Remarks by Robert McCarthy

November 16, 2003

CANTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

I would like to welcome everyone here today for this very special occasion. It has been over one hundred years since the first opening of the Canton Library and it is fitting that we dedicate today, our new building addition as well as our Historic renovations to this original building. It is due to our proactive Board of Library Trustees that the plans to expand our Library moved thought the process of seeing the need, conceptualizing the design, interviewing and hiring the architect, then presenting the plans to Town Meeting in April 2000. Article 15 Motion # 8 for $7,900,000 passed by a unanimous vote. The Voters at the polls voted overwhelmingly to support the override. The funding for this project was supplemented by Town Meeting in April 2002. Article 16 Motion 18 added $1,445,000 and this passed by unanimous consent. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts promised to help communities built and renovate libraries. They keep their word and Canton was awarded $2,600,000 for this project.

I would like to thank a few of the people involved with the day to day activities during construction of our new Library. Ed Bourget from the Architectural firm of Burt Kosar Rittelmann Associates did an outstanding job making sure it was done on time, according to the plans. Bob Brait, John Dillon and Mike Galvin from BBC, our GC for this job, constructed the Library according to the plans, on time, on budget, and were a pleasure to work with. Our Clerk of the Works John Arena and Bill Riech are also commended for insuring that all went according to the plans and specs, at all times. To all of the Library Trustees but especially George Comeau, Betty Chemlow and Al Cronin thanks for your help. They devoted more time than usual to insure that the finished product was what was ordered.

As you are all aware, all building projects in the Town of Canton are under the direction and guidance of the Building Renovation Committee and I am very fortunate to be the Chairman of this dedicated, knowledgeable group. I want to publicly thank all of our members for their time, advice and direction on this project. I especially want to thank Chuck Armando, The Library Subcommittee chairman who devoted extensive time and effort to insure a trouble free project.

I would be remiss not to mention the one Key figure who inspired all of us, when spoke about this Library as the “Jewel” of Canton. I am sure Ed Bolster is with us in spirit today, looking at the “Jewel” he inspired.

In Closing, I would like to say Thanks, to the voters of Canton for making this possible.