While you may feel like you’ve just heard about the library renovation recently, this project has been in progress since before 2020! Scroll down to see our Frequently Asked Questions section, the timeline of how we got here, and photos of what will be addressed during the renovation. Questions? Email the library director, Rachel, at [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

While this renovation might seem like news to many, this project has been 6 years in process! The immediacy of this project is due to the deteriorating carpet with asbestos located underneath. There are areas of the carpet that are worn through, peeling up, and covered with other carpets as temporary fixes.

The funds the library renovation will be using are awarded by the Town’s Capital Committee. The Committee hosts an annual meeting where departments can propose requests for one time funds to use towards costs that are not covered by their operating budgets. This is how DPW might request new vehicles, the Fire Department requests new gear etc. Multiple Town board members form this Committee and determine which causes need the funds most immediately. In Spring 2024, the library’s proposal was approved and the Committee and Select Board voted to encumber the funds for the Library renovation.

The library’s budget was cut, but as capital funds are a one time use, they cannot stabilize a budget. The money has already been encumbered by the Town for this renovation project. Furthermore, a portion of this money has already been paid to, and owed to, our architecture firm as much of their work is completed prior to the renovation actually breaking ground.

While the timing may seem troubling, we need to continue this project as costs are only going to rise. The money awarded to the Library by the Town does not even cover the total cost of the renovation. The Library Trustees have already agreed to use tens of thousands of dollars from the library’s state aid to help facilitate this project. While the asbestos is currently sealed, we do not want to let the condition of the Wing deteriorate further.

Renovation Timeline:

Photos of areas to be addressed:

Here are some photos of areas to be addressed, in addition to abating the underlying asbestos. Some important notes:

  • Many of the areas with cracks and stains are due to water damage. We received funds to repair our roof and that project will be taking place this year to solve our water issues.
  • Our HVAC renovation this past winter, paid for with a Green Initiatives Grant, took place next to the Junior Mezzanine. As structural changes were a part of the Wing renovation, the contractors began the demolition to bring in the HVAC equipment. When the Wing renovation was on hold, this space was left in disarray and was unusable by staff.
  • Our shelves, while created with good intentions, are difficult for a librarian to maintain a healthy collection. All of the shelves are different sizes, the anchoring mechanisms are old and broken so shelves can’t be moved, and many are broken. Furthermore, wooden shelves, especially with paint, deteriorate the books at a much faster pace than metal shelves. We have to use objects to hold up shelves or remove them completely, therefore losing precious shelf space. So while we didn’t initially plan to have the built-in shelves removed, until we were advised of the underlying asbestos, it is for the best of the collection.