DiPalma and Edwards: State is Committed to Funding Construction of New Library 

Good News! The new Rhode Island state budget, signed into law by Governor Chaffee on June 30, ensures that Tiverton remains eligible to receive approximately $4.1 million from the State's Library Construction Reimbursement Program.

The new budget bill did contain language that modified Section 29-6 of the General Laws, entitled "State Aid to Libraries." The amendment said that the chief of library services cannot "accept applications for any (library construction) project until July 1, 2014." However, because Tiverton's application for the grant-in-aid had been accepted by the Office of Library and Information Services before the law was passed, Tiverton remains eligible to receive up to 50 percent of construction costs for the $11.6 million project.

Some residents have asked whether there is a chance that Tiverton will not get those funds even though Tiverton remains eligible. The answer is no, according to the Tiverton's Library Director and State legislators.

"Because our application has already been accepted by OLIS, funding is assured if we simply follow the rules," Library Director Ann Grealish-Rust said. "To receive this grant-in-aid the new library has to meet all OLIS standards, which are clearly spelled out. Our architects designed to those standards. The construction phase will also follow OLIS standards, which include retaining an outside consultant to ensure, among other things, that the project remains on time and within budget. We have worked closely with OLIS from the outset and we have meticulously adhered to OLIS standards - and we will continue to do both. You could say, though the check hasn't been written, the money is in the bank."

Senator Louis P. DiPalma said, "I welcomed the opportunity to assist the Town of Tiverton in getting this well-planned and needed project included in the recently approved FY '12 State budget. The State is committed to supporting this effort, and I look forward to the project completion."

Senator DiPalma worked closely with Senator Walter Felag, Representative Jay Edwards and Representative Helio Melo (D-District 64, East Providence), House Finance Committee Chairperson, to ensure the amendment preserved Tiverton's continuing eligibility for the grant-in aid.

"Contrary to what some have purported," Representative Edwards added, "the intent of the change in Article 12 of the 2012 budget was to allow Tiverton to go forward with the construction, if (the bond referendum) is approved by the voters. I see no reason that the library would not receive the reimbursement from the State when (construction is) completed. I have spoken to both the Chair of House Finance and the Speaker on this issue and they confirmed this to me."

Tiverton's Economic Development Commission and the Town Council's new Tiverton Economic & Community Growth Working Group both responded favorably to the concept of "economic gardening," a new program for local businesses that the Trustees of Tiverton Library Services plan to implement when the new library is opened for business.

Trustees Barbara Donnelly and Lee Hoyer met with members of EDC on July 14 and the Economic Working group on June 21 to discuss how modern, small-town libraries are playing a key role in local economic development across the country by embracing an economic development model called "economic gardening" (please see June issue of this newsletter for background).

EDC president Len Schmidt said that "the proposed Tiverton library is a system and facility that is designed to lead the town into its Economic Development future.

"In addition to conventional library services, it is a business meeting facility; a management and employee training center; a business research and development center; an employment search facility; a local, national and international communication center; and much, much more," Mr. Schmidt added. "Having this facility available to the business community creates a path to enhanced personal economic growth and as an Economic Development resource it contributes to the town's regional competitive advantage."

Councilor Brett Pelletier, chair of the Town Council's economic working group, echoed Mr. Schmidt's comments.  "The presentation (by the library trustees) was certainly energizing and...we gained some better understanding as to how a library center can contribute to economic and community growth, which I have always viewed as inseparably connected. There's not enough talk about how specific initiatives and programs can get us where we want to be in the future, especially in this town, but the library project is doing just that. The library is designed as a resource that sets the pace for effective community growth and compatible economic development.

"Economic Gardening is also an exciting idea. Tiverton has always benefitted from a local small business base, whether it be in farming, maritime industries, local tradesmen, and shopping and services, and I think, especially now, it's important to provide support to them. The library and Economic Gardening are energizing steps in the right direction."

Councilor Ed Roderick, a member of the Council's economic working group added, "I was very impressed by the presentation by the Library.Economic Gardening is an interesting concept which I believe would have a great impact on our town.I whole heartily support this concept."

Traditional economic development models, sometimes referred to as "economic hunting," try to lure new businesses with tax incentives, subsidized land and Town services. Resources flow out of Town.Economic gardening supports the growth of existing businesses and helps local entrepreneurs launch new businesses. In this model, the library works closely with economic development groups to ensure local businesses have the information, continuing education, and state-of-the art technology they need to grow. Resources stay local, creating a business friendly environment that can also act as a magnet for new businesses.

Readers can furtherexplore the role that modern small town libraries play in economic development in a report titled "Public Libraries and Community Economic Development: Partnering for Success."

Two Ways to Publicize Your Support for The New Library

Are you a "silent supporter" of the Trustees' plan to bring a full range of modern library services to Tiverton? Now is the time to make your support public.

1. You can pick up a "Vote Yes on November 8" vinyl window sticker at the Essex Library and proudly display it on your rear windshield or on your storefront window.

2. You can also post your support on the new library website .Individuals, families, organizations and businesses are invited to express their support for the new library by posting a photo or the logo of your organization or business on the Community Supports page - along with a brief statement about why you think now is the time to expand library services in Tiverton.  Businesses and organizations can also request a link from our website to theirs.

Nearly 500 Town residents have already heard how a new library will benefit Tiverton and the Trustees are now scheduling similar presentations to other Town groups and organizations for August through November.  Response and interest has been excellent.

To date, the Trustees have made presentations to 15 local organizations. Upcoming presentations are scheduled for CountryviewEstates on August 3; Tiverton Garden Club on July 25; Pardon Gray Day on September 17; Tiverton Lions Club on September 20; and the Amicable Church on September 18.

Requests for presentations have also been received from the Tiverton Little League, Tiverton Scouting Groups, Tiverton School Committee, Tiverton Citizens for Change, South Coast Artists, Inc., and the Tiverton Education Foundation. Presentations are also being arranged for each of the Town's Parent Teacher Organizations. Dates will be finalized this summer. 

"We are reaching out to the community because we feel it is critical that voters know what they will be voting for on November 8," said Trustee Chair Barbara Donnelly. "It's so much more than a new building. Evidence clearly shows that modern small town libraries become a vital resource for the Town's well-being and growth. It's incumbent on us to show how the new programs and services we can offer with a modern facility will represent an excellent return on taxpayer investment. These presentations are a perfect opportunity to do just that."

To schedule a presentation for your organization or for a group of your neighbors, please contact the Trustees at newlibrary@tivertonlibrary.org .