Starting in July 2026, the library will be unable to continue operating at our previous level of service due to a significantly reduced budget compared to FY26. Though a budget that would fully fund the library was approved at Town Meeting in June, operating funds for that budget will not be available unless or until a town ballot measure is approved. In the interim, the library has been instructed to operate at the budget level supported by existing funds. This reduced budget will result in the following changes:
- Reduction in hours: closing at 5 pm on Mondays starting 7/6
- Reduction in materials spending: expect many fewer new books and longer wait times
- Reduction in programming: fewer outside performers
If the budget approved at Town Meeting is unable to be enacted, the library will no longer meet the criteria to be certified by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) to receive state aid, and will need to apply for a waiver. If the waiver is not granted and the library is decertified, Marshfield will no longer be able to participate in interlibrary loan or access OCLN- or state-sponsored digital resources. Marshfield residents will only be able to access items owned by the Ventress Library and would not be able to sign up for cards or borrow from nearby libraries. Access to digital borrowing (e.g., Libby) and research databases would also be reduced or eliminated.
If you have any questions, please contact the Library Director, Cyndee Marcoux at 781-834-5535.
Last update 6/29/26