The projected cost for Yarmouth’s new library facility faced a significant upward revision this week as architectural refinements pushed the building’s footprint to 26,200 square feet. During Thursday’s Library Building Committee meeting, members expressed immediate concern over the 5% size increase from the original 25,000-square-foot target, noting that the expansion could carry a heavy price tag for taxpayers.

Committee member Tom Pendleton voiced the fiscal alarm after reviewing the latest schematics, which grew to accommodate specific staff requests for storage and programming space. In my calculations, that runs the budget up another $1.2 million, Pendleton said. Is there any flexibility to squeeze a little more efficiency out and push that cost back down? I want to give David and the staff what they want, but I want to be responsible to what the town has to forecast.

Chair Andy Harrington Tarver echoed the urgency of keeping the project within its promised scale to maintain public trust. The minute I heard 26, the warning bells started going off for me because there is reluctance in the community and the 24,000 number is already out there, Harrington Tarver said, referencing earlier public discussions about the facility's size.

Architect Matt Oudens of Oudens Ello Architecture explained that the current design represents a balancing act between community needs and budget constraints. He warned that the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) might view later reductions unfavorably once the project is submitted. Architect Marika Snider detailed several changes made to satisfy staff needs, including a 280-square-foot storage room behind the circulation desk and a combined sensory and comfort room. If you have a chance to review the plans and think something is bigger than needed, we can start refining, Snider told the committee.

The layout also includes a community wing that can be secured for after-hours use, featuring a classroom and a multi-purpose room. Susan Britto questioned the distinction between the two spaces, with Snider clarifying that the classroom is intended for hands-on teaching while the multi-purpose room would host larger gatherings like town meetings. Town Administrator Robert L. Whritenour urged the committee to prioritize high-end technology in these areas, noting that the types of programs and quality are going to grow exponentially.

Library Director David Woodbury, who participated in a marathon four-hour design session with architects alongside Assistant Director Mindy and committee member Jo Lore, advocated for the inclusion of a discrete office for the reference librarian. I like the idea of the reference librarian being available because if a crowd comes in, we need a hand quickly, Woodbury said. There is also a need for a discrete place to talk about sensitive issues with a patron.

As the design moves toward a December 3rd Planning Board meeting, the committee is also ramping up its public outreach. A new project website based on the Wix platform is in development to serve as a central hub for residents. Committee member Jen explained that the site would offer more than a sales pitch, stating, It explains everything—frequently asked questions, sustainability, how to get involved. The committee plans to distribute informational trifolds at the upcoming Special Town Meeting on Monday, November 17th. Linda Callahan, representing the South Yarmouth Library Friends, noted that a critical fundraising meeting is also scheduled for Monday to coordinate outreach efforts.

Logistical challenges remain for the physical site, particularly regarding geotechnical borings. Oudens noted that because the building’s proposed location has shifted into a densely wooded corner, bringing in a drill rig would be difficult without clearing trees. Whritenour advised the team to coordinate directly with DPW Director Jeff Colby to manage the investigation while minimizing site impact before a town meeting vote. The committee also finalized several procedural items, including the approval of previous records. Motion Made by S. Britto to accept the minutes of October 16, 2025 as submitted. Motion Passed (3-0) with J. Greco and A. Harrington Tarver in favor. Additionally, Motion Made by S. Britto to accept the minutes of October 30, 2025 as amended to include Mindy as an attendee. Motion Passed (5-0) with T. Pendleton, A. Harrington Tarver, J. Greco, and D. McGurrin in support.