New Seekonk Library Rejected

Voters at Monday's special town meeting rejected plans to build a new $24 million public library. There were over 600 in attendance at the Seekonk High School auditorium. The vote was 405 in favor and 207 opposed. A two-thirds majority was required for passage, but it was three votes short.

Every member of the Seekonk Board of Selectmen voted in favor of the project. Town Administrator Shawn Cadime had also voiced his support. The new building would have replaced the current 14,880 square foot facility at 410 Newman Avenue. “I do feel the Town needs a new library or at a minimum a renovation,” Cadime said Wednesday. “The building is in need of significant repair. The question if the taxpayers can afford it, is one that I cannot speak to. The affordability question will vary based on each taxpayer and the assessment value of their home. That question will be answered at Town Meeting and if passed at Town Meeting at the Ballot. That is when the voters/taxpayers will answer the question of affordability and desire for a new library.”

Last July, the Library had been awarded a $7.3 million grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners for the construction of a new building. Michael Durkay, chairman of the Library Board of Trustees, said the grant was “provisional”, which meant the voters had to approve the grant at a special election to be held before January 9, 2023. A proposal for a $19.6 million library was defeated at the May 2021 town meeting.