MBLC: How the State Helps Libraries Get Built

To the Hanson Community,

Newsletter 6 | December 2025

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) runs a competitive grant program to help towns build or renovate libraries. Translation: state participation can lower the local share when a project meets program requirements and timelines. Our town received a $100,000 Planning & Design grant in January 2025. In March of next year, the Library is in line to receive a construction grant from the MBLC if all requirements have been met. This will greatly reduce the costs to the Town of Hanson for a renovated and expanded library building.


The Straightforward Timeline:

1. Application – Town submits a data-backed proposal (May 2024)
2. Grant Award/Waitlist – MBLC issues decisions and/or queueing (Jan 2025)
3. Design & Cost Reviews – Scope calibrated to budget and need (Jan 2025-Feb 2026)
4. Local Funding Vote – Residents decide the investment (May 2026)
5. Construction – Tracked for schedule, cost, and quality (Starting June 2026)
   

At each step, we’ll spell out what’s happening, what’s next, and what it means for Hanson’s bottom line and services.

How to Stay Involved and In Touch

1. Take a guided tour of the library to learn about the current building’s challenges and our plan to address them as part of the renovation. Tours are offered at 10:00 am on every first Saturday from November to May. Can’t make Saturday? Contact us to schedule a different day.
2. Subscribe to Email Updates Below
3. Visit out Website and Follow our Social Media Accounts!

Your voice helps shape our Library’s future. Every design decision is made to serve Hanson residents — now and for decades to come.

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These project newsletters are developed and generated by the Owner's Project Manager, to keep the community informed of the progress being made on the site.