The offer is contingent upon approval of the project by the Cape Cod Commission. There is absolutely no room to improve our reading and research areas, expand our book collection or enhance our children's area. We are hopeful that with support from the community we can move forward on it. The Cotuit Civic Association has voiced its opposition to the plan, while the Marstons Mills Village Association has remained somewhat neutral. The Cape Cod Commission officially opens its public hearing on the project Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Marstons Mills Middle School.
Public comment is welcome at that time.
If and when the donation is finalized, the library would begin a fund-raising drive to construct the new building. The donation of land and parking may enable library officials to apply for state construction grants to off-set the construction costs. Marstons Mills Civic Association President Linda Edson, who first floated the idea about 18 months ago, said that the present library is not handicapped accessible, does not have room for any expanded parking and is very limited for any growth. She believes that the space that would be donated could accommodate a building of about 5,000 square feet. The existing library on Main Street is about 1,800 square feet, she added.