That would not necessarily mean that Tewksbury and Dartmouth residents would have to pay to use the library. Dean McCausland, president of Library Systems and Services International LLC, told the Boston Globe that the company depends on taxes and grants at libraries it manages.

The company, based in Maryland, has contracts in California, Oregon, Tennessee and Texas. It saves money by not hiring union workers.

Library privatization could cost both towns state aid.

In Tewksbury, northwest of Boston, local officials have warned voters that they have a choice between a tax increase and deep cuts. In addition to privatizing the library, the town is considering user fees for high school sports and for senior citizens centers.

"They're all lousy ideas, but so is going broke," said Jay Kelley, the head of the town's Financial Planning Task Force.