This site is centered on communicating the status of the library project with the community. Updates will be posted as soon as they become available. If you have any questions, please post them in Q&A.
Current Status
On April 8, 2026, we held a virtual meeting that updated some of the details of the project based on questions from the previous meetings. Financials have not changed. Recordings are located here as a full video and broken into segments by topic.
On March 25, 2026, we held a community meeting that included the project costs, status, and the upcoming warrant article. The MBLC has awarded the Town of Otis $6.4 million to offset the project. The town's portion will be $2.9 million, less any additional grants or fundraising by the library team. The average cost to a homeowner is $1.65 per week or $21.43 per quarter, totaling $85.72 annually. This is based on an assessed property value of $500,000. The vote will be held on May 19th at the school as a debt exclusion under Prop 2 1/2, requiring a 2/3 vote. Once passed, a ballot election will be held on May 26th, requiring a simple majority vote. After these two votes, the rest of the design can begin.
Project History
January 26, 2026 - The design was accepted with limited comments on the design! The designs have been transmitted to the cost estimating team, which will take 3-4 weeks. Once received, Downes, our OPM, will meet with the building committee to review pricing and the alternates. Downes will take those numbers and, with the MBLC, break the pricing down to eligible and ineligible costs. Once we know what those costs are, they will be transferred to the Town Administrator for analysis. Once we have cost input from the town, we will hold several informational sessions.
December 29, 2025 - The feasibility design was successfully submitted to the MBLC for design review.
December 3, 2025 - The team is working diligently to assemble the final report to the state. Initial renderings and floor plans have been developed as well as additional supporting documentation. Over the next several weeks the report will be finalized and submitted. More information will be coming out to the public in late January or early February.
Citizen Petition - On October 23rd the Town of Otis is holding a Special Town Meeting to vote on a citizens' petition. The petition is intended to withdraw from the MBLC grant. This petition, if approved, would either stop this phase directly after the vote or directly after the scheduled design report is submitted at the end of December. Additionally, if the grant is withdrawn early, the Town could be liable to reimburse the State for monies used to date, with the potential for interest. It is in the best financial interest of the Town to allow for the completion of this phase of the grant and hold a Town vote in the Spring of 2026 to proceed with the next phase of design and construction. Please note that this phase of the grant only allows the team to complete the Schematic Design; it does not guarantee that the project moves forward. Below is the warrant for review and how to vote:
September 23, 2025 - The selectboard unanimously voted to move forward with West Center Road site. The OPM and Design team are now mobilizing for the next phase of the study.
September 9, 2025 - The Crandall site is no longer available. The selectboard held on a decision regarding the other two town-owned properties. Additionally, a citizen's petition was put forward to stop the feasibly phase of the project. If successful, the town may be liable to the State for grant money used to date, and potentially interest.
August 26, 2025 - The selectboard unanimously voted to move forward with the site on East Otis Road, also known as the Crandall site. The site is not owned by the Town, and must be purchased.
The project entails constructing a new library to support the community. We are currently in the feasibility phase. The OPM, Downes Construction, was selected in April, and the architect, TSKP Studio, was selected in late-July. The architect is currently working on an analysis of the potential library sites.
Community Engagement
Final Info & Cost Community Meeting
First Glance Community Meeting
Site Selection Information
Site Review Information
Current Project Schedule
The design documents were submitted to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. We are currently in the estimating phase. Below is the current milestone schedule:
Questions & Answers
For additional library information, please visit Otis Public Library and Facebook
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why a new library? More books?
- How will it be paid for?
- Who is the Project Manager and Architect for the new library?
- Where will this new library be?
- What will happen to the current library?
- When will this be built?
- How will the community room be used?
- How can I help?
- How can I share my thoughts and ideas on this project?