Hubbardston CPC approves up to $9,900 for permanent StoryWalk at library

The Town of Hubbardston Community Preservation Committee voted to accept a CPA project application from the Hubbard Public Library for a permanent StoryWalk installation, approving funding not to exceed $9,900.

Francois (committee member) moved the motion to accept the application "submitted by the board of trustees of the Hubbard public library for a project entitled StoryWalk Installation ... for an amount not to exceed $9,900 and eligible as an open space recreation funding project," and another member seconded the motion. The motion passed with multiple ayes and one abstention; the presenter abstained from deliberation and voting.

A library representative described revisions to the original proposal, saying the group requested 21 metal post frames (rather than wooden pillars) that come preassembled and are "more weatherproof," and removed some vendor-supplied books from the purchase list because library or trust funds could cover them. The presenter also said installation would likely be performed by the Hubbardston Department of Public Works with assistance from Monte Tech students.

Committee members pressed the presenter on tamper resistance, lamination and vendor illustrations after noting a picture in the packet did not match the chosen model. The presenter agreed to supply the correct installation illustration and to confirm whether the page enclosures are locked; she said the frames are intended to be weather tight and that some lamination of pages would be required.

Members also discussed where to site the StoryWalk — options raised included Dotty Rock Trail, the Curtis area and recreation fields — and stressed coordination with the Open Space and Parks committees before ordering materials. The committee agreed the project should be ready for the town meeting warrant, but that no purchases would be made until locations were finalized and the town meeting approves any spending.

Next steps: the library representative will consult Open Space/Parks for site selection and provide corrected illustrations and details on securing pages; the approved motion sends the StoryWalk application to the town warrant for voter consideration.