On Election Day, Nov. 6, Manchester voters will decide the fate of a $12.5 million proposal to expand and upgrade the Mary Cheney Library.
Built in 1937 and last expanded in 1961, the Mary Cheney Library located at 586 Main St. functions as the town's primary library; Manchester's library system typically ranks in the top five in the state in terms of popularity.
The $12.5 million expansion, which needs to be approved by voters in a referendum, would see the existing building expanded roughly 10,000-square feet into Center Memorial Park.
But many in town have opposed the proposal due to its expansion into the park, even though it would only take up less than an acre of the existing park, while others have opposed it on monetary terms, noting that Manchester could better use the money on its aging schools.
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Proponents of the proposal say an expanding town like Manchester needs an expanded library, and that it will help to attract more people to the downtown area, which in turn would benefit local businesses.
But Manchester Patch wants to know what you think about the proposal before Election Day? Can Manchester afford a $12.5 million library renovation? Is it needed? Will it ruin Center Memorial Park?
Please share your thoughts with your friends and neighbors in the comments section below.
