WESTFORD — Fundraising efforts are about to begin for the J.V. Fletcher Library expansion project.
$1.5 million for the project will be funded through a capital fundraiser hosted by the Friends of the J.V. Fletcher Library through a new foundation — The Friends of the J.V. Fletcher Library Foundation.
The campaign aims to raise $1 million through three-year pledges from Westford households.
“We’re asking 1,000 homes to pledge $1,000 over the next three years,” one of the foundation’s co-chairs Mary Anne Seraphin told the Select Board during a Feb. 13 meeting.
According to Seraphin, organizers have already raised over $300,000 for the campaign and have continued to “reach out to potential large donors.”
Donors who pledge could pay their tax-deductible donations of $1,000 upfront or split their payments in $333, $333, and $334 installments through 2026.
The Friends of the J.V. Fletcher Library has several naming opportunities for those who opt to donate more. However, every donation will be recognized on the “Wall for All” in the renovated building.
Recap on the expansion
The $32 million project was approved by a two-thirds majority during an Oct. 18, 2022 Special Town Meeting. $23 million will be funded by the Town of Westford through excluded debt, while $8.6 million will be funded through a Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners grant.
The expansion, slated to break ground by 2025, will create several additions to the existing facility, including an expanded children’s area, additional meeting space, a new young adult area, and update the building for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Additionally, the renovated space would adhere to sustainability guidelines and include new outdoor space, including activity space and a patio.
“[It has] poised us to renovate and enhance the library to a 21st-century facility,” Ellen Rainville, director of the J.V. Fletcher Library told the Select Board.
Current library operations would be moved off-site for up to two years during construction. A location has not been announced at the time of reporting.
