Trustees Vote to Fast-Track Ramsdell Cost Estimate
Library · Meeting of August 12, 2026
Great Barrington library trustees vote to speed up Ramsdell renovation cost estimate, table board expansion. The Board of Library Trustees voted unanimously to let Co-Chairs Laura Mars and Lauren Clark and Library Director Dawn move the Ramsdell Library renovation's cost estimate up to October, ahead of a Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners deadline before a Special Town Meeting expected in May 2027. Member Donna Jacobs' proposal to expand the six-member board to nine, which would require a Great Barrington Town Charter amendment and the governor's signature, was tabled indefinitely after trustees called the timing disruptive amid the renovation.
Secretary/Treasurer Sharon Shaloo told the board it's "with great sadness" she noted the library board's handling of a town hearing on Dr. Ruby Chang's complaint and resignation, urging "a serious discussion and appropriate changes." Treasurer's reports showed the Ramsdell Capital Improvement Fund frozen at $5,118 since fiscal 2017 and annual state aid of roughly $19,000.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,879 words
Source: the Library meeting of August 12, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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