The Stephenson Memorial Library finalized an expansion of town property on Monday that will help to facilitate library programs and connect more public land in town. Library Trustees signed a purchase and sale agreement for a lot line adjustment with adjacent landowner Jarvis Adams V which grants the library a 0.6 acre annex. The adjustment gives the library nine additional feet of space on Forest Road, and extends all the way to the town’s Emma Gibson Forest on the southwest corner of the library’s property.
“Trustees have been looking to extend the Library’s property for several years now,” Chair Diane Boilard said. “Many programs, activities and events have been constrained with the shortage of parking spaces.” The purchase cost $23,000, covered by a combination of Friends of the Library funds and town funds, she said.
“It’s a win not just for the library but for the entire community,” Boilard said. The additional space could add up to 20 additional parking spaces in addition to space for activities and events, she said, including a potential for creating a forest trail in the Emma Gibson Forest. There is currently no funding allocated for additional paving on site.
Ray Cilley approached Adams when he bought the adjacent Greenfield Inn last year to see if he’d consider a lot line adjustment, Boilard said. Since then, the land was surveyed, and Greenfield resident and LIG Properties realtor Kat Carpenter donated her time and expertise to create and facilitate the documents needed for the purchase, which was supported by the Select Board and Planning Board. Fifteen people attended the signing on Monday afternoon in front of the library, she said. “We thank all of the people who made this possible. It was a true community joint effort.”