FAYETTE — Big changes are coming to the Underwood Memorial Library, thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Stephen & Tabitha King Foundation.

The grant was announced at the Jan. 21 Select Board meeting by library Trustees Heather Chalmers and Anne Piroso.

“We put a packet together to show the board what we are looking to do,” Chalmers said. “In the fall, we applied for a Stephen & Tabitha King Foundation grant to make the library more accessible for our patrons. We heard back in December that we were awarded the grant for $50,000.”

The Underwood Memorial Library, seen in 2024, will soon undergo major upgrades thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Stephen & Tabitha King Foundation. A well, septic system, bathroom and wider entry are planned. Rebecca Richard/Franklin Journal

The funds will be used to address critical accessibility issues, including:
• Installing a well and septic system.
• Converting the back room into a bathroom.
• Raising the floor in the children’s area to match the rest of the library.
• Widening the entryway to improve access.

The library has a port-a-potty that is not handicap-accessible.

Chalmers emphasized the challenges families face during events, especially at night, when they are trying to use the port-a-potty in the dark and cold.

It was also noted that last summer there was an infestation of brown tail moth caterpillars in the port-a-potty.

Construction on the interior is scheduled to begin in March, with the well installation planned for spring and septic work after the ground thaws.

“We’re super excited to have a bathroom in the library,” Chalmers added.

“This is just wonderful news,” Select Board Chairperson Lacy Badeau said. “I grew up here, and there was never a bathroom. Thank you for working on this and all the grants your group has gotten. It’s money that doesn’t come from taxation, which is a big deal.”