Article 15 presents a major proposal for a new 25,000-square-foot centralized library facility, a project described by Town Administrator Robert Whritenour as a once in a generation opportunity. The $35 million project aims to replace the West Yarmouth and South Yarmouth libraries, which town officials say are no longer adequate for a community of 25,000 residents.

The financial impact on the town is mitigated by a competitive $13.5 million grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and $2.5 million in private fundraising efforts. This leaves less than $20 million to be funded by the town through a debt exclusion. We've been extremely fortunate to have been selected by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to participate in their library grant programming, Whritenour noted, adding that the average taxpayer would see an impact of approximately $10 per month over the 20-year life of the debt.

The proposal follows years of discussion regarding the town's aging infrastructure. If approved, the new facility would modernize library services while consolidating operations from two smaller, aging buildings. Like the school budgets, this article will require approval at Town Meeting and a subsequent vote at the town election.