Milne Public Library Renovation and Addition Project Information Sheet March 2011 Why does the library need this project? © Expanded space for all current and future collections, staff workspaces and storage '* Additional spaces for quiet study, reading areas and computer use © Additional public meeting spaces and workspace for the Friends of the Library © Basement utilization * Handicapped accessibility and compliance with building codes Ho ‘* Adequate ventilation, heating, and temperature control for entire building and basement (Adeltions highlighted in yellow) What difference will this project make for the size of the library? ‘The building will grow 3, 422 gross square feet from its existing 24,158 gross square feet, with two small additions, and will continue to provide space to the House of Local History. The project will not qualify for LEED certification but will include the best combination of sustainable features in a cost effective way. ‘What services and programs can be offered in an expanded and renovated facility? ‘An inviting entrance and centrally located circulation desk with room for distribution of the hundreds of interlibrary loan materials circulated daily Expanded space for collections and more adequate and accessible shelving Better reading areas and Improved traffic flow Expanded staff workspace, especially for interlibrary loan, cataloging and reference Relocated space for tutors, group study, teen room, and computer lab with improved staff assistance and supervision Rooms for all our Book Discussion Groups More bathrooms including family bathrooms with changing stations Improved ability to segment and grow collections into designated areas, such as media, large print, magazines, newspapers, and paperbacks Integration of local author, special gerdening, westerns and short story collections with more accessible space Improved and safer accessibility for children using the Children’s Room Expanded display areas to market library materials ‘A common area for friends to enjoy a beverage, read, or use a laptop ‘Anew main entrance driveway separate from our abutters with redesigned and expanded parking Designated service driveway providing an entrance to the lower level for dally interlibrary loan deliveries, contractors, service employees, and moving vans for the Annual Book Sale Improved HVAC for the entire facility Elevator to move staff and storage items in a safe manner and to provide handicapped access for staff and the Friends of the Library volunteers using the lower level. Improved safety features, especially relating to ease of access to shelves in the Children’s area as well as Adult. ‘Mandated sprinkler systemWhat will the new space include? There will be two additions to the building: a new front entrance on the north side and a new space at the rear courtyard. The north addition is necessary to provide a new centrally located lobby/entrance space which Improves the overall access and flow through the library. It also allows for the Children’s Department to expand from its current location, The north addition will occupy some of our front garden space; surrounded on three sides by our current building, this will be a very efficient use of our existing space as there will be only one exterior wall to build. The south addition, planned at the rear courtyard, comprises a large meeting room with capacity for 60 people, a small meeting room, two new bathrooms, an elevator connecting to the lower level, and an enlarged rear cortidor/gallery, which can be used as a pre-event space for both meeting rooms and the House of Local History. Will there be more parking? New and expanded parking will be provided for the renovated library. The existing parking provides 39 spaces off of a shared driveway, whose surface is in poor condition. ‘The existing parking capacity is often sufficient under normal conditions; however the proposed parking will expand the capacity to 63 spaces to better accommodate larger and more frequent events on site. The new parking will wrap around the new entrance court yard in a crescent shape. Parking will not be seen from the Town Green because of the high berm and bushes that will be added. Will the library need to move during the construction? No. The project is planned to be constructed in three phases. Phase One would consist of constructing the south meeting room/elevator addition, renovating the lower level, mechanical and electrical building improvements and the creation of the west service driveway. This first phase would create access for use of the lower level, reinforce the main level floor framing, create improved meeting rooms and free up main level floor space. Phase Two would consist of renovating the freed-up space and most of the adult collection as well as construction of the north entrance lobby addition. The site work for the main parking lot and entry drive would start during Phase Two and run through Phase Three. Phase Three would consist of the renovation of the remaining adult area, current circulation desk, staff offices, reference and interlibrary loan, and children’s collection space, Will this cost the taxpayers? ‘No. This construction project will cost $7.2 million and The Board of Trustees have applied for a State Construction Grant that if received, will pay for 40% of the total. The library will manage a Capital Campaign for the remainder ‘with major gifts from local sources and fundraising events such as auctions, performances, sporting events, sales of promotional items, house tours and dinners, and named brick pavers for all sidewalks. How did we get here? In 2007 the Trustees and staff identified space limitations, no additional shelving could be added anywhere in the bullding and the Friends of the Library were occupying prime space on the main level. Also in 2007 a feasibility study was completed for the use of the basement. In 2008 a Building Program was completed by a library consultant. The Town granted approval for the Library to seek a Design and Plan Grant from the State and the architectural firm edm, was awarded the project in 2009. After further examination by edm, the ceiling height in the basement was too low to use for public meeting space, @ Children’s Room or for the House of Local History. With renovation and proper access the space can be utilized for storage, building maintenance, staff areas, and by the Friends. Next steps If the library receives Town approval and the State grant, Phase One would begin in January 2013, ‘Schematic designs are on display at the library. Any questions, please contact Pat McLeod, Library Director, at 458-5369 or pmcleod@williamstown.net.