There’s only one way to reduce everyone’s tax burden. Attract new ratables. That’s the Montague Economic and Industrial Development Corporation (EDIC) mission, and a new library is a giant step towards that goal. EDIC unanimously voted to support funding a new library.
Old mill towns struggle to revitalize. As one, Montague has become a shining star. During the past 12 years, thanks to the adoption of highly effective financial policies and the outsized savvy and dedication of staff in winning state and federal grants, Montague has reserve funds and a AA bond rating.
Sharp focus on squeezing the biggest bang from every buck by our government created a safe, respectful, and special place to live. Our success in attracting grants has been crucial; from accounting software to the arts, to planning and parks, to cleaning up contaminated soil, to creating downtown streetscapes that match our classic architecture, to upgrading our sewage-treatment plant, to the $10,053,100 in grants we won to demolish the Strathmore mill and rejuvenate the site.
Why now invest in a new main library? Studies consistently report that for every dollar invested in library services, communities receive an estimated $4 to $7 back in services and economic impacts. Even at a conservative $2 return on every dollar spent on operations, a library generates enough economic benefit to offset the entire cost of constructing a new building.
Construction contracts can keep jobs and dollars local. Subcontractors, temporary workers, and the tradespeople all spend locally in restaurants, lodging, and shopping. This is direct, immediate stimulus.
Libraries serve as daytime trip attractors. People come to the library for a specific purpose and then stroll, stop in, and spend money at other businesses nearby. A gateway library draws people who wouldn’t otherwise have a reason to visit downtown; parents with children for story hours, seniors for programming, job seekers, students, remote workers seeking Wi-Fi. Anyone who needs to borrow a tool or appliance from the “library of things.” Anyone wanting to play a video, solve a puzzle, do homework together, play cards.
A modern, accessible, multi-service library is a great attractor; an advertisement: “Come live here!”
With the former Farren slated for development, and later, Griswold, a larger development on the former Railroad Salvage site anticipated, we need to attract developers who believe they can sell and rent what they build. A vibrant library in a vibrant downtown is an essential element in rationalizing the huge investment required. We need first-rate developers to make our new housing stock the best.
“The state loves to see communities like Montague doing excellent work with the dollars you have,” state Sen. Jo Comerford told the Selectboard during her March 30 visit: “It’s an incentive for the state to put in dollars, and it’s like magic.” If Montague turns down a nearly 50%-off grant to build this project, it will signal to state legislators and agencies that we are suddenly shrinking back.
When a recipient that has so skillfully and successfully invested in itself pulls back, so do the funders. Grantors understand fiscal caution, but because this is belt-tightening time, grantors will not understand our turning down a once-in-lifetime opportunity. This would hurt our ability to get other grants in the future. It would be a very bad message, and a loud one.
In 1905, when our Carnegie Library was built, the library was just a repository; a warehouse of books, patiently waiting to be consulted. Its value was its collection and in providing a warm room in winter.
In 2026, the library is an operating system for civic life; a platform for an enormous range of human activities, from the most basic (internet access, job searching) to the most creative (arts and crafts programs, maker resources, media production) to the most personal (healthcare navigation, early childhood development, sorting out scams from truths). Its value is in its people, its programs, and its role as the one place in a community that is open to everyone.
This is, arguably, the most democratic, dynamic institution in town, especially since we already have the gift of a great staff. It would be a civic hub, a force multiplier, and a beacon to guide new energy into town.
The design is beautiful, the results would be invaluable. Please urge your Town Meeting representatives to vote this Saturday, May 2, to approve the library for a townwide vote on June 24.
Robert J. Steinberg is chairperson of Montague Economic and Industrial Development Corporation.