are hearing in the community is, why now?

While there are many reasons to act now, project funding and project cost are near the top of our list. Our New Library Building Committee has proposed a funding program through which nearly 75 percent of construction costs will be paid through a combination of State funds, foundation and federal grants, and a capital campaign. The capital campaign with a goal of $2.5 million is now in the "silent phase," that is, a period when major "five or six-figure" pledges are being solicited.

According to Dan Barry, whose firm is managing the capital campaign, "We have already received very magnanimous pledges to the campaign. It is exactly this kind of early success that creates an incredible momentum toward reaching our goal. Pushing the groundbreaking further into the future doesn't make sense; people are volunteering and coming forward to help and, most importantly, our early fundraising success indicates quite clearly that people want to support a new Library now."Anthony Cincotta, Chairman of the Campaign Leadership Committee, added, "This early success exemplifies solid support among community members for this worthy endeavor and creates a groundswell of enthusiasm in the town toward realizing our goal. Even the contemplation of pushing the groundbreaking further into the future would hinder this beneficial momentum. We have the capacity to get this done here and now."

Source: Pro-Cost, 2011 

Secondly, research shows that we are now in a "buyers' market" for new construction projects. According to Pro-Cost, an independent Cost Management Company, construction costs are now at 2005-2006 levels and will likely remain near that level through early 2012 when bids would be solicited for construction costs for the new library. As the graph above shows, delaying a referendum would result in higher construction costs, an outcome that can be avoided if we act now.

Many residents have told us that they are not sure about what distinguishes the five "core" library-related organizations that are playing a vital role in making a new library in Tiverton a reality. This is a good opportunity to tell you who we are.

The Trustees of Tiverton Library Services are the "legal guardians and custodians" of the library, according to RI law. Their duties include providing suitable rooms for the library, arranging for the proper care of the library, choosing competent librarians and fixing their compensation, and making all needful rules and regulations for the government of the library and use of library services. (29-4-6).The Board of Trustees, chaired by Barbara Donnelly, consists of seven non-paid members who are appointed by the Town Council.

The Essex Library Staff delivers library services to the Town. All Town employees, assisted by volunteers, the staff is led by Library Director Ann Grealish-Rust. In addition to lending and research services, the staff also designs and delivers special cultural, social and educational programs for children, teens and adults.

The Union Public Library Association owns and maintains the Union Public Library building, located at Tiverton Four Corners. It has its own Board of Trustees, chaired by Barbara Martin.The Trustees of Tiverton Library Services contracts with UPLA for use of its facility, to make library services more convenient for residents in the south end of the Town (UPL is classified as a "reading room" by the RI Office of Library and Information Services).

The Friends of Tiverton Libraries, commonly referred to as simply "The Friends," is a non-profit organization incorporated 10 years ago to "promote literacy, encourage public use of the library, assist in the development and promotion of library services, facilities and programs, and to act as liaison between the community and the library (Articles of Incorporation)."Kathy Ryan chairs The Friends' Board. The Friends provide many valuable support services to the library, including advocacy, fundraising, passes to museums and other local attractions, a quarterly Friend-2-Friend newsletter about library services and programs, and an annual Summer Fair and Book Sale.

The Tiverton Library Foundation, incorporated in 2008, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to secure contributions to help support the operational and capital needs of the Tiverton Public Library. Phil Schuyler is chairman of The Foundation's Board of Directors. Currently, The Foundation is focusing on capital needs by conducting a capital campaign which aims to secure approximately 22% of the funds needed for new library construction. After the new library opens, The Foundation will conduct an annual appeal. Contributions will be used to continually expand library services, without additional cost to Tiverton taxpayers.

Trustees Address Town Council. On February 14, Trustees Barbara Donnelly and Lee Hoyer presented the case for building a new library to the Town Counsel. On February 28, the Counselors voted unanimously to allow the Trustees to engage a bond counsel to write proposed legislation. On March 28, the Town Council unanimously agreed to initiate planning for a referendum seeking voter approval for a bond to finance 25% of construction costs on November 8.