The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners voted today, July 14 to place Framingham Public Library's McAuliffe Library Branch project on a waiting list for a library construction grant.

The Framingham project is #6 on the wait list.

The McAuliffe branch is on a waiting list for a provisional library construction grant. The grant is part of the Commissioner's Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program, which helps libraries across the state meet the growing demand for library services with expanded and improved library facilities.

Twenty-eight libraries completed the grant round process. Through a rigorous review process, eight projects have been awarded provisional grants and fifteen projects have been placed on a waiting list.

Wait-listed libraries will receive their grants as funds become available through the state’s five–year capital plan or if a grant recipient is unable to move forward with a project.

“Our residents support the library and are using it more than ever. Obviously we would have preferred to be one of the eight recipients, but it was a highly competitive grant round. We will continue working on to correct existing problems at the main library and continue to raise funds to build the new branch. We’re proud to have completed the process and we’ll be ready when the funding becomes available for our library," said Library Director Jeanne Kelley in a press release.

The preliminary design for a new McAuliffe Library Branch is for a one-story building of about 17,000 square feet. The building is ‘L’ shaped, adjacent to the Nobscot Plaza, with one wing for children and one for young adults and adults. Parking will be on the west side near the Plaza.

"We are optimistic that our project will receive state funding in a couple of years as more funds become available. Last time we were number 39 out of 39, and we eventually did receive state funding," said Library Trustees Chair Ruth Winett.

The last time that wait-listed libraries were awarded provisional construction grants was in 2008, after the Governor and the Legislature authorized funding to the program, as part of the General Governmental Needs Bond Bill. It is this same funding that supports the current grant round.

The program was was first funded by a state bond authorization in 1987. From July 1989 through June, 2011, 204 construction grants totaling $320.3 million have been awarded to assist cities and towns in construction or renovation and expansion of their public libraries.

In addition, 91 planning and design grants totaling over $1.8 million have been awarded to support public libraries as they prepare to apply for a construction grant.  

"Meanwhile, the library will focus on correcting some of the physical problems at the Main Library and on raising funds for the Foundation," said Winett.

Selectmen Chair Jason Smith heads up the Foundation's fundraising efforts. Jo-Anne Thompson is chair of the Foundation.