The push for a new Yarmouth library reached a critical juncture on January 22, as officials warned that missing the upcoming April 28 referendum could result in the permanent loss of state financial support. Town Representative Amy Frigulietti informed the Library Building Committee that recent communications with state reviewers suggest a closing window for project backing. Frigulietti told the committee that there is a great deal of uncertainty about state funding. If this doesn't happen now, it might not happen in the foreseeable future. This is kind of an opportunity that will not come again.

With the town meeting looming, the committee is grappling with a thinning budget for pre-construction studies. A proposal for a second independent cost estimate—intended to reconcile discrepancies and satisfy skeptical voters—is currently under scrutiny due to limited funds. Frigulietti noted that while a second opinion is an option in current contracts, the town has overspent in other areas for unanticipated studies. Committee member John Graco expressed skepticism about the efficacy of a low-cost audit, stating, I saw '$9,900' in the minutes. You're not going to do a total independent estimate for $9,900. That gives you nothing. We have to look at what we are getting for that price.

The meeting began with the routine approval of past records, though not without minor corrections to the names of the members themselves. Motion Made by T. Pendleton to accept the minutes of January 8th with spelling corrections. Motion Passed (3-0-1) with Vicky Janetos abstaining. A similar action was taken for the following week's records. Motion Made by T. Pendleton to accept the January 15 minutes. Motion Passed (3-0-1) as Janetos again abstained.

Efforts to reach the community are intensifying as the committee targets specific demographics, particularly parents and "tweens" who may benefit most from modernized facilities. Chair Judy Connors-Tarver highlighted an upcoming ice skating event at Tony Kent Arena on February 1 as a key opportunity. I’d like a few extra people there because that’s the population we are missing: the parents, Connors-Tarver said, noting that while staff member Mindy will be on the ice, she herself will not be skating. Beyond the arena, the committee is coordinating with School Superintendent Mark Smith for a "community happenings" digital blast to parents on February 6.

The committee is also navigating the legal complexities of public advocacy versus information sharing. During a discussion about an upcoming podcast with Lori Sullivan, Frigulietti reminded members that ethics rules prevent them from telling residents how to vote. You shouldn't advocate for a yes or no vote. You're just giving information about the project, she cautioned. Connors-Tarver agreed with the need for transparency, stating, I veer toward wanting it to look like we are on the up-and-up. We can advocate for people to come out to vote, but not what to vote for. However, she later emphasized the stakes of the election, remarking, Our focus has to be getting people out on the 28th of April. We've got to get the 'yes' vote out. The 'no' votes are going to come out anyway.

To bolster the project's image, the committee plans to produce a video featuring direct testimonials from residents. John Graco, who researched successful library campaigns across Massachusetts, suggested that hearing from the youth is vital. High school kids should be the ones talking because it's going to be their library for the next 30 years, Graco said. I encourage us to find kids who are passionate about it. Other members are looking for grassroots ways to spread the word. Dorcas McGurrin asked, What is your thought about leaving flyers at the Yacht Club? And Karen is in a knitters group; she could take a few flyers.

The committee is exploring a potential town-wide mailing included with water bills in late March to save on postage. Meanwhile, outreach remains a challenge for some groups; Vicky Janetos reported that her efforts with the St. Pius Women's Club were stalled as they are all booked until after May. Tom Pendleton, however, identified a new lead at St. David’s, suggesting Richard Banks as a contact. Pendleton also volunteered to help frame the upcoming podcast, noting, I can work on introductory questions and more in-depth ones. The committee is scheduled to present its finalized plans to the Finance Committee in mid-March followed by the Select Board on March 24.