Trustees updated the board on efforts to reconstitute a Friends of the Library group and on a town-led grant assistance program.

A group of residents (named attendees included Whitney, Donna Freiberg, Tebow, Zephyr and Carmichael in meeting notes) met with trustees to explore options for establishing a Friends organization and evaluating whether to form a 501(c)(3) or pursue a less formal structure for volunteer fundraising and event management. Trustees reviewed an old binder of Friends materials and said a template had been shared. Barbera said Whitney planned to attend but could not make the meeting; trustees reported some progress and expected a fuller update next month. Trustees also noted they did not receive a grant to pay for legal assistance for the Friends group.

Trustees reported an opportunity to attend the Berry Library Association (the Berry friends group) meeting on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m., and encouraged trustees and residents to attend for networking and guidance on establishing or reactivating a friends group. Barbera said other nearby towns (Padley, Westminster, New Braintree, Barry) have recently rebuilt friends groups and offered to connect trustees with contacts.

Separately, trustees reported meeting with Capital Strategic Solutions, a town-hired grant consultant, which is taking input from departments and stakeholders on priority projects (library elevator/renovation, ADA upgrades, foundation and weather-vane work were examples trustees suggested). Trustees said the consultant will help identify grant opportunities, draft proposals and coordinate applications with the town; the consultant previously helped other towns win capital grants and will prioritize opportunities that fit Hubbardston’s needs.

Why it matters: a functioning Friends group can underwrite programming and fundraising, and working with a town grant consultant may expand opportunities for capital and program funding beyond local matches.

Next steps: trustees expect continued outreach to form the Friends group, plan to attend the Berry Library Association meeting if available, and will coordinate with the town’s grant consultant on project lists and grant strategy.