New Tufts Library Could Cost $27 Million

WEYMOUTH, MA — Costs for a new library in Weymouth have nearly doubled, leaving some to wonder how the town can afford the $27 million project.

The town is preparing to apply for a state grant that could cover half the costs, according to the Patriot Ledger, but the program controls the size of the project and would make it larger and more expensive, Mayor Robert Hedlund said.

For the grant to move forward, Hedlund will have spend $100,000 for an architect to create plans for the application.

The Tufts Library was built in 1965, needs about $1 million in repairs, and has a layout that does not provide space for more computers and public meeting space.

The town hoped to build a 33,000-square-foot library for $14 to 15 million, but the grant calls for 53,000-square-foot building that would cost about $27 million.

Image via Tufts Library